|
DVD/video
review
'The
Passion of the Christ'
Directed
by Mel Gibson - Classification 18 - Aramaic/Latin with English
subtitles - DVD/video release 31st August 2004
 el
Gibson's film portrayal of the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus
came out last spring amidst a firestorm of controversy. Some accused
it of anti-Semitism and 'pornographic' violence; others praised
it as an artistic triumph born of sincere and devout faith. Gibson,
an orthodox Roman Catholic, put up $25-30m of his own money because
Hollywood wouldn't touch it, and rumours abounded that it would
end Gibson's career for good. In the event, it has become one
of the most financially successful films ever even before its
release on video and DVD (over $600m as of July 2004 - God honours
those who honour Him!).
A
few things that the film is not - it isn't a balanced account
of the life of Jesus; if you knew nothing of Jesus' life and teachings
before seeing the film, you'd be only a little wiser afterwards.
It isn't 'telling it as the Bible tells it', as Gibson has claimed;
there is a good deal of artistic licence in the film. It is not
a film that can be 'enjoyed' in any conventional sense.
So
what is it? Well, it's largely based on Gospel accounts of Jesus'
final hours - however, Gibson adds in elements that aren't in
the Bible and takes creative liberties with some that are. Although
Satan is only mentioned in the Biblical passion accounts (when
he enters into Judas), the film immediately introduces him as
an actual character and he is a constant sinister presence throughout
the film. I thought it was an effective device showing the spiritual
warfare that rages between heaven and hell over our souls.
The
portrayal of Jesus and Mary's relationship also impressed me.
Whatever your views on the Roman Catholic treatment of Mary, the
Bible shows that Jesus loved and cared for his mother (see John
19:25-27) and the film brings this out very movingly. I wasn't
so convinced by the depiction of Pilate - the Bible indicates
he was more cruel and self-seeking than the film portrays. And
I didn't buy the 'divine' retribution visited on the thief who
vilifies Jesus. (Why not punish everyone else who was mocking
Jesus as well?)
Is
it anti-Semitic? It's too big a subject to go into here, but if
you're interested there's a detailed article on-line at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4212741/site/newsweek.
All I'll say here is that I believe anyone who uses the Bible
to justify persecuting Jews is severely misinterpreting it.
Graphic
 hat
about the blood and gore? There's no getting round it - it graphically
portrays one of the cruellest forms of execution ever invented,
inflicted on a man who was already badly beaten up. Gospel accounts
do state that before being sentenced to crucifixion Jesus was
beaten by Roman soldiers and scourged (flayed with a multi-lashed
whip embedded with pieces of bone and metal) but they don't go
into detail. The film does, and at great length.
Personally
I didn't find the violence unbearable (I think the scourging would
have been more horrific in real life) and overall I think it's
justified. It powerfully highlights both the 'frail humanity'
of Jesus and his utter determination to obey his Father and see
the process through to its victorious end. My main concern about
the film's focus on Jesus' physical suffering is that we overlook
the spiritual punishment he underwent on our behalf.
Yes,
the film is an ordeal and almost bludgeons you into submission.
But it's submission to a great and glorious truth - that God loved
the world so much, He sent His only Son, so that anyone who believes
in him should not perish but have eternal life.
DVD
extras: Very limited on this edition. There's a spoken commentary
for the visually impaired, and you also have the option to turn
off the subtitles and so see it the way Mel Gibson originally
wanted to release it! The rumour is that a special edition of
the film will be released on DVD next Easter.
Ken
[Ed:
This film had the greatest impact on me - ever! A 'must' to go
and see.]
|
