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Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"
The Passion of the Christ will be available on DVD and Home Video on August 31, 2004
Directed By: Mel Gibson
Starring: Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ
If there is an actor and director in Hollywood I respect more then ever, that is Mel Gibson. He and I have one thing in common, we're Christians and love Jesus. I am very proud of Mel Gibson and his bold step of faith to make his film "The Passion of the Christ." Probably the most graphic and realistic Jesus films we will ever see. Finally someone in Hollywood makes a movie that shows how much pain and physical suffering Jesus actually went through in a very graphic, realistic, and emotional way. I believe God used Mel Gibson in this very way to show this. I am ashamed that the media and Hollywood has bashed this movie left and right, calling it "too violent" and "anti-semetic". Yes it is violent but no, it is not anti-semetic. Where were these protestors outside the theaters of "Kill Bill", "Dawn of the Dead" or "Texas Chainsaw Masacre" and other violent films being released today? It's not the violence they hate, it's the message of truth this film presents that they hate. It's sad how Hollywood can make twisted movies about Jesus and religion and think this is what people want to see, but when it comes to telling a real story based on fact, research and the Bible, like "The Passion of the Christ," it's simply controversial and offensive. Those who don't care for Jesus or religion don't have to see it, but for those who are interested in it, let them see it. Mel Gibson is an awesome actor and director, and he knows how to tell an amazing story such as this. I saw this movie on the opening day, I walked out of the theater speechless, stunned and tears coming down my face. Many times I tried to hold back tears but they just came out. All I could think was "We did this to Him?" I even had a hard time sleeping that night, it was that powerful. The movie led me to change alot of areas in my life that have been darkened and cold. I am glad God is using this film as a wake up call for the world. Below are powerful stills from the film:
Mel Gibson on "The Passion of the Christ":
"I want to show the humanity of the Christ as well as the divine aspect. It's a rendering that for me is very realistic and as close as possible to what I perceive the truth to be." - Interview with hollywoodjesus.com
INTERVIEW WITH MEL GIBSON
Christ's Agony as You've Never Seen ItROME, MARCH 6, 2003 (Zenit.org, used by permission)
"There is no greater hero story than this one - about the greatest love one can have, which is to lay down one's life for someone. The Passion is the biggest adventure story of all time. I think it's the biggest love-story of all time; God becoming man and men killing God - if that's not action, nothing is."
"Gandhi" was a blockbuster hit, but it wasn't just for Hindus. This film is for everyone. For believers and nonbelievers, Jesus Christ is undoubtedly one of the most important historical figures of all time. Name one person who has had a greater impact on the course of history."
"This isn't a story about Jews vs. Christians. Jesus himself was a Jew, his mother was a Jew, and so were his Twelve Apostles. It's true that, as the Bible says, "He came unto his own and his own received him not"; I can't hide that."
"But that doesn't mean that the sins of the past were any worse than the sins of the present. Christ paid the price for all our sins."
"The struggle between good and evil, and the overwhelming power of love go beyond race and culture. This film is about faith, hope, love and forgiveness. These are things that the world could use more of, particularly in these turbulent times. This film is meant to inspire, not to offend."
"Growing up I didn't realize what was involved in this. I didn't realize how hard it was. The full horror of what Jesus suffered for our redemption didn't really strike me. Understanding what he went through, even on a human level, makes me feel not only compassion, but also a debt: I want to repay him for the enormity of his sacrifice."