Amid the controversy and accusations of excessive violence that surrounds Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, lies a good movie. With so much sound and fury, it is hard to judge this movie strictly as a movie, but that is the mindset you need to have if you go to see it. If you walk into the theater expecting anti-Semitism, then that is what you will get out of it. If you focus solely on the gruesome portions of the movie, then that is all you'll remember about it. If, however, you can leave your preconceptions at the door, then you'll find that this is a gorgeously filmed story that packs an emotional punch.
The story has been told many times before and in many different variations. It begins the night before Jesus' crucifixion when he is praying in the grove of trees while two of his disciples keep watch and continues through the next and final twelve hours of his life with only the occasional flashback to cover the events that led to this finale. We see his arrest, "trial", his scourging, and finally his death.
How this movie stands out from earlier versions of the story is in its intense and bloody depiction of violence, which contrasts with its beautiful cinematography. The violence, which has been the subject of much debate, is completely justified and I can explain why. Whether you believe in the divinity of Christ or not, in this movie he is the Son of God. In less violent and more sanitary movies, which depicted the crucifixion, you had to wonder just what was the big deal about him suffering here on Earth when he knew he was going to be ascending to heaven when he died. Here he literally goes through Hell before he is able to rise again. He is whipped, flayed, and scourged while hunks of flesh and spatters of blood fall from his body. The word 'passion' is derived from the Latin word for suffering, and here for the first time you see a Christ who truly suffers.
Amid the violence, there is also beauty, as it was with obvious care that each scene was put together. The colors and lighting were done so that at times the events resemble an oil painting. Equal care was also taken with the sets, costumes, and makeup so that, at least to my untrained eye, it all seems quite authentic.
One of the most intriguing additions to the story is the inclusion of Satan. A creepy figure cloaked in black with the face of a woman but the voice of a man, he/she flits around the action observing all that happens and taking part in the punishment of Judas.
The one area where this movie is lacking is in its back-story. While what happened is a story most people know, the reasons, political and religious, that Christ was put to death, are less well known. This movie explains that Jesus is accused of blasphemy, but doesn't really delve too deeply into why his death is sought so desperately. Also, looking at it strictly as a movie, if you didn't already know the story of Christ, you would have a hard time grasping the subtler motives and events. As an example, if you don't already know who Mary Magdalene is, you're not going to fully appreciate her character. Clearly the filmmakers' expectations were that the audience would already have an understanding of this story and would require little in the way of exposition.
Whether you go to see this movie because of religious beliefs or just out of curiosity to see what all the fuss is about, you have to admit that it was marketed brilliantly. Without a doubt, thanks to all the controversy, it is going to be a hit, at least for the first couple of weeks. I think Christ said it best when he said, "Love your enemy, because he'll be the one racking up those box office numbers for you." -- or something like that.
