The Passion of the Christ
Metascore
47 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 43 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 43
  3. Negative: 9 out of 43
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    This is not a sermon or a homily, but a visualization of the central event in the Christian religion. Take it or leave it.
  2. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Scott Foundas
    90
    Gibson has made a big, bold, nightmarishly beautiful film not just about the dawn of the Christian faith, but about the awful tendency of human communities (wherever and whenever in the world they may exist) toward self-preservation, intolerance and mob rule.
  3. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    88
    A gripping, powerful motion picture -- arguably the most forceful depiction of Jesus' death ever to be committed to film. It leaves an indelible imprint on the psyche; viewers of this movie may never look at a crucifix in quite the same way.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 717 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 301 out of 492
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 492
  3. Negative: 170 out of 492
  1. grandpajoe6191
    8
    Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" depicts the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life before his crucifixion. As a christian myself I really couldn't find much of his teachings and theories of love and forgiveness because movie's pretty much torture porn in a nutshell. However leaving the fact that whenether you're a christian or not, the movie's realistically portrayed as the bible describes it, where he was beaten up by the Romans and was crucified for us. As Roger Ebert says, take it or leave it.… Full Review »
  2. mbrownd
    10
    Im sorry but 47/100 on Critic Reviews? C'mon people! This was, and still remains, as a classic film about the true nature of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This film will not only bring you to tears, but put a smile on your face once you realize that one man put his own life on the line for us. Christian or non-Christian, you need to see this film. Now.… Full Review »
  3. SheilaD.
    5
    I have read quite a few of the comments. It's very much the case of you liked it or you didn't. I am a Christian but I found it left me slightly emotionless. But the boy tried his best. What I do find offensive is the crowd who didn't enjoy it are very free with their opinions. They feel they need to denigrate anybody who did enjoy it as a moron and that they are uneducated, numbskulls etc etc. Personnally I don't give a dam what you think of Christians or any other religion for that matter, but don't try and make out we are stupid and you are they great informed of this world. Your are not. Every time you open your mouth you exhibit to the whole world what a pathetic numbskull you are. Keep the gob shut and maybe someone might think you have a brain.… Full Review »
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