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.

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.… Expand

Don't most anthropologists and historians believe that Jesus was in fact not this long-haired, white guy and more of a man that looks like...what people from the Middle East actually look like? Also; exploitative, boring, sensationalist, and unimportant. We allow our kids to see a movie of a man being tortured and beaten for two hours but we won't let them see a hint of nudity when it comes up in film ratings.… Expand

I thought this movie was about Jesus Alou, the late, great baseball player. Gosh, was I disappointed!!!

Mel Gibson has filmed his Christian perspectives about Man's insanity against man, and against (his) God within the context of the Passion Play. Yes it's gory, unbelievibly gory. But it's also illuminating, and affecting: it got in my bones. Well cast, and beautifully photographed, this film is also an intensly personal work of cinematic art. (My only quibble is Mel's use of slow motion. It's like a straight A student who knows the subject inside and out, and still needs to cheat to make his point. Slow motion isn't needed, the statement this movie makes is powerfull enough.) … Expand

One of the most well done movies I've ever seen. It was violent but the Bible tells it the same way...how could the film do any less? I felt throughout the film: how could someone love and forgive as this Man did! A lesson for us all.

Those of you who question the accuracy of this movie clearly haven't read the Bible all that closely. And as far as a complaint that the movie ignores Jesus' message of love, well that doesn't really hold up either. The movie shows us the price Jesus paid for his love of humanity. It isn't necessary to show us his whole life, there have been other movies before that have done that, and we still have the Bible as a direct source now don't we. This movie was accurate down to the whips used and the number of strikes administered (these facts are included in the Bible). I am not a Christian but I do have a true love for anyone who teaches us about love, and I've noticed that we have a societal trend of killing these people. Ghandi, The Rev. King are two more examples. The beauty of this movie is that it shows us the sacrifice Jesus made. Although we are not all familiar enough with his teachings, we are aware of them, Gibson's film was made with this in mind. I am proud that this film was made. It is a true work of art. I am also proud that a film was finally made that shows us, with brutal honesty the price our very finest are willing to pay for us all.… Expand

The film is so focused on Christ's death and how violent and terrible it was, that the film loses any kind of heart and simply becomes about guilt. Essentially, The Passion is the biggest guilt trip in history. The film offers no insight as to what Christ's death taught any of his followers, and simply tells it's viewer that Christ died for them, and now they have to earn it like in Saving Private Ryan. Nothing is learned, and only guilt is felt.… Expand

My respect for Prophet Jesus (May God's peace and blessings be upon him) increased multi-fold after I watched the movie.

Those in extreme fringe Christian sects, living in isolated compounds, arming themselves with military weaponry in preparation for the Rapture, will love this movie. Just in case you were considering doing it, showing this film to your kids is child abuse. In fact, to do so would not be much different from beating your child's brand new puppy to death on Christmas morning screaming "This is what Jesus did for YOU! This is how Jesus died for YOU!"… Expand

This movie is hard to bear but is a moving peace of cinema in its own right. There has been much criticism on why only showing all the violence and suffering and nothing of Jesus Christs life before and also after the depictioned last 12 hours in his life. We should see the movie as one piece in the bigger picture of films about the life of jesus, and this one focuses on the hardest part of it and it is legitimate to do so. If you think of the movie pretending to show Jesus in all his aspects and everything which derived from him the movie is well critizisable but if you consider it as coming with a message more special and beyond this it is well worth seeing if you can bear it especially as it probably shows realistically how not only Jesus but thousands of people have come to death in the ancient Rome, only that he was the first to pray for his tormentors and so redeemed mankind.… Expand

Watched it in a university class, and again at home with my family during Easter. Not my favorite Christian movie (that would be the 1950's "The Ten Commandments"), but does the job. Jesus's crucifixion (his name was never "Christ"), is stunningly portrayed and overlaid in a veneer of sorrow. The hearts of the people rating the movie lower might just be Jesus himself quietly seeking their attention. And yet there were some things I did not like-the blood and gore, certainly-no real need for that much of it. And really the movie had two stars, Caviezel (who's pretty good) and Gibson (barely so). Basically, you know what to do.… Expand

This movie is truly a work of art that has no match! I am surprised (and angered) from all the people that perceive this movie as a political statement and fail to look at all the time and work that has been invested in this amazing movie.The photography,costumes,acting...etc have all been reduced to trivialities in order to favour of political statements.The fact is that there is no other movie that the actors are speaking ARAMAIC and LATIN and that alone is enough for me to give it a favorable review.I am a Christian and I was very touched by this movie...the Jews were solely responsible for the torment of Jesus - they DEMANDED his crucifixion,so I really cannot find any trace of anti-semitism in this movie (only truth).Furthermore Jesus was (indeed) tortured and humiliated so I cannot understand why people are so critical to the violent scenes.What did they expect to see?Everyone says the movie is violent but no one is willing to say HOW the movie ought to portray Jesus's crucifixion!!!Thats just MORONIC!If I 'shoot' a violent and very graphic documentary about the war in Darfur will you call me deranged? The way I see it every review that judges this movie either on the grounds of anti-semitism or violence is redundant and false because the Jews were indeed responsible and because Jesus was indeed tortured.… Expand

This movie is truly a work of art that has no match! I am surprised (and angered) from all the people that perceive this movie as a political statement and fail to look at all the time and work that has been invested in this amazing movie.The photography,costumes,acting...etc have all been reduced to trivialities in order to favour of political statements.The fact is that there is no other movie that the actors are speaking ARAMAIC and LATIN and that alone is enough for me to give it a favorable review.I am a Christian and I was very touched by this movie...the Jews were solely responsible for the torment of Jesus - they DEMANDED his crucifixion,so I really cannot find any trace of anti-semitism in this movie (only truth).Furthermore Jesus was (indeed) tortured and humiliated so I cannot understand why people are so critical to the violent scenes.What did they expect to see?Everyone says the movie is violent but no one is willing to say HOW the movie ought to portray Jesus's crucifixion!!!Thats just MORONIC!If I 'shoot' a violent and very graphic documentary about the war in Darfur will you call me deranged? The way I see it every review that judges this movie either on the grounds of anti-semitism or violence is redundant and false because the Jews were indeed responsible and because Jesus was indeed tortured.… Expand

I saw this movie when it first came out on Easter 2004. I was deeply moved by it then, yet I left the theater very numb from the experience. It is the most violent movie I've ever seen, and I wondered even then if a huge display of gore was really how to best present Jesus. It's the only movie I've ever seen that I probably will deliberately avoid watching again: not because I thought it was poorly directed or written. Rather, I found it too disturbing to be worth another watch again: I don't want to have that image of Jesus in my head. I don't think it's accurate and I can see why many have accused the film of being Anti-Semitic (but that goes back to the basic Christian belief that Jews were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus...a whole other ball of wax)… Expand

To begin with, I have to say that this is a VERY violent movie (keep children away from this movie at all costs). Having said that, I must admit that this violence DOES serve a purpose - it shows the suffering Jesus endured from the time he was captured by the JEWISH temple guard to the point he 'died' on the cross. Gibson does not make any compromise on any level everything has been prepared down to the last detail -the costumes are amazing, so are the locations, the LANGUAGE (Aramaic for the Jews, Latin for the Romans)and last but not least the acting was very good. I would imagine the Jews would look fiercer but they are presented quite subtly - considering the fact that they were 'brain-washed' by their priests and the 'revolutionaries' to a point were the term 'fanatic' looks funny. I really do not understand why there is so much fuss in relation to anti-semitism with this movie. The Jews 'delivered' Jesus to the Romans and the only reason the Romans crucified Jesus was because they were afraid of an uprise and because under Roman rule no one could be punished by death unless the Roman 'administrator' (in this case Pontius Pilate) said so. If the law was different the Jews would have done it themselves...its that simple. The teachings of Jesus about love are CLEARLY shown in the movie...Jesus is tormented and humiliated to the point where no HUMAN could, without reacting the slightest...this is because of the LOVE Jesus has for his children (get it?).To the people that were expecting to see Jesus creating balloon animals in Jewish children parties to show us His love - please STAY AWAY from this movie! This movie is brilliantly made and I recommend it for all people above 17years old :)Oh! a couple things before I 'go'...First, I cannot see anything bad with Mel making a lot of money from this movie...isn… Expand

it was a very good movie,amazing direction,close to the real facts of what happened the last days of Christ on Earth.

An exploitive, piece-of-shit of a snuff film. It has no religious or emotional value at all and yes, it is blatantly anti-semetic. Mel Gibson has no talent as a director, he just has a laughable amount of money and a wacked out outlook on religion and culture. You should be ashamed of yourself if you claim this movie reaffirmed your relgious values. Go read a fucking Bible to learn about what Jesus taught, not how he brutally died. If Mel Gibson had done so, we may not of had this hateful lowest-common-denominator crap. An artless and soulless low point in American cinema and pop culture.… Expand

Why?!?!?!?!?! This movie was just bad. Good ole Mel Gibson, spots off a good old fashioned hunk of garbage. I had to go see this "delightful" movie in theaters. It sickened me to no end. I didn't enjoy it in the slightest. I know it's not really meant to be enjoyed, but it's a movie for Christ sakes...haha, see what I did there? Anywho, I simply couldn't stand the movie. I think I may have vomited a bit.… Expand

Mel Gibson continues his fascination with extreme violence. In essence this is pornography for christians.

Its a misjudged film, because its simply great.

One of the most moving movies ever made. The critics are wrong on this one. It's not the type of movie you can watch every day because of the violence. But it it's accurate and moving. Once you see it you will never forget it.

This film enables one to comprehend graphically the torture and agony that Jesus endured for ALL mankind.

I saw this movie when it came out on dvd i thought the film was okay in some areas it was amazing in others over the top. The actor playing Jesus and the other main characters (mary,peter,john etc.) did a great job in my opinion and the music and picture setting was amazing however this not a film to watch multiple times. This movie just shows us that jesus went through a lot for us and died for our sins but i felt it was and one message film which was love. Mel Gibson just showed jesus's last 12 hours and that's it. I would not watch it multiple times though i'd say watch it once. Overall this movie is definitely something of a masterpiece and will never be forgotten.… Expand

This movie depicts some of the events that happened to Jesus Christ. It is in no way anti-semitic, Jesus came to die,so regardless of who killed him i.e Jew or otherwise. This film was beautifully made and it touches the soul,so for all those people who are saying it doesn't touch the soul, it is because you do not understand. This film is not about the violence, but about redemption and grace through the suffering of Christ. Jesus said father forgive them for they know not what they do, with this he meant the Romans, Jews and every other persons today. So believe and be saved!… Expand

First of all I am very disappointed in some of the comments being posted on this board... just because you may not believe does NOT give you the right to attack Catholicism or any other faith. This movie was made to display, with excruciating detail, the last 12 hours of Jesus' life. This movie was not meant to be the "feel good movie of the year", but rather to show the pain that one man endured for the sake of our salvation. He endured that pain that we would not have to. I'm apologize to anyone who thinks that I am trying to preach my religious beliefs, but I am not.… Expand

A touching experience, a beautiful art work. It took a lot of research and study to get to the result Gibson arrived. Strong and full of "passion." You don't need to be a religous freek (I don't own a Bible, nor go to any church) to enjoy this beautiful work of art! Caviezel is absolutely gorgeous and convincing as Jesus.

This is a movie strongly geared toward satisfying true believers, leaving next to nothing for the rest of the world. It touches all the right dogmatic points and adds a few head-scratchers. You have to wonder about the mentality of the writers, who obviously spent untold hours brainstorming new and heretofore unimagined torments to inflict on the main character. The result of their fixation is violence that is absurdly over the top and a film that is a spiritual vacuum. The high rating is for a modicum of cinematic style. The movie to watch touching on this same subject is Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1959), one of the best movies ever made. Containing compassion, sacrifice, redemption, and a compelling, inoffensive melding of Judaism and Christianity, it has everything that The Passion lacks.… Expand

I would like to say this is the best Jesus movie ever. Secondly to comments made by the person named CG, the purpose of Jesus life was to die for our sins so the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is Christianity. All must believe in Jesus to have a relationship with God, even Jews, or they will die and go to Hell like all other unbelievers.

Passionate.

Beautiful.

Makes christians cry by seeing how much Jesus suufered and died for our sins.

Best movie of the year. Extremely good job in showing how christ died for us.

Great movie, Wish non-believers would understand it more and not put it down.

Great movie.

I loved it!

Passionate.

The movie was extreme but, only believers would see the meaning behind this. I think this forum only gives non- believers a chance to downgrade the movie because they do not get religion. So of course they would not like the movie. Mel made money off this movie sure,, but, he also had plenty before this and did not do it for that reason. He is a believer and invested his own money to make an unforgettable movie that moves christians to tears. It is not about the gore or the blood it is about the pain and sacrafice Jesus made for us all.… Expand

Turgid, boring, and self-important.

I feel the movie was interesting but had alot of endless knowing and not that great of a ending, it left me hanging, an i really dont like movies that do that, if he had all this money put into the movie i think it should of had more details to it.

I have said for years that Mel Gibson is a self-absorbed Alpha-male wannabe. Follow this pied piper to church and flagellate yourselves if you want. This film is worthless.

One of the best movies ever seen. One of the greatest epic films ever made. It depicts the last hours of our Lord and how he suffered for us.

A. What does it mean that Jesus "invented the tables and chairs we use today." Did I miss that in my readings of the gospels? B. When I saw the Passion, a preview for The Day After Tomorrow was screened. The large family behind me from rural Maine responded, when asked "where will you be the day after tomorrow" by exclaiming "I'll be in the rapture!" They loved the Passion. C. In contemplating the bizzare claims to authenticity this film makes, it might be a good idea to watch Passolini's The Gospel According to St. Matthew (which received official papal blessings pre-Vatican II, so it should be kosher for Gibsonians). Strange how estranged different claims to authenticity can be.… Expand

I am not religious at all but this film was excellent a brave and brilliant piece of filming.. I was that absorbed in the film that I didn't notice the subtitles after a few mins. The film will not be to everybodys taste but for people with an open mind in regards to religion I urge you to watch this at least once.

For those of you prasing this movie as a breakthrough, I hate to say this, but you have only been manipulated. Gibson did not make this movie to state a point or get a message across, he simply took a controversial subject matter and made a very controversial movie out of it to get your money. For those of you who say this movie is true, it is not. You weren't there, Gibson wasn';t there, nobody involved in any way with the creation of this movie was there. For those of you who say us athiests dont understand this movie due to lack of faith, you need to learn that christianity is not the only religion, and that you have to have respect for all beliefs. I dont care that Jesus died, Im sure he didn't care about me, and Im sure he didn't care about you. He probably only did it for the attention.… Expand

Believer or non-believer, it doesn't take much to understand that the only reason for this film's existence was purely commercial. Cinematography was good, everything else was Gibson capitalizing on people's beliefs. Faith has nothing to do with this movie, any religious person who considers this a good movie is a true hypocrite.

I believe the movie showed just how much God loves us. Why is so hard for some too believe? We all know about hatred, but when it comes to love we try to explain it away. God loves us and sent his son to die for us. This movie captures the last hours of our Lord Jesus life and why we should worship him.

If I were Catholic, I would give it a 10, but I am Baptist. I am excited that someone is brave enough to create a film that is this religious, but why focus the camera on The Virgin Mary and name the movie about Jesus Christ.

As a power considerably higher than the rest of us is said to have commented: "It is as it was." What it was I cannot say, but what it is is a magnificent achievement."

This movie touched me in a way no other has ever done. Magnificent, graphic, believable, and horrible treatment given by Romans and Jews to Jesus, just terrible. Yet, he forgives and we can easily see how we should forgive others for commiting far less sins.

Good movie! Mel Gibson is laughing all the way to the bank.

Obviously, everyone has differing views and beliefs relating to this story. But as no sane moviegoer cares for gangland violence, most would agree "The Godfather's I & II" are timeless masterpieces. "In Cold Blood" is terrifyingly real and uncompromising and not the least bit uplifting but still fabulous film making, dealing with controversial and important topics. To appreciate "Passion of the Christ" many must lay aside views as to the truth of this story as well as the avalanch of hype that surrounded it's director, Mel Gibson. Yet if these sacrifices are made what is uncovered is a film that represents everything that is great about independant film making. A film that skillfully and beautifully expresses the view point of the film makers free of any outside spin from "big Hollywood". As the digital revolution continues to develope, altering Hollywood's method of dealing with "independent film", "the Passion" is a film that will stand the test of time as a major achievement in film, encouraging indie film makers to take bold, unpopular chances and express their deepist concerns and feelings without hesitation or compromise.… Expand

Gibson stepped out on a limb to portray the story of Christ outside the civilized norm of consumer religion. For those that prefer a cross-less Christ, this is not the movie to watch. The event is historically documented by secular and religious sources and yet is scandalized as gratutious and sadistic. To accept the event, as Gibson portrays it, is an indictment of the human condition; one that most defiintely needs rescuing. Gibson leaves the viewer with a perplexing question: what to do with a Christ that claimed to suffer on the behalf of humanity?… Expand

Overall I felt the Passion was a powerful movie that got me all teary eyed several times, especially the love Mary felt for her son and the grief she had to bare watching him suffer the way he did. I was also very impressed that the movie was entirely made in Aramaic and I believe it was Latin the Romans were speaking. WOW, to trust the general public with subtitles shows a lot of faith in us. I deeply respect the vision and hard work it took to make the movie all that more authentic to the feel of the times. One of my few points of critique were that it seemed overly gory. I cannot say how historic this was or not but they really laid it on thick. It was pretty much non-stop from his floggings all the way to his death. I was a bit mixed on how they portrayed the Devil. I liked the way they portrayed the devil all bald headed and mysteriously quiet. It was interesting to see how the demons disguised themselves as children or the Devil using the mother and child as a cloak. However for some reason the devils anguish in hell when Jesus died seemed hokey to me. I was also disappointed that more wasn't shown after Jesus left the tomb. I thought it a bit hokey you could see right through his hand. I loved the characters of Jesus, Mary, Mary, and Pilot. They really stood out in their performances. Pilot's reason and compassion but compromisingly worldly position was an interesting conflict. He also was quite existential in his philosophical outlook. In many ways I identified with his character the most. On a theological interpretive level I thought the way one of the condemned men on the cross and especially Judas was treated in a unduly harsh way. It really seemed Judas was grieved by what he had done. He even tried to make amends by offering the money back in exchange for Jesus release. Ultimately he did not even take the money (in the movie) and even threw it at the priests feet when they refused to release Jesus. It also seemed strange that he hanged himself as if I recall rightly in Acts 1:18 Judas falls "headlong" I presume over a cliff. I thought the rope might break and then he would either fall from this or throw himself over a cliff after failing to hang himself. But the movie makes his hanging seem like the end which seems out of sync with Acts 1:18. My biggest beef with the theology presented is that some are eternally spiritually condemned which IMO is not a compassionate theological positions. It creates conflict within our souls which says some at some point and to never be loved again. I'm sorry but Godliness is Love, unconditionally. Still the Passion was a powerful movie that I am sure will affect many lives. It was good that Jesus teachings were flashed back to from time to time. The juxtaposition of his extreme suffering with his teachings on loving ones enemies was quite profound. I just wish there was a bit more of this movie which would have made the experience more well rounded. But what there was of it I can definitely say this is a good movie to see that I would recommend any adult to see at some point in their lives.… Expand

This movie isn't as historically based as people are saying...Jesus himself is WAY off...Jesus Christ was middle eastern, not white. And unless you are clueless of the Faith, this movie is boring.

A serious film, not taken seriously by critics because of prejudice.

The Passion of the Christ was the most powerfully realistic rendering of the crucifixion I have ever seen. Absolutely amazing.

Let me explain several misconceptions of the Christian faith. First of all, if you believe in this stuff than you would know that nobody is responsible for Jesus's death other than GOD. Jesus was SENT to die bottom line. Secondly, as far a historical accuracy, the bible was edited by the Catholic Church far before any of us read it so, unless someone who was actually alive 2000 years ago is still alive please explain how anyone can KNOW this is actually how it happened. Now that I have gotten that out of the way I can actually review the movie. And I know someone will be upset at me for saying this but as far as the plot goes, there isn't really one. And that is why the critics panned this movie for its violence. It doesn't serve to move the plot. It's just there. The cinematography is execellent as well as the use of subtitles instead of having them speak a language foreign to them. The problem is that people aren't reviewing this as a movie they are reviewing it as a religous experiment. When I go to see a show I want to be entertained I don't want to see someone get the crap beat out of them for two hours. Say what you want about Pulp Fiction but the violence in that movie moved the plot and it was more than just blood and gore. If it isn't Jesus than nobody would give a damn about this movie.… Expand

Manipulative, over-the-top, sensationalist, ugly, pretentious GARBAGE!!

"A depiction of the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ as he is crucified in Jerusalem." This monotonous movie relied on people finding this 12 hour period interesting; in reality who really cares? If the Bible or the story of Jesus was slightly believable I would of enjoyed this. However, as it is an insult to anyone remotely educated, I'd rather label this movie "The last 120 minutes of Mel Gibson's directing career."… Expand

This movie is moving, sad and a magnificent depiction of the wonderful gift Christ gave us through his crucifixion. Those who do not believe or refuse to recognize the horrific pain and suffering that Jesus Christ endured for us are typical of the liberalism and lack of faith that has become a cancer not only in the United States but across the enire world and may one day spell our doom!!!

A graphic vision of what it was believably like. A bold film that makes few concessions for the viewer which is part of what draws you in. In some ways alienating, in other ways extremely refreshing. This attention that went into this film exposes for me the lack of credability the vast majority of filmakers and studios have. This film goes against the grain of holywood film making and rubs many small minded thinkers the wrong way which is why it is so welcomed by me. If this film was blasphemous or anti-semetic I compeletly failed to notice and believe me I was watching pretty closely.… Expand

When I went to go see this movie all I could do was sit there and cry. god went through so much just so we could be where we are today. he was beaten, deprived of food and water and most of all hung on a cross with one arm torn apart because it did not strech to fit the hole. To the people who gave this movie 0 to 5 should be ashamed to even say what they said. i knwo everybody is entitled to a opinion but dag at least give Mel credit because it was the best movie of the year. God went through so much and you wouldn't be where you are today if it wasn't for Jesus dying on the cross for our sins.… Expand

Your life depends on how you treat this truth.

What most people seem to miss is that the crucifixion of Jesus was not a tragedy. It was an accomplishment! He could have stopped it at any time. The torture He endured, he endured willingly, because of His great love for us. Without it, we would all be lost. His torture and death allowed for us to be reunited with a Holy God, that cannot look upon sin, but loved us enough to provide a way to be with Him.… Expand

The Metascore is understandable. Critics tend to be liberal and some even anti-Christian. I am no religious person myself, but there's no denying that "The Passion of the Christ" is an exhilarating work of art - perhaps the finest biblical work since the days of Michelangelo. Caleb Deschanel's cinematography cries "Masterful!" and the score is nothing short of amazing. As for the violence, it will look tame in a few years, just as teenagers now laugh at "The Exorcist". But that will do nothing to diminish Passion's artful, almost spiritual power. A glorious triumph of cinema.… Expand

Okay people, what is up? This is what ACTUALLY HAPPENED - not some media-influenced story just to add violence to the film. If you can't see that this is what the poor man went through, then that's your problem. I applaud Mel Gibson's classic, mostly on the basis that he's the only person who had enough "balls" to do it. Why is it so terrible to see a film that is (for once in my life) so entirely true? Whoever gave this movie a low rating because of "gore (etc.)" doesn't get it - if there was such an issue with violence being done to the man, then why is it in the Bible? I don't understand how people seem to think, because this movie was telling the truth and showing the tortures Jesus went through, that it was bad. The whole point was to show some truth - too bad too many people didn't see that.… Expand

While some people seem to think that this movie is too violent and seems to be even untrue...I would like for them to truly study the "art" of crucifixion as the Romans mastered it. Do we realize that it was reserved for foreigners, or those who didn't "fit in" and that the beatings Jesus took lasted for 12 hours...not 12 minutes as depicted in the film. The beauty of this film is the love that is made obvious in it. Not love as we have been taught by mankind, but love as given by God. Without grace and mercy, we are nothing and without Jesus, we are lost. While this film was violent, it was not even close to how sever the beatings really were, he was beaten beyond recognition...and in the movie he was still recognizable. I believe that if people would really look into the heart of this film, they would see the heart of not only Mel Gibson, but also a God and Savior that loves us all very much...and would do it all over again just for you!!!!… Expand

It's sad that after all this time, we are still focusing on Jesus's death and not all the good things he did while he was alive. I'm not a Christian, but it seems a little sacreligous to make such a violent and distrubing movie about someone who's basic philosophy was "Love thy neightbor, love thy friend, and love thy enemy."

More than a movie it seems like a document of what happened more than 2000 years ago. But there are a lot of different theories about what happened with Jesus. This movie only contemplates the one the Church says.

Wonderful.

The violence just did me in.

I dont know why people think such poorly of this film. This is portaying what Christ went throuh for us. Its what actually happened.

I only give it a 1 for the elaborate production. The concept is to separate Christians from their money. Rather than see this movie I think people should look at the teachings of Jesus. That is the basis of Christianity, not gory suffering. Mel Gibson should be ashamed.

Just saw this movie recently. It's hard to believe that someone (Mel Gibson!) would use such a powerful spiritual subject that is one of the most beautiful story ever told, even the crucifixion, and knowing that Christ died for us to wash away our sins and use it to make it such a graphical gore!!! Is our society this screwed-up? Some people actually enjoyed this movie?! Do we need anymore proof of how much Jesus suffered for us before he died? Or yet again some people needed to see to believe? I shall not judge any longer ;-) So anyways, credits where it?s due: Sound and Picture quality was impeccable technically. … Expand

Nothing could be more dangerous than a Snuff Film parading around in the visage of a religious experience. Possibly the absolute worst movie ever commited to film. Stay away at ALL costs.

I really enjoyed this movie because It was based on many things that my chruch belivies in, but I do agree that it was mostly about the punishment they should of used more spirirtaully way.

This movie is intense and disturbing and fully reflects life and death in the Roman era. The Romans crucified many thousands of men besides Jesus of Nazareth, as they held the belief that all non-Romans were Barbarians. I did not find this movie anti-semetic. It depicts Israelites in the first century A.D., maintaining their faith in barbaric times and questioning that a man who came among them who was said to be the son of God and was truly the Messiah. If a man today, came forth and said that he was the Son of God, what would our reaction be? Very much the same, without the flagellation and the crucifiction, but the ridicule would be there, nonetheless. … Expand

... And before you see this movie, remember that God is only an idea.

Truthful, powerful, inspirational - thank you, Mel Gibson. Hope he follows up with another Christian film like this.

It is sad when someone like Mel Gibson does in a movie what Hollywood for years has been afraid to do that so few understand or appreciate the magnificense of it. According to the scriptures in the Bible, this is pretty close to what Jesus Christ went through with very little difference being found. Sure there was some surrealism in this picture but all in all it was simply a very accurate depiction of the events.… Expand

He stepped out on a limb, and wasn't afraid of what the critics may say. first biblical movie that was correct. thanks mel for stepping out. it has controversery but, it made you want to see it, just to judge it. and i say if you don't want it out, don't see it. i don't see movies i disagree with. and passion wasn't gory, many movies are much more sick and perverted, this showed truth. believe it, or not.… Expand

I liked the cinematography and that's about it. I don't feel that it reached audiences the way it should have, this could of been a great movie, but it was ghoulish. Mel should have watched the older biblical movies, that for their time were done excellent. He doesn't measure up to those movie makers.

A fantastic film,one of the most powerful ones ive ever seen and certanly the best film about Jesus. People ask me,what do you think of the people who bash the film? I say:I dont give a .... ,they dont like it? Fine,The important thing is that i loved it and it moved me.

The few people who gave this movie a low rating need some real praying for. Most do not understand what passion means in the title. It is not supposed to be some sick, horrible love story that most idiots would think, but the compassion Christ had for us to die for our sins. And anyone who thinks this is too gruesome needs a reality check...i only wish you could have live during this time because im sure it was more gruesome than the movie depicts.… Expand

Yes this is a splatter expoitation flick with torture and beating scenes that are no more sophisticated, thought out, or intelligent than say any of the Japanese extremeg-gore Guinea Pig films. People argue that this is what really happened (or depending on your beliefs, pure fiction) and that Gibson is just portraying the story. I have no problem with that. Even if he wanted to make us feel the pain, that is fine. The pacing and storytelling here is that of a man in complete control of the story, but that doesn't deter from the fact that by showing Christ get beaten, the whips and hammers coming down in slow motion, followed by reaction shots and eroticizing the violence, he is essentially shooting a porn film. Accept it folks. Take the same camera setups, editing, and design of the torture scenes and they are the same as a porno. This is pretty much just a porn with the sex replaced with violence. That is what I have a problem with. He is doing more than eroticizing the violence, he fetishizes it, with the crucifix being hung up on the mountain in the end the equivalent of a money shot. Anyway, this is far and away the most beautifully photographed film of the year. The lighting (esp the first 15 min), the depth of certain shots, the crispness of the dirt, really transports us to another world and place. Caleb Deschanel should win the Oscar and there should be protests if he doesn't. Francesco Frigeri's sets, Maurizio Millenotti's costumes, and John Wright's editing all deserve them as well. … Expand

The Passion of the Christ was the most beautiful, devastating movie ever made of Jesus. Jim Caviezel became Jesus. He was born to play this role. He made Jesus so very real to me..It has changed my life. It was as though Jesus came back to remind us who He is. I am now comforted and hopeful in my life, because He is in control of it and I can rest easy in his arms when the world gets to be too much. I love Him more than ever because I got know Him. I felt as though I was there watching and wanting to help Him when they were causing Him this horrendus pain and humilation as they scourged and crucified Him. I will always be grateful to Mel Gibson for his courage. I will always love the beautiful and perfect Jesus Jim Caviezel brought to us, the audience. This is a magnificent film. I I doubt it can ever be matched!… Expand

Anyone who doesn't like or for better words understands this movie and it's messege, clearly isn't a believer in everyone's Savior, God. Which is too bad, because I think this movie shows really what Jesus went through for us, everyone. This is powerful stuff. I was more moved with the begining scenes then the torture scenes, just to see his mercy and love for us is amazing. Anyone who doesn't believe should definetly see this movie to get an idea of how Jesus, (God), loves and shows his love to all. … Expand

Powerful

Anyone who gives this a 0 or a 10 is straight out prejudiced and not judging this as a movie. This movie is bloody, loud, poorly acted by extras, well acted by Caviezel and some of the women. Sets are nice, but the story lacks something. Biblical stories themselves are a "tad off" to me and more art than reality. This movie follows that Biblical pattern that doesn't relate to the real world, even if it is 30 A.D. There is very little spirituality in this and a lot of suffering, you will not be inspired but be happy to see Jesus die. That to me is the problem with this movie, there is a B movie feel with gloss on it to make it more watchable, yet there really is no "movie", this is just a reanactment of an event. Watch it once, but I doubt it really has any lasting value except to some Christians.… Expand

The book was much better.

Politics, of course, will dominate reviews of this movie. That's sad, because this can be a fairly powerful movie. Near my seat in the cinema, an African woman and Scottish woman were moved to tears. There are some good performances in this movie. It's a movie best seen without reading reviews or being influenced by someone else's politics. What I found most disturbing was that, going into the cinema, people were buying their children jumbo cokes and popcorn. … Expand

It's virtually impossible to get a balanced and objective view about this film. Cynical yes, but I've no doubt that many people will have decided what they think about this film before actually watching it. Caviezel is excellent as Jesus and although theres very little dialogue he's an actor who can say a great deal without speech. Elsewhere, the rest of the casting/acting is rather sterile, Pilate manages to hold his ground but otherwise it's all rather uninspired. Maybe it's a fear of taking the limelight from the charachter of Jesus, maybe it's just poor direction. Speaking of which, Gibson is a rather inconsistant director; some scenes are excellent whilst others are horribly amateurish. Also, no matter how sincere his intentions may be, this film has a thick layer of Hollywood not far under the surface and as a result whatever sincerity intended is degraded somehow. Watching it on the big screen I just couldn't get involved and found myself whistling 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' in my head at the end. I also found myself being irritated by the assertion that Jesus had seemingly invented high tables with chairs. Watching the film on my television set I found that I was much more able to become absorbed. This is a film that you need to watch alone for full intensity and when the connection is there it is a rewarding film, this is a good, if not a little inconsistant, take on the greatest story ever told. It's also worth noting that accusations of this films Anti-Semitism are unfounded, some Jewish priests do try and stick up for Jesus during his 'trial', this is something that is conveniently ignored by some reviewers. At the end of the day, Jesus was put to death by his own people and had this not have occured then Christianity wouldn't have existed as we know it now. Therefore, in regards to this, any intelligent person would know not to judge a religion as ancient and established as Judaism.… Expand

It's virtually impossible to get a balanced and objective view about this film. Cynical yes, but I've no doubt that many people will have decided what they think about this film before actually watching it. Caviezel is excellent as Jesus and although theres very little dialogue he's an actor who can say a great deal without speech. Elsewhere, the rest of the casting/acting is rather sterile, Pilate manages to hold his ground but otherwise it's all rather uninspired. Maybe it's a fear of taking the limelight from the charachter of Jesus, maybe it's just poor direction. Speaking of which, Gibson is a rather inconsistant director; some scenes are excellent whilst others are horribly amateurish. Also, no matter how sincere his intentions may be, this film has a thick layer of Hollywood not far under the surface and as a result whatever sincerity intended is degraded somehow. Watching it on the big screen I just couldn't get involved and found myself whistling 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' in my head at the end. I also found myself being irritated by the assertion that Jesus had seemingly invented high tables with chairs. Watching the film on my television set I found that I was much more able to become absorbed. This is a film that you need to watch alone for full intensity and when the connection is there it is a rewarding film, this is a good, if not a little inconsistant, take on the greatest story ever told. It's also worth noting that accusations of this films Anti-Semitism are unfounded, some Jewish priests do try and stick up for Jesus during his 'trial', this is something that is conveniently ignored by some reviewers. At the end of the day, Jesus was put to death by his own people and had this not have occured then Christianity wouldn't have existed as we know it now. Therefore, in regards to this, any intelligent person would know not to judge a religion as ancient and established as Judaism.… Expand

Mel Gibson has a passion all right, a passion BLOOD and GORE and TORTURE. Think of the final scene of Braveheart, but stretched out for 2 hours with poorly accented Aramaic dialogue. I should clarify that I'm not a Christian, so I was not immediately taken by the subject at hand. I went into the movie with hopes of actually learning something important and spiritual. Instead, I was given a lengthy lesson on Roman torture techniques, Jewish stereotypes (ie: the ubiquitous snarling, hissing Jews calling for BLOOD), and pretentious, grandious film-making. There is nothing moving about this film, and with the exception of Caviezel and the guy who plays Pilate, the acting and direction are mediocre. Mary has the delivery of an overanxious 8 year-old on her first comercial audition. It's laughable. But hey, who am I to criticize this, Gibson is the one with the hundreds of millions of dollars. This film will rake in the millions no matter how many critics call it crap. … Expand

Anyone who gives this movie a low rating or criticises it is either an atheist or someone who just doesn't have enough faith in God to understand. This film showed what really happened at the time of Christ's crucifixtion and Gibson rightfully had no intention on holding back anything from the audience. For us to visually see the pain Jesus had to endure to save us from our sins is what had the most powerful effect on most people. To see how much Christ had to suffer in order to save us deepened my faith and I thank fellow Catholic Mel Gibson for bravely making this movie. To all the atheists in the world, this night and every night that follows I will pray for your safe deliverance from hell and your entrance into heaven.… Expand

Riveting. This is the best word I can use to describe this movie. Gibson brings alive the historical account as recorded in the Gospels. The movie follows the biblical account extremely close. I anticipated much of the dialogue because I knew what was coming next in the biblical text. Some artistic license was taken on Gibson's part to weave in some additional relational aspects between Jesus and his mother, and between Jesus and Judas, and also to heighten the drama surrounding Peter and Judas involvement. The use of flashbacks brought incredibly touching moments and momentary relief from the tension that builds throughout the movie. The violence against Jesus was portrayed very accurately as compared to research by Christians and non-Christians who have studied Roman tactics. To downplay or exclude these brutal scenes would be inaccurate, and take away the essence of Jesus suffering. Jesus said all along that he would suffer for mankind's sins...believe it or not, that was the central part of his message, in conjuction with his resurrection. God's love for mankind is seen at the cross..."for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son..." The brutal death of Jesus was a love act, and to downplay the violence would have been a cop-out. The double standard is amazing when comparing complaints against violent content for this movie as compared to other blatantly violent movies such as Kill Bill Volume 1. That movie made no apologies for its gore and violence and was in fact praised by many for just that. See a fairly typical comment here from a Metacritic user: Joel C. gave it a 9: "I thought this movie was great. It so saturated with style, and so original. I personally haven't seen a movie with this much gore, and after seeing it a second time I did almost throw up, literally, just because of all of the blood shooting out from everyone. Excellent! This is the first film that has ever made me feel sick because of violence. Incredible." Somehow, people managed to get past the violence in this fictional secular movie, but cannot get past the violence perpetrated against the historical person of Jesus Christ. Interesting to say the least. Perhaps this is the case because Gibson so effectively brought this story to life on the big screen, and the possibility that it could be true would have big ramifications on all of our lives. I give this movie a 9 for its honest and moving portrayal of the subject matter. The love it or hate it reviews are most likely a direct result of the underlying belief systems brought into the theater.… Expand

Though this movie is very powerful and Caviezel does a breathtaking role as Christ, this movie's WHOLE plot is based on Christ's suffering, and thats just it.