passion of the christ

i watched this film last night and i'm here to say that it was an amazing film. visually and artistically, it was one of the finest films i've ever seen. if you haven't seen this film, i suggest renting it, at least. this isn't really a 'purchase' worthy film, but i understand why this has been such a big deal in the religious communities. this is no charlton heston, grand scale, effects laden film to woo the critics. the true critics for this film are the christians and jews for whom the film was intended to view (did that come out right?). and no doubt, this was one of the most realistically graphic films i've ever seen. it had me cringing through half of the film. i wasn't sure if Jim Caziviel would be able to pull it off, but there was no doubt in my mind that the person i saw on my screen was Jesus. there were small effects in this film that some would label 'hollywood', but i think they were just an appropriate, modern day interpretation of Mel Gibson's beliefs. the settings were realistic, the acting was superb and the representation of satan was eerily perfect.

i had to stop watching this film halfway through it as company came over when i was watching it and before i had a chance to finish viewing it to it's completion, i was talking to my dad, who is a very religious person (and i am not), and we discussed what i'd seen. the thing that stuck in my mind about the film to that point was that i didn't see it as being necessary to have made this film. i'm not sure i still don't believe that. if this film was made to be authentic to the writings of the bible and other scriptures, i would think that believers wouldn't stand for an interpretation that would possibly upset their beliefs. i can see now that it probably hasn't, but again, i'm not sure i believe it was necessary to make this film. but congratulations to Mel for doing such an amazing job.