I finally saw the movie...

[countrymousenc]

I suppose it's not exactly fitting for Bright Week, but it was honestly the first chance I got (after figuring out that it wasn't going to be a family event after all).

This film has stirred up controversy, even between Christians, and I don't want to start another "should/shouldn't see" debate. I can tell you I'm not theologically sophisticated enough to know why we shouldn't see it, but that doesn't really mean much. For some reason I feel compelled anyway to pitch in my 2 cents about this experience.

In terms of the film's graphic nature, I was surprised to find that there was nothing I didn't expect simply on the basis of what the Gospels say. That doesn't mean that it wasn't grueling to watch.

During the scene in which Jesus was building the table, and Mary was calling Him in, I saw Jesus being human in a way that reflects the image of God in all of us, enjoying the creative work of his hands. If I have any complaint about the film, it's that it could have included more scenes of that kind.

From almost the beginning, though, the fairly overwhelming picture the film gave me was of what the world did to Love when Love came to the world as a man. The world we were all born into is no different, even now. The world meets Love by cringing, mocking, spitting, striking out and killing, because Love is beyond understanding, beyond the grasp of fallen human nature. Love also changes people, and we are (at first) so desparately afraid of being changed.

It isn't about eastern or western ideas of justification or atonement, or whether enough attention was given to the Resurrection (which I thought was very effective in spite of being a brief scene. I saw victory in the expression on that face).

It's about how much He loves us.

Excellent job, Mel.

 

[Lotar]

I really loved that movie. Now you make me want to see it again.

 

[brewmama]

I agree so much! I was a bit relieved to find that the violence was not any more than I had anticipated (though I did quit looking during the scourging and parts of the crucifixion). I thought Mary was outstanding, and some of the dramatic scenes, such as the snake in the garden, the earthquake, etc. were quite powerful. Satan was sooo wicked. How about him screaming in Hell after Christ's death?
And that scene where Mary reaches Jesus as He falls, and He says see Mother, I make all things new? Is there ANYONE who didn't cry at that part?

I thought it was stunningly beautiful, and as my husband and I drove home (no I would not let my children see it yet) we both were quite amazed at all the controversy over it. ???

 

[Suzannah]

countrymouse: I completely agree with you....

The thing that makes me cry the most is the scene where Jesus builds' the table, and Mary says "This will never catch on..." I felt that the table was the Altar of the church...He is the altar...and I am so grateful it (He) DID catch on and it's still here!

 

[Nikolas222]

i loved that movie. It was violent, but it truely expressed Christ, in both human and divine form. It was great. Hope there is a sequal.

 

[Umut]

lol

how can there be a sequel? think about it...

I didn't cry when Mary ran to Jesus, but I came very close. I couldn't feel my body when Christ was being beaten. My hands were drenched with cold sweat, my body all numb, Andreas pointed out to me that I was breathing heavily. Sad, sad... but after all, ironically, one could see love when he/she watches that part in the movie. Shows just what he does for us...

Also, the part where the silver bag was tossed to Judas, and the silver fell on the floor. I fell in love with that part...

The table part really emphasized how human Jesus was, just beautiful.

Crucifixion part was strong, every single part in that movie. the flashbacks were awesome, Mel Gibson really did a GREAT job on this movie.

Just beautiful

 

[Lotar]

Actually, I think a sequal would be awesome. Perhaps up to the ascension, or through Acts.