Frog - I hope you gain a little bit more perspective as you age. Not much else I can say... I cant imagine someone, religious or not, would downplay the suffering one goes through when crucified to get a reaction out of others. Thats just sick.
That said...
I saw it last night - very good movie. There are some things I was foggy on, and a few questions I have. In addition, there are a few things that I was raising my eyebrow at - perhaps due to my own lack of knowledge surrounding the events.
Maybe someone here that has done more than simply read through the Bible would be able to assist:
1.) What was the significance of Satan carrying a baby, albeit an ugly one, during the whiping?
2.) It appeared as though Satan was only 'visable' to Mary (based on eye contact), is there any basis for this in the book?
3.) What is the significance of Mary and Mary 'soaking up' his blood in the courtyard following the beating? What do they intend to do with it?
4.) The movie portrayed Judas's suicide as the result of a sort of devine torment. I was always under the impression that he 'punished himself' out of guilt, but it appeared in the film as though he was driven to it. Which is correct? Also, are there any mentions in the Bible of the 'damned children' or the animal thing which he encounters post arrest?
5.) Gibsons portrayal of Pilate was an interesting first. Conflicted and compassionate: "Do you always punish your prisoners before they have been judged?" Is this an accurate portrayal or Pilate, or is Gibson taking an artistic liberty?
Overall thoughts:
Pros:
-Languages used. This film would not have worked in English. The use of period and location correct languages was great for atmosphere and the subtitles did not hinder immersion.
-Acting. Truely fantastic performances by the lead charectars. I dont think anyone could have done a better job playing Jesus than Cavielzal (sp?). The actor that played Pilate (Bulgarian, dont feel like looking up his name again) also did a fantastic job. The right look, atittude, and very convincing. Maybe just a result of too many garbage movies and performances, but I didnt find a single flaw in any of the acting.
-Mass Media Appeal. For those that dont read often or go to church, or even those who are not of the Catholic persuasion, the message of the story can be told in a manner acceptable to most people.
-Emotional feel. In short, anyone who exits the theater and claims to be unaffected by the film is either lying or slept through it. Probably one of the most emotionally 'moving' films Ive yet seen.
Cons:
-What I believe to be artistic liberties taken and little pet peeves. "Jesus of Nazereth" written in English on the sign above his head took away from the atmosphere.
-Not much else.
Bottom line:
The film is not anti-semetic in the least. I have trouble accepting that anyone could think so if they actually saw the movie. The messege is not one of hate or retribution, but one of love for your fellow man.
A fine line, for sure, but I thought Gibson did a fantastic job overall and if the film does not clean up at the Ocsars Id be shocked.
Go see it - believer or not.
