The Passion of the Christ 2004 Movie Review

The Passion of the Christ

2004

Director Mel Gibson

Screenplay:

Mel Gibson

Benedict Fitzgerald

Produced by

Bruce Davey

Mel Gibson

Stephen McEveety

Starring

Jim Caviezel

Monica Bellucci

Maia Morgenstern

Sergio Rubini

Cinematography Caleb Deschanel

Music: John Debney

Icon Productions

I recently watched this film, again, for the first time in over 20 years. I had seen it 2 or three times before. The first time I watched in in theatre with a close friend, we could barely speak about it afterwards. And we both had cried during the film. Even though we were roommates we barely spoke about it for days. When it came out on DVD, I watched it on Good Friday. And this year I watched it during Holy Week with my 16 year old son. He asked a few years ago about it, and I advised against it at that time. This year he asked again. And we watched it together. 

This film is based on The Passion in the New Testament of the Bible

And The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. I have not read that volume, I have had a copy for a few years but will bump it after this on my ‘to be read list’.

This is a very visceral film. A few years ago I read What Christ Suffered A Doctor’s Journey Through the Passion by Thomas W. McGovern, having read this doctor’s analysis of what Jesus went through and then watching such a realistic representation of it is not easy. I am writing this 2 days later and my gut still clenches thinking of scenes from the film. 

This film is not an easy watch. But to be honest it is an important one. To see the effects of our sins, of my sins, of the cost Jesus paid. It is overwhelming, it is humbling, and it is inspiring. It inspires me to try harder, to do better, and to give all back to God.

I was on retreat a few weeks ago, and one of my, one of my resolutions was to say ‘yes’ to my son more. Often he would ask to watch something, or watch it again. Often I would say no, I wanted to read, or work on reviews or just did not feel like it. I almost hesitated with this film, I was not sure I was up to watching it again. But it was well worth watching on Holy Week, and having a few discussions based on it with my son. Next we plan on watching the Jesus Film from 1979 which depicts the Gospel of Luke.

The day after we watched this a man on X asked if he could watch it with his 10 year old son. I recommended against it, stating my son who is 16 barely made it through. And my son loves action movies and has seen a lot. We both look forward to the proposed continuation of this The Resurrection.

Not an easy film to watch, and to be honest not one I could watch often. But one I am very thankful I watched, and that I watched it again this year with my son.