Gibson's "Passion of the Christ"
movie reviews by Intel
employees.
Name: Don
Shoemaker
Intel Campus and State:
Rio
Rancho, New Mexico
Rating (1 to
5; 5 is best and 3 is average): 5
Review: This was an incredible and moving experience. It truly brought out the
impact of my sins and the incredible love God has for us by sacrificing his
Son. I thought it was faithful to the Gospels. The visuals were
astounding. I’m glad they added subtitles. I think I might have been lost
in some of the scenes without them. I highly recommend to all Adults
(believers and non believers), but not kids – depending, of course, on their
maturity level.
Intel Campus
and State: JF, Oregon
Rating (1 to
5; 5 is best and 3 is average): 3
Review: I
rated it a 3 because it has pluses and minuses. As a side-note, who
killed Jesus? I think the movie was very clear: no one! Jesus gave His
life for us freely (he said no one takes His life; He gave it). A more
interesting question might be if Jesus committed suicide, in that he
could have saved His life if He wanted to. I don't think it's a
relevant question, but it's closer to the truth than asking "who killed
Him."
Pluses: This movie is great in
showing the humanity of Jesus. He took the punishment for sin that we
deserve (as the opening screen about Isaiah declares). This will be a
great conversation starter at work and other places to share the
Biblical Gospel with others. The symbolism of communion is a little
more clearer for me, by seeing the juxtaposition of the bleeding
sacrifice of Jesus and the wine representing the blood, and the bread as
his "broken" body representing His body, of the new covenant. Another
plus was seeing how the love and devotion of Mary Magdalene is a role
model for the rest of us believers. Another touching moment was when
Jesus was on the cross praying "Father forgive them for they know not
what they do," and the thief on the cross next to him said to the
religious leader "listen to Him, He's praying for you!" I always saw
this scene as a powerful display of forgiveness, but now I see that
Jesus was actually praying FOR his "enemy" (on his behalf).
Minuses: I know that the vast
majority of the viewers won't go to the Bible to read the real account
of the Gospel, and they'll assume that the movie was a true
representation of it (i.e.. they'll take some of Mel's many artistic
insertions and think that they are from the Bible). Therefore, they
will have a false misunderstanding of the Biblical presentation. One
example of where the movie was wrong: did Satan try to talk Jesus out of
dying on the cross for our sins, in the garden scene as the movie shows?
Actually, it's just the opposite. Satan wanted to kill Jesus , and
thought he would win that way. That's why Satan entered Judas to betray
Jesus. Another difference: Judas committed suicide because of remorse,
not because he was tormented by demons, as the movie suggests. Also,
unfortunately, I think Mel did a disservice by portraying Jesus with
supernatural strength in taking more beatings than is humanly possible
(which robs Jesus of his humanity in a small way). There was also the
flashback to the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8, but
those who don't know the Bible (most people) won't understand what
happened, since there is absolutely no English dialogue. Why make it
such a mystery? I also think the violence was excessive and detracting,
especially the bird scene on the cross (which is not in the Bible).
In summary, I think it's good to
take advantage of any current event to open up communication about the
Gospel with those close to us, and this seems to be a major one.
Name:
Allen Henderson
Intel
Campus and State:
Ocotillo - Arizona
Rating (1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average):
5
Review:
I would not recommend this movie for
children who have not seen graphic
violence in movies before. Even still I would encourage parents to speak
at length with their children and teens regarding the scenes with violent
acts being committed against Jesus. The cinematography, story line,
scriptural accuracy and acting was all done with a level of excellence
worthy of the movies subject. From about twenty minutes into the movie to
the end, sobbing and weeping could be heard throughout the theatre. IMHO -
this movie will impact the unsaved who will dare to see it, I can not
imagine anyone leaving a showing of this movie with the same perspective
of Jesus as they had going in. I also believe that there will be revival
in The Church (All believers.) because of this movie bringing to graphic
visual impact that which most of us have only heard or read about from a
pulpit or book. I had trouble sleeping after the movie but I believe it
was a God thing because I was wrestling with issues that became crystal
clear this morning. This movie brings the character of sinful people from
the period of the movie right down front to the character and behavior of
people today - "there is nothing new under the sun." I paid nothing for
salvation, it was free to me for the asking but what Jesus Christ paid and
how this movie interprets the payment, left me numb. How can we not love
you Jesus!
Name:
Jessica Leppert
Intel Campus and State:
OC8 - Arizona
Rating
(1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average):
5
Review:
It was truly life-changing. If you are a Christian, not a Christian,
thinking about being a Christian or just aren’t real sure what it means
to be a Christian (this is where I was most of my life), I would really
encourage you to see The Passion by Mel Gibson. I’m sure you’ve heard
about this movie many times from friends, family and the media. I
cannot explain in words how powerful it was to watch. I was literally
shaking/sobbing throughout portions of this movie. Much of the movie is
based on Mary’s point of view (Jesus’s mother). She actually watches
her only son get condemned, go through brutality and then die. This
part was extremely humbling to me, I just can’t imagine watching my own
son go through this. Yes, there are some very brutal parts, and I did
have to turn my head away a couple times. Still, please go see this
movie. It is hard to explain how much impact this movie had on us.
I’ve learned the story of the walk of Jesus many times, but this movie
puts the truth into it so much more since we could actually see it
happening. As our Church pastor stated, the “R” rating is for Reality.
If you would like someone to go with you to this movie, please let me or
Mark know. We will go back 100 times if asked.
Name:
Roger Chandler
Intel Campus and State:
JF- Oregon
Rating
(1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average):
4.5
Review:
The film delivered overwhelming,
gut-wrenching imagery which galvanized my understanding of the magnitude
of Christ's sacrifice for us. It follows scripture very accurately, with
some creative "additions" (i.e. Gibson's interpretation of Satan; the
dark, regret-filled madness that drives Judas to suicide, etc) -- which
add significantly to the cinematic impact of the story. While the movie
was beautifully done, crafted by a master storyteller, complemented by a
haunting musical score, and delivered by performances that were
mesmerizing -- I was left feeling that it was incomplete as a film. As a
stand-alone piece, or evangelism tool, it would be more
spiritually whole if there had been a more lengthy, powerful
representation of the glory and triumph of His resurrection (instead of
the ~30 seconds the film dedicates to it). The film left with me the
need and desire to finish the story, so I raced home afterwards and
reread each of the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion, spending extra
time on the resurrection itself. I did not want to go to bed, after
seeing the film, without ensuring my mind was filled with the whole of
the Good News -- not just the brutal aspects related to how we, the
human race, killed Christ. If it causes all who see it to dive into the
Word -- either more than they usually do, or for the first time -- this
would make it a wonderful success, in my opinion. I feel that certain
Jews were presented in a despicable manner, while others were depicted
as saintly, and the Roman soldiers were by far the most vicious and evil
character manifestations I have ever witnessed on-screen. Pilate was
dealt with rather gently, but in rereading the Scripture, I find no
fault with how he was presented -- he was hesitant to condemn Christ,
but not because he was an overtly moral man, but because he was trying
to find the most politically beneficial path. All in all, I think it is
an extremely graphic and moving depiction of the most intense period of
Christ's time on earth which follows closely with Scripture.
Intel Campus and State:
Santa Clara,
California
Rating (1
to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average):
5
Review:
It is an excellent film that really drives home how much our Saviour
suffered for our sake (although, as others have suggested, the
physical suffering pales in comparison to the agony of His
separation from the Father when He took on our sins). The
violence is very graphic; I would think very carefully before taking
anyone younger than mid-teens. Even adults will find it difficult to
watch; there was a lot of weeping in the theater.
Although Mr.
Gibson took some artistic liberties and filled in some details (as
any director must in making a movie from any book), the essence of
the story as portrayed on the screen is faithful to Scripture. More
explanation of why this was taking place might have been desirable,
but I think Mr. Gibson achieved a reasonably good balance between
explaining the reason for the events, and leaving viewers wanting to
know more, possibly turning to churches or Christian friends for
answers.
Much
controversy surrounds the supposed anti-Semitism in the film. I
think someone who wants to find anti-Semitism here can find
it, but it is clearly not the intent of the film. One cannot tell
this story in a way that is faithful to the Bible without casting
some blame at the High Priest and other religious leaders, but this
blame does not spill over to Jews in general, in the film nor in
real life. Even some of the religious leaders are shown protesting
Jesus' condemnation in an illegal, middle-of-the-night trial. To me,
the people who are portrayed in the worst light are the Roman
soldiers, who take such obvious delight in torturing their prisoner.
If you want to call the film anti-Semitic, you must also call it,
even more, anti-Roman.
Name:
Jim Ziegmann
Intel Campus and State:
Chandler, Arizona
Rating (1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average):
5
Review: It
reminded me that Jesus asks so little of us compared to what he
went through for us. His main command was to Love one another. So
the next time you are miss treating someone by not being Christ
like, miss treating your spouse by not being Christ like, miss
treating your ex spouse by not being Christ like, or just not
being very Christ like in your actions remember Jesus suffered and
died for you. The least you can do is honor his command to Love
one another and show the light of Christ so someone else will be
affected positively by your actions.
Name:
Debra Nicoletti
Intel Campus and State:
EY2, Oregon
Rating (1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average):
5
Review:
I have no major
dislikes, though there were two minor things:
-
There was one
scene w/ Satan (during the scourging) that made no sense to me
at all…. I’m researching it though….
-
I wish the
resurrection scene was a little longer…by just a few minutes…
just enough to fix our minds/hearts on the best part: He
defeated death and rose again….(He lives!!!!).
Overall: I thought the movie was very well done. I also think
it’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen on a movie screen: to see an
innocent, pure man suffer the way Jesus did… It’s unimaginable.
Mr. Gibson delivered an impeccable, ghastly, deeply touching
reminder to all us humans: Our sin is horrible and disgusting…
and costly. But God is so incredibly merciful…. that He
sacrificed His Son for us…. And… that we should love one
another. I think parents should see the movie first before
taking kids younger than 15 to see this. It’s pretty rough in
places… (the TV trailers don’t come close!) so please be
cautious! Also…take Kleenex! Lastly, I’d like to suggest that we
all pray for the Gibson/Caveziel families (the enemy is
hungry….) as well as for the non-believers who are going to see
this….or who refuse to… that their hearts will be
softened/receptive.
Name:
Lonnie Clardy
Intel Campus and State:OC8,
Arizona
Rating (1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average):
5
Review:
This movie was very well done and
extremely powerful, I would recommend it to anyone willing to
see it, I would however be cautious about taking children under
13. The movie really does draw you in to Jesus’ humanity and
makes you see things from a perspective different than most are
used to. I left the theater asking myself “How could I ever live
a life worthy of the price that Christ paid for me!”… Thankfully
by Grace I will not have to. I will however be forever changed!
Name: John W. Williams
Intel Campus and State: F12, Arizona
Rating (1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average): 5 Review: I
rated the movie a 5 because, as a Christian, I believe that
the movie accurately presented the scriptural accounts and
historical facts of how Jesus was beaten and crucified. I was
touched and saddened by how the persecution of Jesus affected
his mother…it really touched my heart as to how a mother feels
about her child. The graphical way the flogging and
crucifixion was presented was, at times, hard to watch. But,
it was done in a way not to gross a person out, but to show
what Jesus went through in order to complete his mission on
earth. The movie was well done, effective, and sobering. I
would recommend it to others. I would not recommend it for
children, due to the graphical content.
Name: Tami Taylor-Baca
Intel Campus and State: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Rating (1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average): 5
Review: This movie has changed my entire prospective! I
along with the entire audience was left speechless! No matter
how prepared I thought I was, this totally exceeded my
expectations in every way possible. I am beside my self, which
is the best way I can describe the impact it’s had on me. So
many times I just wanted to shout out for them to leave him
alone, and my heart also went out to Mary his mother, who
stayed with him the entire time, to watch her son being
tortured. What an Awesome Savior we have! Thank you Jesus for
all that you endured out of love for each and every one of us.
Name: Veronica Rahorn
Intel Campus and State: Ocotillo, Arizona
Rating (1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average): 5
Review: This was an extremely intense movie from the
beginning shot of Isaiah to the end. The violence is graphic,
but I think it is important for us to understand exactly what
Jesus went through when he died for our sins. His love for
mankind shines throughout the movie, even when he's praying
for those who have falsely accused him and whipped/tortured
him. I won't be able to read the Bible now without thinking of
many of the scenes from the movie. Would I see it again soon?
No, it was too emotional. But will I buy it when it comes out
in DVD? Yes, because it will remind me how much Jesus loves
me. Take a box of Kleenex, but leave your children at home.
Intel
Campus and State:
JF - Oregon
Rating
(1 to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average): Not rated/ Not seen
Review:
I am going to reply on the basis of watching “The Making of ‘The
Passion of the Christ’” since I don’t plan to attend the movie due to my
low tolerance of violence.
I have serious doubts
about exposing children to the violence in this movie. If they have
been exposed to secular movies with violence, then they probably could
handle it. As I was watching portions of the movie, I found myself
thinking how wonderful it was to see Jesus, but then had to remind
myself that this is not Jesus. I long to see Jesus some day, and for
some people this might become “seeing Jesus.” So this could be both
good & bad. We can grow to love Jesus more by seeing this movie, and
long to truly see him face-to-face someday, or we could let this movie
substitute for a real relationship with Jesus. As a side note, I
thought that James Caviezel was not very “Jewish” looking which probably
help those who criticize the movie as anti-Semitic though it isn’t.
Name:
Dan J. Hill
Intel Campus and State:
RR5, New Mexico
Rating (1
to 5; 5 is best and 3 is average):
5
Review:
I saw the movie
last night. It was a little difficult to get "into" it as I was
stuck on the first row. Very hard to see and take in from there. I
was there 15 minutes early, and my wife and I could not sit together
as there were no 2 seats together, except on the front row. So my
first take is that Christians at large place a higher importance on
a movie than on a Church Service. This is very sad to me. I know
there is a lot of difference that could be stated and reasons for
it, but I believe that the root issue for most is we do not place
much value on our Church service. All I can say is just think about
this and pray and check your heart. See if more discipline and
excellence is needed through an attitude change regarding Church.
As for the movie
itself, I really liked the interpretation of the devil's presence.
It makes that fact of spiritual warfare a more real thing in our
everyday life. I thought the movie was overboard on the treatment
of Jesus by the Roman soldiers, but I believe our Sin on one person
who was blameless was way worse than we can imagine, so it wouldn't
have been unjustified if it really did happen that way. If God
wasn't Holy, our sin wouldn't be so bad, and His love wouldn't have
to be so great. This movie gives a great depiction of the brutality
of man and the destruction caused by sin. It was just hard to
accept the continued, severe treatment as the way it actually
happened.
I would
recommend going to see it first by yourself/family. Then with
friends, workers, non-Christians. This would allow for a more real
personal response initially.
I would not
recommend this movie for kids. If a kid has already/recently been
exposed to brutality, violence and gore, than I don't know that this
movie would cause an adverse affect not already done, so it would be
ok in that regard. I don't see the need for a kid to see this in
order to understand what Jesus did and what that means to me. I
didn't even want to be exposed to it, but some non-Christians were
willing to go with us, so I see a greater good.
Mostly, I was
pleasantly surprised by the amount of Gospel that was presented. I
didn't think it would be that much as it is just the arrest, trial,
beating, and crucifixion, then a glimpse of the resurrected Christ.
For someone who doesn't know the reasons and all, I didn't think
this would do much good for them other than to see some guy called
Jesus went through a great torture because he called himself God.
However, there was a good deal of the Gospel presented considering
the context.
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