Comments On The
Movie, "The Passion of the Christ"
Email and Press Comments
after seeing the Movie.
Rick,
What
I would really, really LOVE is for you to make me an honest $1000.00 bet - that
you can watch this movie - without tears streaming down your face at various
parts. -- It's a quick and easy THOUSAND DOLLARS - for you. All you have to do
is watch it without tears streaming down your face.
Catholic guys like us are not shocked by extreme violence. Gibson does a great
job portraying much of it "as it was". Caviezel is almost the
spitting image of the Agamian Christ -- the picture by Ariel Agamian - which is
often depicted in 2-D - flipping back and forth between the shroud - and the
human face.
Also, Caveziel - in real life - has deep blue eyes. Like MY Jesus - he has
green eyes in this movie. Man - when he dies - and those eyes are dead-open -
before his head falls - it is captivating. Time stops - even though it's only a
second or two.
If you can NOT WEEP during the scene of "Jesus meets his mother" - I
will give you a thousand dollars. He is beat and exhausted. He is at the point
where he can not go on, before they find Simon -- and when Jesus falls - for
the 6th time -- I don't know - it sure is not three falls --- they
do a "flash back" -- when Jesus was a little boy -- who falls and
hurts his knee. They do sort of a "double scene" - enacting Mary
running to her little boy - saying: "I am here". And they cross cut
it with an identical run - where she does something very similar -- but this
time he is flayed open - almost dead. The "running scenes" and the
"I am here" - is a tear jerker. She is taking care of her baby --
even when he is being crucified - or so she still loves him, as portrayed by
Gibson.
Truthfully, I think this movie needs to be TEN HOURS long - not 2 hours. It is
so good - that it just wastes the rest of the scripture.
The scenes with Pontius Pilate are by no means easy. Pilate is very
conflicted, and troubled - and he is not happy -- and he is not happy
about Jesus' answers to him either -- because it seems so absolutely realistic.
How can you kill a man who says: "My kingdom is not of this world" ??
Caviezel LETS IT RIP - when Caiphas, as High Priest of Israel, says: I ADJURE
YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LIVING GOD - TO TELL US IF YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE
MESSIAH, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.
Even though Caviezel is torn up - even at that time - he insures his own death.
He replies LOUDLY - "I AM! AND WHAT IS MORE YOU SHALL SEE THE SON OF
MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN IN GLORY".
The movie is just too accurate to comment much about.
First of all, it is TOTAL WRONG TO SAY - that this movie will not convert the
Jews. That is HOGWASH. Any Jew with an open mind would be converted -- and I
have read commentaries by Jews who have seen this movie. They are threatened by
this movie - just as Caiphas was of Jesus -- and THAT IS THAT. No questions, no
arguments -- this movie will convert Jews.
What is more - the poor protestants are STUCK. Sure - in the agony of the
garden - the devil is whispering to Jesus -- but Jesus simply does not even
listen to him at all. So - the devil sends a serpent -- right before Christ is
arrested - as if to molest Christ. Jesus gets up from his agony, ignoring the
serpent which should be scaring Him - and simply STOMPS ON ITS HEAD - - and
moves on. Jesus never EVER listens to the devil - in this movie. He completely
ignores him.
Two other points: the enmity between Satan and Mary as clear as the nose on
your face. Only a complete fool would miss this. She is squaring off with the
devil - across the street - as the crucifixion proceeds. She also, completely
ignores the devil. But - the CONTRAST is too obvious. Any protestant could see
what Gibson is establishing.
I would say that the most INTENSE PART of the whole movie - is after they
dislocate Christ's arms to nail him to the cross -- flip him over on his face -
to bend in the nails - and then turn him back over - THE SCENE FLASHES BACK TO
THE LAST SUPPER - WHERE CHRIST SAYS: "This is my body - which will be
given up for you" -- At the instant that Christ elevates the bread above
his head -- THE SCENE FLASHES BACK - to the cross dropping into the hole - and
Jesus ELEVATED- ERECTED ON THE CROSS - FOR THE FIRST TIME.
If you can't see the symbolism there - you are an idiot. In the very same way -
when he takes the cup - and elevates it -- it flashes back to the blood
dripping freely from several parts of Jesus hand, arm, and body - in streams of
blood - obviously being shed.
Frankly, I believe that this movie will at the VERY LEAST explain to
Protestants what we believe -- if not convert them completely.
The problem for critics - is that the movie is so graphic, so realistic, that
there is simply no arguing with it. I think I caught Gibson pulling a
"Gibson" -- because I do not think that they brought the charge
against him, saying: "This man said he would give us his flesh to eat,
and his blood to drink -- and that if we did not eat his flesh or drink his
blood - we could not inherit eternal life.
Jesus' "nobility" in this movie is consummate. He groans in pain
- but he never weeps like a little girl. He even stands up - and says give me
some more - if you can. Then - they tear his flesh to smithereens -- with a
whip that tears chunks out of wooden table. They beat him back - and front.
They let one arm loose - and then tear his chest stomach and legs to bits.
Interesting, that when Jesus is dropped into the ground - on the Cross - Mary
falls to her knees as if in sacrifice -- and Mary Magdalene - and John follow
her in this action.
So - the movie is straight Catholic Theology. Very effective too. The spilling
of the blood and water - is extremely powerful -- and I believe that it
happened in just that way. I could see why it would do what it does -- from the
position Jesus is in.
Funny that Mary should be first to be sanctified by the Blood and Water -
and then John - and then - actually the guy who pierced him.
You have got to remember that the earth is shaking, the sun is eclipsing -- the
Romans are not happy - and they scarred to death. They all run away - that is
why they are so quick to break the thieves legs with sledge hammers -- and tell
the one guy just to pierce his heart - because he is already dead. They are
trying to get OUT of there and fast -- at that moment, but, not Mary, or John.
Gibson also throws in a line NOT FROM scripture - when Mary says to Jesus on
the Cross - "Flesh of my Flesh - Heart of my Heart" -- and then Jesus
pronounces the words: "Woman - behold thy son" -- and to John -
"Son behold thy mother".
The only reason the Protestants SUPPORTED THIS MOVIE is because apparently they
are too dense to see it's profound Catholic theology. It's obvious to any
Catholic.
Where does Jesus express his love - on the cross?? He prays for the Jews
Crucifying him - (and I am quite certain that Caiphas is in HELL - for sure) --
and the good thief yells to him -- "HE IS PRAYING FOR YOU EVEN NOW!"
Caiphas is essentially running away during the earthquake and then not only
does the VEIL OF THE TEMPLE tear from Top to Bottom but the stairs leading up
to the Holy of Holies are SPLIT IN HALF - by the earthquake as I believe the
whole Holy Place is. Gibson rips more than the veil, he breaks the stone
edifice of the structure in half in a violent show of force.
Lastly, Peter, and John both call Mary "Mother" when ever they
address her even before the crucifixion.
Peter is sobbing - as he runs away after denying Christ three times -- and he does
say: DAMN YOU! I DO NOT KNOW WHO HE IS! -- but Christ looks at him - and they
do another "flash back" - and Peter remembers -- and he runs away --
and bumps into Mary - beside himself almost falling to his knees into her arms
- saying: "Mother - I have denied him. I have denied him three
times". He is already sobbing - and then Peter is out of the movie for
good.
Regarding the movie being too violent?? Hogwash! Only for little children - under 8 years old. This movie is
violent - but no worse than any other
modern day movie.
I was wrong when I said that there was MUD on Mary's face -- it's not mud --
it's BLOOD. Christ's blood. -- She was a little too close to the dying Jesus -
and she gets blood on her face kissing his feet.
If you do not weep for Mary when you see this movie - you are going to hell -
period. And many will not care about her sorrow.
This is the most powerful tool of conversion for both Protestants and Jews that
I have ever seen. The Jews who do not like this movie - do not like it for the
VERY SAME REASON that Caiphas crucified Christ in the first place - and for no
other reason.
It's not "anti-semitic" -- it is a powerful tool to convert the Jews
-- and nothing less.
David
Hughes www.newjerusalem.com
Evangelist
Billy Graham Reviews Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ'
"A Lifetime of
Sermons in One Movie" says Preacher. "I have often wondered what it must have been
like to be a bystander during those last hours before Jesus' death," Mr.
Graham said. "After watching 'The Passion of the Christ,' I feel as if I
have actually been there. I was moved to tears. I doubt if there has ever been
a more graphic and moving presentation of Jesus' death and resurrection - which
Christians believe are the most important events in human history. The film is faithful to the Bible's teaching
that we are all responsible for Jesus' death, because we have all sinned,"
Mr. Graham continued. "It is our sins that caused His death, not any
particular group. No one who views this film's compelling imagery will ever be
the same."
Dr. James Dobson
I had the privilege of viewing a
"rough cut" of the movie last summer during a writing trip to
California, and again in September. I can say that, in addition to being
faithful to the essentials of the biblical account, it is easily the most
heart-wrenching, powerful portrayal of Christ's suffering that I have ever
seen. Shirley and I were deeply moved by the stark depiction of the brutality
and humiliation that Jesus endured on our behalf. Other preview screenings have
had a similar effect, leaving audience members either weeping openly or hushed
in reverent silence.
Mel Gibson also
traveled to Focus on the Family headquarters last year to show an early version
of "The Passion of the
A devout Catholic,
Mel Gibson has repeatedly emphasized the fact that he felt called by God to
bring "The Passion of the Christ" to the big screen. During one
interview, he said,
"I'm not a
preacher, and I'm not a pastor. But I really feel my career was leading me to
make this [movie]. The Holy Ghost was working through me on this film, and I
was just directing traffic. I hope the film has the power to evangelize ...
Everyone who worked on this movie was changed. There were agnostics and Muslims
on set converting to Christianity."
When was the last
time you heard a major Hollywood star make a statement of such magnitude?
In my estimation,
the liberal backlash against "The Passion of the Christ" is
incredibly significant. Shaky charges of "anti-Semitism" are really
just a smokescreen. I believe the real problem the liberal establishment has
with this movie is that it has the audacity to portray Christ as He really was
– not only as a historical figure, but as the Savior of mankind. That is an
offense to the postmodern sensibilities of our morally relativistic culture.
The fact that Mel Gibson actually hopes to use his movie as a vehicle for evangelism
only adds fuel to the fire.
Columnist David
Limbaugh put it best when he said:
How ironic that
when a movie producer takes artistic license with historical events, he is
lionized as artistic, creative and brilliant, but when another takes special
care to be true to the real-life story, he is vilified ... The moral is that if
you want the popular culture to laud your work on Christ, make sure it either
depicts Him as a homosexual or as an everyday sinner with no particular
redeeming value (literally). In our post-Christian culture, criticism of the
blasphemous "The Last Temptation of Christ" is celebrated, and
"The Passion [of the Christ]" is condemned.
Mel Gibson seemed
to recognize this himself when, in a recent interview, he described the
controversy over his movie as evidence of "big realms that are warring and
battling."
In another
interview, he noted that one of his primary motivations in making the movie
was precisely "to show that turmoil around [Jesus] politically and with
religious leaders and the people, all because He is Who He is ... This is not a
Christian vs. Jewish thing. '[Jesus] came into the world, and it knew him not.'
Looking at Christ's crucifixion, I look first at my own culpability in
that."
Alan Sereboff, a
Jewish screenwriter who has previously worked with Gibson's company, said,
"As a Jew I left the movie feeling a greater sense of friendship and
closeness to my Christian brothers and sisters than I ever thought
imaginable."
Noted movie critic
and radio host Michael Medved has called "The Passion of the Christ"
"by far the most moving, substantive, and artistically successful
adaptation of biblical material ever attempted by Hollywood."
Wall Street Journal
columnist Peggy Noonan said of the movie: "I came away reassured. It is a
moving film, and what it moves you to is tears, and thought ... It leaves you
indicting yourself: It leaves you wondering about what your part in that
agonizing drama would have been back then, and what your part is today."
Columnist Joseph
Farah of World Net Daily: "Followers of Jesus believe we are all
responsible – all human beings, alive, dead or yet to be born – for
crucifying Jesus ... He bore our sins and they were nailed to that tree the day
He died. We don't blame anyone but ourselves. To do so would miss out on the
grace He offered with His shed blood."
Having shared a few
of the details concerning "The Passion of the Christ," may I now
encourage you to take the time to go see the movie when it is released on the
25th of this month? As Christians, we often decry the immoral films that
Hollywood routinely releases, and rightly so. However, in addition to avoiding
movies that are immoral or otherwise disparaging of Christianity, we must do
everything we can to support those rare films that, like "The
Passion of the Christ," are both edifying and uplifting.
For years,
Hollywood executives have justified their constant barrage of
sex-and-debauchery-soaked movies by saying, "We're only releasing what the
public wants to see!" Many movie industry executives refuse to admit that
there is a viable audience for stories and characters that extol biblical virtues.
"The Passion of the Christ" presents us with a powerful opportunity
to prove them wrong.
In any other
context, I could not in good conscience recommend a movie containing this
degree of violent content. However, in this case, the violence is intended not
to titillate or entertain, but to emphasize the reality of the unspeakable
suffering that our Savior endured on our behalf. Christian recording artist
Christy Nockels of Watermark, put the violent nature of the film in perspective
by saying, "It is extremely graphic, but through each scene my heart kept
taking me back to Isaiah 53:5: 'By His stripes we are healed.'" Speaking
personally, I was deeply affected by a single thought while watching the movie:
I did this to Jesus.
Whether you decide
to see "The Passion of the Christ" or not, with Easter on the
horizon, I hope that you will take some time in the coming weeks to reflect on
Christ's death and resurrection and to consider the inestimable significance
that those events hold in the lives of those of us who claim Him as King. He
paid the penalty for our sins so that we might be reconciled with our Father in
Heaven. The prophet Isaiah captured the magnitude of that moment most
eloquently:
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of
sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces
He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our infirmities and
carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and
afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our
iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His
wounds we are healed.
– Isaiah 53:3-5
And now, 2,000
years after His earthly life – in the age of movies and satellites and the Internet
– the Suffering Servant beckons to us still. To those who hear and respond to
His call, He offers the promise of grace, forgiveness, restoration and a
glorious eternity. That is Good News, indeed!
Sincerely,
James C. Dobson,
Ph.D.
Founder and Chairman
Focus On The Family
Vatican
Official Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, head of the Vatican's
Congregation for the Clergy, "I would like all our Catholic priests
throughout the world to see this film. I hope all Christians will be able to
see it, and all people everywhere." He said the film is "...a triumph
of art and faith. It will be a tool for explaining the person and message of
Christ. I am confident that it will change for the better everyone who sees it,
both Christians and non-Christians alike."
U.S. Archbishop John P. Foley of the Vatican's social-communications office,
said that he doubts that any of the criticisms of the movie are well-founded
because all the material in the film comes directly from the Gospel accounts.
There's nothing in the film that doesn't come from the Gospel accounts. So, if
they're critical of the film, they would be critical of the Gospel."
Child of Holocaust Survivors, Maia Morgenstern, who plays the role of
Mary, the Mother of Christ, rejects allegations that Gibson's film is
anti-Semitic. She says that
"Gibson is an artist, a director. He never imposed his religious
convictions on anyone. If there is a message, it's more about how people can be
manipulated by their leaders," she said.
"When people go and see the film, they will (primarily) see a work
of art," Morgenstern said.
Aloha
Rick:
As
usual every Mass that we celebrate we continue to lift you up in prayer as our
parishioners agree with me. You should know that. The small parish of
St. Michael are true prayer warriors, interceder's for Mr. Rick Salbato.
Please remember
us in your prayers.
Rick, Have you seen the movie Passion of Christ? I
bought tickets for our whole parish and we all went to the first showing this
past Wednesday. All of our children, grandchildren and parishioners
went. We all wore a red shirt or blouse. (Symbolic of Holy Spirit)
We
all cried, during the movie but all of our faces were like light after the
movie was over. We loved the movie. I believe for me it was the best investment
that I have ever made. I would be very interested to hear of your comments
about the movie. There are a few scenes that are not scriptural but, like Jesus
said not all the things that he did while on earth was recorded.
Did
you know that Mel is the same kind of Roman Catholic that you are? He
loves, goes to the Tridentine Mass every morning. He has a struggle with
the Vatican II changes.
Does
he know of you? If not you should see the movie and then write to him. You two
would get along great.
I
realize that what I am sharing may dent our relationship, but too be very
honest with you, Rick, I really loved the movie, and what I read about Mel
Gibson. I really love the guy. He has guts, will call a spade a spade, a true
defender of the Traditional Mass and Catholicism, and is a real orthodox
Catholic. He reminds me so much of you!
God
bless
Fr.
John, most unworthy priest
Rick
Late this afternoon, as I drove through the CENTER of the two main streets in
downtown Santa Rosa, there were at least 200 people - maybe more -- because
they were on all four sides of the crossing - about a 70 foot line of people -
on all four sides - and the crowd on each side was at least three people thick.
They were all waving very will made home made signs which proclaimed: GOD LOVES
YOU!, and JESUS SAVES! and 'BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE SAVED!" -- etc. etc. -
there must have been at 100 signs - and I don't know how many people. I have no
doubt that this was entirely the result of this movie.
I have gone three times now - and each time every showing has been FRONT ONLY -
or SOLD OUT. This is not a particularly "Christian Area" -- at least
no more so than San Jose or San Diego -- so, I take this as a measure that a
pretty degenerate society as a whole does still have some good souls left.
When you finally see the movie - you will understand the controversy. I deny
and defy every single charge made against this movie as a complete and TOTAL
LIE. These people KNOW that this movie is nothing but a very powerful tool for
conversion - and NOTHING MORE. It is not too violent. It is not anti-semantic.
And NO MOVIE PRODUCER IN THE WORLD - could actually a do good job depicting the
Passion of Christ - without spending at least this much time. As far as I am
concerned - the movie should be an hour longer. It is just too short as far as
I'm concerned.
The third time I saw it - the people on either side of me were weeping. I could
not help but notice this - even though I
was not looking at them.
I think I have decided what my favorite scene in the whole movie is. My
favorite scene is the beautiful, powerful, look of Jesus - as the glimpse of
his resurrection is shown. He takes one step forward - and the absolute
determination in his gentle eyes to get out fight for souls - is simply profound.
This gentle man - now clearly means business. His crucifixion is over - but
that look in his eyes of absolute determination to go forward - fills me zeal.
The movie closes as he walks by the camera showing nothing but the hole in his
hand. He is all cleaned up and beautiful again.
I finally figured out what the symbolism of Mary picking up the earth - when
she falls kneeling - and then stands up and lets it fall from her hands. You
could not tell - since you do not know what she is praying, but I know that she
is offering up her son to God - in that scene - and that after she does so -
she picks up the "cursed earth" - and than consecrates the "new
earth" through her son - as he is crucified - as she prayerfully lets if
fall back to earth - as her hands slowly open and spill it back to the ground -
as a symbol of consecrating, cleansing, and purifying the whole earth through
Christ Crucified. This occurs in a unison with Jesus being flipped over -
nailed the cross face down, and then he is turned back over - and raised up.
I also understand why the Roman Soldier who pierced his side - falls to the
ground - as the water spills over him. In this scene the power of the Holy
Spirit simply overwhelms him - and he unexpectedly, but willing - is overpowered
by the purification of the cleansing that is being afforded him by the power of
salvation that is poured forth by the water from Christ's side.
What I still do not understand is the linking of the symbolism of Pilate
washing his hands of the guilt of Christ - with the flash back to Christ
purifying his own hands before the consecration. This does not make sense to
me. Christ is symbolically purifying himself according the ritual -- but Pilate
is washing his hands of Christ. This does not make sense.
David
Hughes
About
'The Passion', I began to be moved to tears when Our Lord was first brought
before Caiphus, and later showed St. Peter denying Christ. Yes, I could
see our Lord's love for all of us, and His words of His body and blood bringing
us eternal life, that He was the way and our Life. I prayed today for all
separated Christians to find faith in the Eucharist and the Rock of Peter. I
hunger now for their conversion and unity more than ever, besides renewing my
efforts to longer live for man, but to live through Christ's life and presence
in my life. I also see the need for the Catholic Mass in America to
return to the worship of Jesus as Sacrifice.
Email
friend
Rick,
I
saw 'The Passion' three times - before I ever actually went to mass. At the
Saturday Mass, at the Elevation of the Host - the vivid memory of Christ
being lifted up on the cross - BECAME PRESENT TO MY MIND AT THAT VERY INSTANT!
It was like nothing that has ever happened to me before.
You
will never understand the effect of this - until you see the movie. You have no
idea the impact of sanctification that this movie actually has - and what
EVEN MORE impact it could have. I
was burned out - even a moment late for mass -- and I sort of dawdled through
the offertory. But - at the instant of
the elevation -- I FELT LIKE I WAS RE-LIVING THE MOVIE -- BUT THIS TIME IT WAS
NOT THE MOVIE!
THE
MOVIE CAUSED THE MASS TO SEEM MUCH MORE REAL - MUCH
MORE VIVID - AND MUCH, MUCH MORE IMPORTANT!
I
was drawn immediately to absolute spiritual attention! My gaze was fixed
on the image of The Crucified - now present above the altar. I immediately gave
homage to 'The Crucified' - as if he was actually there - flesh and blood - on
the cross -- because I knew that he really was! I have never prayed so
ardently, or been so awe-struck at a mass before in my life! I always
"knew" what was happening. I always "try" to do this. But -
after having seen the movie -- the image was so vivid - that I prayed desperately
to the crucified Christ - as if he was truly present crucified before me - like
I have never prayed before.
And
this was coming out of a spiritual doldrum. Imagine if I had been expecting
this! It shook me up like I had never been shaken before - at the moment of the
elevation. From that point on I was fixed in awe-struck attentive, reverent and
fervent prayer.
No
words can describe the actual fruit that having seen this movie had on me -
when I went to mass. I believe everyone should watch this movie at least once
every two weeks - for the rest of their lives. It will change the way
Catholics view the mass forever.
David
Hughes www.newjerusalem.com
Comments
by Richard P. Salbato
I
have not seen the movie and most likely will not until July, but I have always
known what Mel Gibson shows in this movie, that the Mass is the same as the
Passion of Christ and the Passion of Christ is the same as the Mass. When we attend Mass we are at the feet of
the Cross. When we attend Mass we are
in the presence of the entire Heavenly Host.
the saints are there, the Apostles are there, St. Joseph is there, Mary
is there, all the angels are there. We
are at that moment linked to the Cross and to Heaven. We are brought back in time to Christ, Crucified. 2000 years of Catholics have known this and
have tried to give us visual pictures to help us see this in the eyes of faith
and to help our contemplation of it through icons, statues and most important
in the architecture of the Church, where we have high vaulted roofs, stained
glass windows, statues of the saints and angels all around and everything
centered on Christ, Crucified and Present there in that Church and in that
Mass, the Sacrifice.
In
my opinion, without even seeing the movie yet, no one has given us a greater
aid in this contemplation of the real meaning of the Mass for 2000 years - not
the icons, not the statues, not the books, not the architecture, but this
movie. The movie of the Miracle of
Fatima converted me to the Catholic Faith and this movie will convert me from
the mind to the heart in the love of Christ and His Mother.
Rick