I know I'm in the minority on this one, but everybody has an opinion. Mel Gibson's interpretations of the Gospels and his gory exploitation of it didn't sit well with me at all. First, unless you're one of those Christians who believe every word of the good book came from the hand of God, you must then open yourself up to some interpretation. The four Gospels were written two generations after the crucifixion. They don't all square with each other. The film has to be put in an historical context. There were many fighting for the heart and soul and land of Judea. Jesus was a pacifist, Barrabas was a militant. The elders of the Temple weren't pleased to have someone around who was preaching what they deemed heresy. Keep in mind, the Church used to burn heretics at the stake, so the early Church was no bastion of virtue. It was a bloody time. I saw a lot of anti-semitism in the film and those who missed it did so because they didn't want to see it. Now we have churches whose markees read "The Jews Killed Our Lord" (see LA Times). Even the Catholic Church no longer teaches that canard, if this film starts a wave of anti-semetic behavior here or in Europe, then Mr. Gibson could find himself with blood on his hands. I pray that doesn't happen, but there are those just waiting for an excuse and this film provides it.
Review of The Passion of the Christ
