Review of The Passion of the Christ (2004) by Max W — 24 Jun 2013

Jim Caviezel is a devout Catholic. Knowing that, and understanding that he knew that taking this role might hurt his career (which it certainly has), his inspired performance as Jesus becomes my favorite part of The Passion of the Christ. He deserved an Academy Award nomination in my opinion. I also enjoyed the casting choice for Satan, and how the entire film is not in English.

I agree that the violence is too much, although the Bible is extremely violent. The Bible says that Jesus received 39 lashes during his flogging. I am pretty sure they gave him more than that in this movie. So, I did not like that part. I usually fast forward this when I watch it.

There is a great contrast between Jesus' torture and the flashbacks of Jesus living and teaching; brutality versus meekness. I think Mel Gibson was going for that. Gibson, as a literalist Catholic, has probably focused during most of his religious life on Jesus' torture and suffering during the Crucifixion. I can see why this was the story he told on film. It is a true cinematic achievement.