David Groenenboom. Trowel and Sword, March 2004.
Preamble: Many movies have been made based on the Bible, a large number of them about the life (and death), of Jesus. Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” is one that has stirred up much debate, and often criticism in many quarters so we considered it appropriate that we revisit David Groenenboom’s review in Trowel and Sword in the week before Easter. The movie itself pulls no punches and neither does David in his review. Read on….
The Passion of the Christ. Icon Film Distribution (2003). Starring: James Caviezel, Maia Morgebstern and Monica Bellucci. Director: Mel Gibson.
The publicity surrounding Mel Gibson’s film has almost made it one of the most anticipated movies of all time. There are Web sites in the states which for the last few months have recorded the level of interest county by county. The film has also had its challenges: critics thought the sub titles would be a turn off, and that the film may give rise to anti-Semitic feelings.
The Passion avoids the Hollywood sentimentalism some may have expected. I was surprised – pleasantly – that the film doesn’t play on the emotions or sensationalise the message. None of the actors will be known to many, but all fill their roles with realism and maturity. Jim Caviezel’s portrayal of Jesus struck me as sensitive, moving, and above all, God honouring.
The Passion brings us face to face with the sheer ugliness of human sin, and the overwhelming hatred of humanity toward the gracious and loving God who sent His dear Son to rescue them. The violence is raw, undiluted, and generally accurate to history. Gibson has presented us with a passion account which he himself describes as “very real, and as close as possible to what I perceive the truth to be”. I tend to agree with his assessment. Crucifixion is an abhorrent and heinous form of punishment. And this is exactly what Jesus became to absorb the fullness of God’s wrath for His people.
The film also offers some unique perspectives from ‘redemptive historical’ angle. The “Satan figure” is more visible in The Passion than what we read in the Gospels. This helps the viewer realise that temptation for Jesus was an ever present reality. The Passion’s treatment of Gethsemane and the journey to Golgotha certainly have OT dimensions rarely imagined by those in our society. Further, hearing the Aramaic and Hebrew dialogue also brings (a) few educational moments – Jesus’ discussion with Judas in Gethsemane is just one example.
The film presents excellent opportunities for sharing the Gospel with others. The opening slide is straight from Is 53: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities… This sets the whole film in context: This is what the Son of God undertook because of human rebellion and rejection of God.
The Passion of the Christ is a deeply moving exposition of the immediate lead up to Jesus’ crucifixion. Every viewer observes the wonderfully non-sensational resurrection. The avenues for witness and impact on our community are boundless. Do commend the film? Absolutely. But more than commend, I thank God for it. believe it will be powerful tool for proclaiming the Gospel.
It would be wise to access some of the excellent small group material that will be released in the next few months. Anyone who sees the film will need to talk about it with others. This will especially be the case for spiritual seekers and others who have no faith relationship with Jesus Christ. It is perhaps the greatest evangelistic opportunity we have seen for centuries. Churches can make group bookings by registering at http://www.iconmovies.com.au / passion/bookings/bookingsform.pdf. I have heard of churches who have already booked entire cinemas for group bookings. In some cases this allows review and question time after the screening.
In closing, let me answer a few questions:
1. The film is not anti Semitic. The film quite accurately portrays the human rejection of Christ, implicating Jews, Romans, and the whole crowd. One could just as easily call The Passion “anti roman empire”. Interestingly, Jesus is called “Jew” with the same contempt shown to Jews in Schindler’s List and The Pianist.
2. Parents should carefully consider whether they allow young children to view the movie. No one should be protected from the realities of the Gospel, but the violence is graphic. It is expected the film will be given an MA rating.
3. The sub titles are no barrier.
4. Every mature person should see this film. You won’t be the same afterwards.
Rider
T&S Movie Review Policy: 1. Discernment is exercised in what is previewed – reviewers do not view just anything. 2. We do not set out to provide a censorship service. 3, Realising that most movies will have been seen by many before the review is printed, we aim to get readers to at least reflect on what they have seen from Reformed viewpoint. We seek to advise those intending to view a movie (even on video) as to what they can expect to see, raising the various issues encountered in the movie.
T&S Revisited 