MOVIE: The Passion of the Christ

Genre: Drama

Rated: R for graphic violence

Release Date: Feb 25, 2004

Running Time: 2 hr. 6 min

Plot: A film detailing the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Unlike the other movies about the story of Christ, this movie focuses only on his arrest and torture. For two hours, the viewer watches Jesus tortured and killed.

Verdict: It is intense and a very moving film. The movie can be disturbing on many levels. The violence and horror depicted are hard to stomach. It also robs the viewer a chance to create his own image of the crucifixion of Christ, making it look like a customization for the bloodthirsty audiences instead of the more passionate audiences it was intended for.  Basically, the graphic details of Jesus’ torture make the movie tough to sit through and distort whatever message it is trying to convey.

Cast: James Caviezel (Jesus Christ), Monica Bellucci (Mary Magdalene), Claudia Gerini (Claudia Procles), Maia Morgenstern (Mary), Rosalinda Celentano (Satan)

Directed By: Mel Gibson

Written By: Mel Gibson, Benedict Fitzgerald
Distributor: Newmarket Film Group

Ends