The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Genre

Drama

Director

Mel Gibson

Country

USA

Cast

Jim Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Monica Bellucci, Hristo Zhivkov, Francesco De Vito, Luca Lionello, Hristo Shopov, Rosalinda Celentano, Claudia Gerini, Fabio Sartor, Luca De Dominicis, Mattia Sbragia, Chokri Ben Zagden, Toni Bertorelli, Jarreth Merz, Sergio Rubini, Francesco Cabras, Giovanni Capalbo, Roberto Bestazoni, Sabrina Impacciatore, Pietro Sarubbi, Matt Patresi, Emilio De Marchi, Roberto Visconti, Lello Giulivo

Plot

The film is a depiction of the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth (Jim Caviezel), which opens with his betrayal by Judas (Luca Lionello), followed by his condemnation by the Pharisees and his appearance before Pontius Pilate (Hristo Shopov).

Opinion

Director Mel Gibson said, "This is a movie about love, hope, faith and forgiveness." I'd rather say The Passion of the Christ is an extremely violent, sadistic and bloody film, with graphic details of Jesus' torture, which obscures whatever message the film is trying to deliver. Furthermore, if I were a Christian, I'd feel offended - wounded maybe - by such a superficial transposition, and historical and biblical inaccuracy.

Are the Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew languages supposed to make the viewer feel closer to Christ? Because it didn't really work for me.

Director of photography Caleb Deschanel did a good job, the cinematography is wonderful indeed, but the Italian city of Matera - because the film wasn't even shoot in Jerusalem - did most of the work.

Now comes the best part of the film: the acting. Jim Caviezel's performance is powerful as Jesus, Maia Morgenstern is great as Mary, and Hristo Shopov is fantastic as Pontius Pilate.

Quotes

Jesus: Forgive them, Father. They know not what they do.

Rating

4.0/10