A Calvin Theological Seminary Publication by Students & Alumni
The Passion of The Christ (2004): A movie review

The Passion of The Christ (2004): A movie review

Over the Easter holiday, I hope to revisit this movie, The Passion of the Christ, a movie done by Mel Gibson as producer, director, and co-writer. A movie that was steeped in controversy and yet still seemed to be one of the top-grossing rated R movies of all time. The movie had a lot of evangelical support,  including from the national association of evangelicals, Joel Olsteen, and Harvest Christian Fellowship. And was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning the people’s choice award for favorite motion picture drama. There were no A-list  Hollywood stars in this movie, and you can imagine there was controversy around this film, yet it ended up being in my personal opinion, one of the best Christian movies of all time. I strongly urge you to watch this movie if you haven’t already. It is not for the weak of heart, but if you want to see how Jesus died for you in a really visual way, I urge you to watch it.

I had never seen it before, but I had the desire to watch the movie, and after a few failed attempts to find it free on YouTube, I ended up ordering it from Amazon. Yet, the movie sat on my bookshelf with my Bibles and Christian books for many months. My eyes would occasionally catch it, and that inner voice would nudge me to watch; eventually, one night, I gave in.

And I cried multiple times, felt physically ill, and had to frequently pause the film to reflect on what I was seeing and how it was affecting me emotionally and physically. The reason I am writing a review/ blog about it right now is obviously that it’s Easter time and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are on my mind and heart. And I also believe that we sometimes minimize what really happened to him, and we can all benefit from viewing this film to obtain a visual and dramatic depiction of his death.

We think about the good things he did, the people he met and helped, his relationship with the father, his disciples, and all he met. We think of the parables and the stories and the lessons he taught each of us and still does. We consider Jesus to be compassionate, empathetic, intelligent, and all things we desire to be. Yet, we forget that prior to his baptism, he was the Son of Man and was subject to the same limitations as we are. It was not until he was baptized that the spirit was with him as his comforter, but even in the midst of knowing the truth about his father in heaven, he still endured the trials and tribulations of this planet we live on. He still felt all the emotions we do, and I am sure the pain he felt on the cross was excruciating. I don’t think we can actually fathom this, and this movie does give you a real sense of being there with him at this time in our history.

We overlook the fact that the very people he eventually came to love and save were the ones who despised, hunted, and hated him. The amount of evil and hatred that has existed and continues to exist in the world is well captured in this film. How the fall and the sin of mankind can really impact each of us if we do not have Christ as our savior. This film’s depiction of Christ’s crucifixion on the cross is so symbolic that you cannot look away even as your heart breaks over the injustice committed.

As Christians, we celebrate Easter, as we should; however, I feel that the sacrifice is occasionally overshadowed by the elements of salvation and resurrection. We are so filled with joy, peace, and love for Jesus and our heavenly father that we often forget the lament that preceded it.

His own disciple is denied as he cowers in fear of meeting the same fate as someone he cares about. Judah’s betrayal to gain money and protect himself, abandoning his dependable friend. Well, Christ was fully aware that we, the people he came to save from evils, would not only turn them against him but would also shamefully turn his death into a futile tragedy involving chocolate and bunnies. 

This movie will help you remember the true sacrifice and the true meaning behind his life and death, and it will give you a real sense of exactly what Christ did for you. I sincerely hope you have the opportunity to see the film, and if you can, do so over the Easter holiday. It will help you understand people and things outside of yourself.

My Christian friend feels similarly about this film as others may feel about the television series The Chosen, and I concur. Both are remarkable depictions of the life of Christ, but this film, despite the blood, gore, and abuse, provides a deeper understanding of the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The resurrection has spared all our lives from living eternally with the guilt of the sin and fall of our own kind.

I did not want to reveal too much about the plot of this film in this brief review, only enough to hopefully pique your interest in watching it. I believe it is something you must personally experience if the Holy Spirit guides you there. Observe it, then! I am certain it altered my perception of Jesus and made him and his sacrifice more tangible to me. 

People learn in a variety of ways; some prefer the visual, auditory, sensorial, or reading ways, while others must read the words in order to make the connection. Personally, I believe that God speaks to me in each of these ways, and I urge you all to find non-traditional ways to spend Easter weekend with Jesus. Maybe go for a walk, listen to some new worship songs you haven’t heard before, watch this or another film about the life of Christ, or look beyond the typical Easter passages of John and search for the significance of the crucifixion not only to your own heart but also to the hearts of the worlds. Jesus died for us not only to save us from the sins of the world but also to create disciples who would spread the gospel. Easter is approaching, so perhaps it is time to find new ways to honor him in this manner.

Since then, I’ve learned that a follow-up to The Passion of the Christ, titled The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, will be released in 2024 and will star Jim Caviezel and other cast members from the first movie. The three days immediately following Christ’s crucifixion and preceding Easter Sunday will be the main subject of the new movie. I haven’t heard of any controversy surrounding the sequel’s production, and I’m looking forward to watching it and hopefully reviewing it with you all next year.  

-Amanda Mason

61,883 Comments

  1. Can I just say what a aid to search out someone who actually is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know tips on how to deliver a difficulty to gentle and make it important. Extra folks have to read this and understand this facet of the story. I cant consider youre no more well-liked because you positively have the gift.

  2. I do trust all of the ideas you’ve presented to your post. They’re very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for newbies. May you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

  3. I’ve been browsing online greater than 3 hours today, but I never found any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely value enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content material as you did, the net can be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  4. Can I simply say what a relief to seek out someone who actually is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know methods to bring an issue to gentle and make it important. More individuals must learn this and perceive this side of the story. I cant consider youre no more in style since you definitely have the gift.

  5. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

  6. Simply desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

  7. I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  8. Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

  9. Good ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

  10. Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and web and this is really frustrating. A good web site with exciting content, that’s what I need. Thank you for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.

  11. I am really inspired along with your writing talents and also with the layout for your weblog. Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s rare to look a great weblog like this one today..

  12. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a perfect site.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *