Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" will be released on Wednesday Feb. 25th.
Are any of you planning on seeing this when it's released?
I for one will go see it.
I am intrigued by all the hoopla surrounding it and being a believer in God & Christ is only more reason to see it if not the main reason to see it.
Mel Gibson wasn't too historically accurate in "Braveheart" but I have a feeling that he will be here.
Suprisingly, James Caviezel who played Edmond Dantes in "The Count of Monte Cristo" is playing the role of Jesus.
The trailer is up on the official website if you haven't seen it yet.
Go here to view it:
http://homepage.mac.com/mapresents/cc.htm
You going to go see it and if so, do you think it will be good?
Why do you want to see it?
Post Edited (02-10-04 04:52)
I wouldn't miss it.
At first, it seemed kinda overly-dramatic and silly (c'mon, The Passion of The Christ? even the title is over the top), and the hype surrounding it was something like "Mel Gibson put up 25 mil of his own money to have total creative control so look out, here comes Ed Wood's Jesus movie."
But I've seen four or five quotes since saying it's not just a movie, it's an experience and that everyone should go see it because it rules. Of course, these are all from clergymen who've previewed it, so the views could be a little biased. Then again, clergymen wouldn't like something that made their whole basis for being seem goofy.
So, yes, I'll go see it. I'm not skeptical anymore, I'm curious. I'll give Mel the benefit of the doubt and assume it's good until I see it, though.
Brother R
Let me clarify my earlier comment. "I wouldn't miss it . . . but if MAD MAX shows up and starts blowing away the Roman soldiers, I'm walking out."
In an opposite viewpoint:
If MAD MAX shows up, I'm totally there.
I probably will see it.The subject of Jesus has always facinated me and I would like to see how he is portrayed in the movie.
My only problem is that I hope I can avoid the Bible thumpers. Im sure I'll end up starting s**t if they start preaching to me.
kids kids, you cand have both :D
Not interested.
I know the story already. Of course I knew LOTR already too and was first in line to see those movies. For some reason, although I am religious, movies based on the Bible have no attraction for me whatsoever. It's not that I think they trivialize the subject or that other peoples' interpretation of scripture don't interest me... Maybe it's the fact that Bible stories aren't really plot or character driven so much as they are a way to communicate a set of beliefs and values. In short, as important as they are to me personally, I don't find Bible stories to be all that entertaining. Whatever the reason, I missed the Ten Commandments, I missed The Last Temptation of Christ, and I'm gonna miss this. I'm also going to continue to pay zero attention to the controversy surrounding the movie.
Do I think it will be good? I think that's up to James Caviezel - it'll all hinge on his performance. He seems to me like a capable actor, so it'll probably be okay.
I think it's either going to be a major bomb or it's going to be one of the greatest religious movies ever made. I've heard this is as bloody as the real thing probably was [I've read medical articles about what it was like to be crucified and if this is even one half as brutal as those articles made it sound I think it's really going to be something.]
I think the movie will make a ton of money but probably won't get much critical acclaim due to critics being skittish about praising a movie that quite a few people in the movie business are predisposed to hate.
Plan to see THE PASSION the first week when everyone can go. Sounds interesting so far. One of my favorite films is THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. There was a version of the story of Jesus that use to play in my home town in the 70's and it wasn't the classics from the time, but I think an older version that was slow with narration, but entirely captivating as I watched it every Easter Sunday morning for many years. Wish I could see this powerful version again or at least know the title. Anyone know?
JESUS OF NAZARETH, maybe?
It's not LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, JESUS OF NAZARETH, nor KING OF KINGS. Never knew the title, but remember it well.
>There was a version of the story of Jesus that use to play in my home town in the
>70's and it wasn't the classics from the time, but I think an older version that was
>slow with narration, but entirely captivating as I watched it every Easter Sunday
>morning for many years. Wish I could see this powerful version again or at least
>know the title.
Is that the one with a fairly graphic (for the time) stoning scene? I seem to recall watching one many years ago with a fairly bloody depiction of a stoning.
I'm currently trying to talk my wife into seeing The Passion. One of my local theaters is already selling tickets for it's opening night.
I'm curious to see it after all of the controversy surrounding it. I only wish that Mel would have left out the subtitles.
I haven't decided yet about "The Passion."
I'm not trying to start another religious "discussion" (fight, flamewar, screaming match, whichever), and Scott is entitled to enjoy whatever movies he wants. That being said, I have to chime in here that "The Last Temptation of Christ" was about as biblically accurate as "The Life of Brian." It was about a guy who happened to be named Jesus. Any resemblance to the biblical Jesus ends there. I watched the movie to see what all the controversy was about and found it to be terribly boring. The inaccuracies were so great that the content wasn't offensive to me; it was just boring. If the movie hadn't been vilified before it was released, I'm convinced it would have immediately faded into obscurity as a huge box office bomb. I guess I'm probably something of a Bible thumper, but I'm also an English teacher, and I appreciate any story that is well done. To me, "Last Temptation" was neither well done nor thought provoking. From my Christian perspective, it wasn't offensive because it was so far off the mark that I couldn't even consider it a story about the biblical Jesus.
As for "The Passion," it sounds promising, but I guess I'll have to see it to judge the accuracy/spirit in which it was made.
wyckednick wrote:
> My only problem is that I hope I can avoid the Bible thumpers.
> Im sure I'll end up starting s**t if they start preaching to
> me.
I'm more concerned that it will be the kind of movie that attracts old people. I generally love old people, but for a generation raised on good manners, they can be the most talkative and inconsiderate moviegoers around. Worse than kids. I actually snapped at a group of them in Cold Mountain when they started to laugh and talk loudly amongst themselves and just wouldn't stop. Apparently, they just realized they'd bought tickets to the wrong movie, and thought it was not only funny as hell, but worthy of five minutes of conversation right behind us.
When my wife and I see The Passion, it will be the latest showing we can find, after all the senior citizens have gone to bed.
As to whether it's any good, I'm optimistic. I used to love the old Bible epics as a kid, and I'm hoping this might be as entertaining. I'll leave the academic assessment to my wife, since she's the one with the divinity degree.
Post Edited (02-10-04 14:10)
I am not particularly religious, but I am a fan of religious movies. My DVD collection includes:
* THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD
* THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
* JESUS OF NAZARETH
* KING OF KINGS
* GODSPELL
* BEN-HUR (not a completely religious movie, but it still fits this category)
* SPARTACUS (ditto)
I enjoy them all immensely. Also on my "to buy" list is THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. I'm sure I'll buy Mel Gibson's movie when it comes out.
I am rather curious about this movie, so I probably will see it. From what I hear the movie is very graphic about the way it depicts the crucifixion.
I have a special $7.50 sitting on my desk for a ticket. I do have my doubts on the film, but that still doesn't stop me from giving it at least one viewing and to see if it's worthwhile.
Maybe I'll post up a review of it as well, that is if I have the time from both my job and college assignments to do. Maybe, but not too sure.
Me, probably. If for no other reason, then to see what all the fuss is about, and because I like to watch historical films.
As for its historical accuracy, there is a cover article on it, either in this week's "Newsweek" or "Time," I'm sorry I can't remember which one. And the article points out a number of historical inaccuracies in the film. Most notablely, the film plays down Pontius Pilate's role in the crucifixation. Of course, this is a film from the same man who did "Braveheart," which at least one Scottish author called "Rubbish!"
As for myself, if one wants a critically acclaimed film about Jesus, then check out "The Gospel According to St. Matthew," which I first saw in college, and for some reason has yet to be mentioned on this thread. On the other hand, I like "The Greatest Story Ever Told," if for no other reason, then I like to find all the famous actors who appear in it.
Just a useless bit of movie trivia, but The Greatest Story Ever Told is the movie that first gave us Telly Savalas' trademark bald head. Apparently, someone thought a shaved head would suit Pilate. And the rest is history.
I don't know why I remember goofy movie facts like this. I imagine it's a curse many of us share.
BoyScoutKevin wrote:
> As for myself, if one wants a critically acclaimed film about
> Jesus, then check out "The Gospel According to St. Matthew,"
> which I first saw in college, and for some reason has yet to be
> mentioned on this thread.
Forgive my movie ignorance, but I have never heard of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. Is this availbale on video or DVD? If so, then I have to see this one.
> As for its historical accuracy, there is a cover article on
> it, either in this week's "Newsweek" or "Time," I'm sorry I
> can't remember which one. And the article points out a number
> of historical inaccuracies in the film. Most notablely, the
> film plays down Pontius Pilate's role in the crucifixation. Of
> course, this is a film from the same man who did "Braveheart,"
> which at least one Scottish author called "Rubbish!"
And I certainly would applaud that Scottish author for that comment. Even so, I don't think I'll see THE PASSION OF CHRIST for it's historical accuracy due to my limited religious knowledge; I'll see it for the film aesthetics issue. It's somewhat easy to do research and find out the horrible blunders in BRAVEHEART and THE PATRIOT, but when it comes to religion and it's vast aray of enormous history it's a bit more difficult than one would imagine. That and it's also a very touchy issue, so if I do review the film here after seeing it, the review will pretty much go over the film aestheics.
One thing, I do wish Gibson would put friggin' English Subtitles on the release prints because we all don't undestand Aramic language. Of course, some would say that the film focuses telling the story in a visual sense, but if their is some dialouge then I would at least like to undertsand it.
My mind is clearer now.
At last all too well
I can see where we all soon will be.
If you strip away The myth from the man,
You will see where we all soon will be. Jesus!
You've started to believe
The things they say of you.
You really do believe
This talk of God is true.
And all the good you've done
Will soon get swept away.
You've begun to matter more
Than the things you say.
Listen Jesus I don't like what I see.
All I ask is that you listen to me.
And remember, I've been your right hand man all along.
You have set them all on fire.
They think they've found the new Messiah.
And they'll hurt you when they find they're wrong.
I remember when this whole thing began.
No talk of God then, we called you a man.
And believe me, my admiration for you hasn't died.
But every word you say today
Gets twisted 'round some other way.
And they'll hurt you if they think you've lied.
Nazareth, your famous son should have stayed a great unknown
Like his father carving wood He'd have made good.
Tables, chairs, and oaken chests would have suited Jesus best.
He'd have caused nobody harm; no one alarm.
Listen, Jesus, do you care for your race?
Don't you see we must keep in our place?
We are occupied; have you forgotten how put down we are?
I am frightened by the crowd.
For we are getting much too loud.
And they'll crush us if we go too far.
If they go too far....
Listen, Jesus, to the warning I give.
Please remember that I want us to live.
But it's sad to see our chances weakening with every hour.
All your followers are blind.
Too much heaven on their minds.
It was beautiful, but now it's sour.
Yes it's all gone sour.
Listen, Jesus, to the warning I give.
Please remember that I want us to live.
C'mon, c'mon
He won't listen to me ...
C'mon, c'mon
He won't listen to me ...
Yes. Well, if you believe www.imdb.com, it is avaiable in both vhs and dvd from www.amazon.com. The Italian title of the film from 1964 is "Il Vangelo Secondo Matteo." And the director is the somewhat notorious Pier Paolo Pasolini. Whatever anyone else may think of it, my professor of religion in college was quite fond of the film.
Just to let you know, Mel Gibson's interview with Diane Sawyer will be on tonight 2-16-04 on Primetime at 10pm EST.
I am very interested to hear his point of view on his reasons for making this movie.
Go here for more:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/Primetime/Entertainment/mel_gibson_passion_040216-1.html
Post Edited (02-16-04 01:48)
This has been a major topic at my church as of late(at many churches I'm sure). Infact Dr. Kelly(a very cool guy) made a big speach about it this morning. It was very inspiring.
I'm going to. As I said right from the start, this one is going to be either a masterpiece or a jabootu worthy movie. I don't care about the rumors on the movie being anti-semitic. The Bible (IMHO, I don't want to start a flame war) is anti-semitic as well, so clearly any too faithful adaptation of it has very strong possibilities of being controversial or non PC.
Last night after returning home from work, I was able to listen on on Matt Drudge's late-night radio program and hear what else he had to say about Mel's film. Now as much as I really dispise Drudge (and you might be wondering why did I listen to his show: simple, I just had to hear what the idiot had to say), he seems to be having a hard time showing his interest in the film. Drudge has been quoted as being supportive of the film, but he mentioned last night that he saw a special screening of the Diane Sawyer interview of Mel Gibson and that Mel revealed to her that he was quite depressed within the recent 13 years of his life and was close to commiting suicide, as well as during the filming of his film Mel was a witness to various "miracles" being performed on set, Christ "making him" direct the film, all the while Drudge ending it with "It's just a movie, Mel". Of course, I do find all this hard to believe. I may have said Mel was nieve and with very little common sense, but he does come across as an advertising genius when he uses these claims.
I just don't know. All I know is, I am prepped to see this interview and see if any issues are going to be discussed. And then, we can all formulate an opinion on the subject.
On the news section of the imdb.com, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST will open on Feburary 25th on 2000 screens, the largest for an independently produced/distributed film. And yet, most of the screening areas will be around, and I quote, "Bible Belt and in black and poor areas of major cities", as well as not include areas that are considered "Jewish, upscale, or liberal."
In Manhattan, THE PASSION OF CHRIST will play in one theatre in Times Square, but will not be screened in theatrical areas from 42nd Street to 96th Street on the West Side, while only two theatres in the "fringe areas" of the East Side will play the film. As for Chicago, it will play in only two theatres. So no matter how many prints are made from the contact printer, some of them might not make it in some theatrical areas. So check your local theatre and see if it's playing in your area!
I'll be p**sed if it doesn't play here.
I'll fall on my knees, throw my hands up & yell at the sky, "JESUS & MEL, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME!?"
Hehe!
Post Edited (02-16-04 16:21)
I might watch it in when released on video or dvd not to crazy about using 8 bucks I something I could just read about.
Unlikely I'll be seeing this one. I'm not religious. I don't believe in God. I'm tired of hearing about both. I'm sick of all the proselytizing I have to contend with in the office and at home, so I'm not particularly eager to pay eight bucks for it at the movies, or even the matinee price. James Cavaziel is talented, and I'm sure he'll do fine. Monica Belluci is fantastic, and I'm sure she will be here. But it isn't my bag, and I doubt it ever will be.
I'm definitely going to see it, even though I am not a believer. But, the story of Christ does interest me.