Tidbit #28: The Passion, As I See It
Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>
Dear Hope Chest readers,
Thad and I went to see The Passion movie with friends last night. To be honest, I wouldnt have gone if they didn't want to go. I had seen countless opinion pieces written about it, enough to slake my curiosity. Im not big on watching graphic violence either, so I entered the theater with some trepidation. Now, here I am, glad that I saw it, and writing my own opinion piece.
Yes, it was bloody -- virtually blood soaked -- from start to finish. The flogging scenes were anything but perfunctory, perhaps to pound in the message that Christs suffering was long and torturous. I flinched and had to close my eyes several times just for a moment, but I didnt cry as I had expected I would. Mercifully, the intense scenes were interspersed with refreshing flashbacks to Jesus quietly teaching and serving in the fullness of his earthly life. For example, as he is looking at the blood spattered feet of the sadistic soldier who is whipping him, he remembers washing the feet of his own disciples just the night before. As his body is broken and blood poured out, we relive the Last Supper, where he lovingly predicts his death as he breaks the bread and pours the wine. Juxtaposed with the scenes of brutality hatefully inflicted on him, we see him teaching about forgiving our enemies.
Of course, the best thing about The Passion movie is the message of our Savior's willingness to endure such suffering for the sins of the world. Beyond that, it is obvious that the team of screenwriters, actors, crew and producers invested an extraordinary amount of creativity, planning, and passion into this movie. The cinematography, authentic set and clothing, special effects, Scriptural symbolism, Aramaic and Latin dialogue (subtitled in English), facial expressions and gestures of the characters -- all weave together superbly to make the timeless story come alive.
One incidence of profound visual imagery stands out in my mind. A storm brews as Jesus hangs on the cross. Suddenly, we are looking down from the clouds as a single raindrop, symbolizing Gods tears, cascades to the ground and sets off the massive earthquake.
The main women in the movie -- Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Pilates wife -- all emanate the kind of unearthly inner beauty which springs only from a pure and reverent spirit. They help us value the blood of the holy Messiah as something precious and redemptive. By contrast, other characters are suffused with an innate wickedness which can only be demonic in nature. This evil is underscored by the frequent appearance of a satanic figure (not red with horns!) who appears often to mock Jesus. Other characters, far from being static, waver along the good vs. evil spectrum as they make their own choices.
The Passion is inspirational, historically educational and artistic. As such, I recommend it highly for adults and mature teenagers. However, this is not a movie for children! Its R rating is for a reason, namely the intense violence. Most children won't "get" most of the symbolism either.
Do I have any criticisms about The Passion? Only one! Like many others, I would prefer more emphasis on the resurrection, since the scene depicting this is brief and incomplete. I think, however, that the producers wanted to focus more on the sacrifice, and I can understand that. Mel Gibson did this movie for us from his heart, so we could clearly see that Jesus did the real thing for us with all his heart. All through the movie, I was reminded that he did this for me! My sins put him on that cross. He did this not because I was worthy, but because I was unworthy and unable to help myself. For that mercy I am eternally grateful.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
~~~
The Hope Chest is a free email newsletter with encouragement and practical teaching tips. The writer is Virginia Knowles, wife of Thad, mother of nine children, and author of Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5th Grade, and The Real Life Home School Mom.
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