 EXPLORE "THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST" (click here for further resources) |
Even before the final script was approved, some groups – who'd never actually seen the film -- were expressing concern over its portrayal of Jews, and there were Christians concerned about the biblical accuracy of a Hollywood film. I believe these fears are unfounded, and you will want to see this movie. Here are four reasons why: First, this movie is a magnificent work of art; it may very well be Gibson's masterpiece. From the opening frames, you can see that Gibson has taken great care to craft a movie with historical detail and authentic artistry. It's an intimate and personal film that keeps you close to the story. In other words, this isn't a film full of panoramic Cecil B. De Mille crowd scenes. This is a film that gets in your face, or rather, puts you into the face of Jesus as He wrestles with -- but then submits to -- the final steps of His mission on earth. "Passion" is not your average, sometimes cheesy, Bible movie with stilted, King James dialogue between beautiful people following a Mr. Rogers-mystical Jesus. This Jesus is real with sweat and calloused hands, and blood and bruises from the beatings. The entire film is spoken in Aramaic and Latin (with subtitles), giving you a chance to hear familiar conversations in the language in which they were originally spoken. You cannot be emotionally passive while watching this film; it grabs you by the gut from the very first image and does not let you go even after the credits roll (and so note, the movie is too intense for anyone under 13, and for that reason it is appropriately rated 'R'). Second, this movie will be a cultural event that will have everyone talking – similar to what happened when the mini-series ROOTS was first broadcast or when PBS aired Ken Burn's documentary on the Civil War. This movie will dominate discussions at work, in restaurants, and at church. Your neighbors will be asking about it, and your kids will be wondering about it.
Fourth, this movie powerfully tells the story of the defining moment in world history. In the Western world, we've dated everything according to these last few hours of Christ's life. We time the sequence of history with BC and AD, recognizing that the death of Christ forged a permanent line through the days of Man. Even if you choose not to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you cannot deny that His life was the most significant one in human history. Why would you want to miss a film that shows you why He is considered so significant? When you have some questions, call us. We have answers. Better yet, join us this Sunday at 11:00 a.m., and meet some of the cast.
Gord Evans,
Pastor Kenneth R. Burton
|
