Mel Gibson’s 2004 religious film The Passion of the Christ resonated with audiences and earned him huge box office dollars. A sequel to this biblical epic is in the works with actor Jim Caviezel reprising his role as Jesus.
The movie focuses on the last 12 hours of Christ’s life. It draws from Gospel accounts and Catholic sources such as the diaries of Saint Anne Catherine Emmerich.
The Last Twelve Hours
Mel Gibson’s movie brought Jesus to life like never before. From his emotional turmoil in the Garden of Gethsemane to his last moments of crucifixion. No believer has ever seen Christ’s torture depicted this accurately.
The film also depicts the legal trials of Jesus that led up to His crucifixion. It is based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
During the trial Jesus is beaten, and He is questioned by the Sanhedrin (Jewish supreme court). Then they decide to condemn Him to death. Then they send Him to Pilate. They ask him to choose between Barabbas and Jesus. But Pilate tells them that he will not release Jesus, and that the people demand it. This is the point where the film really takes off.
The Crucifixion
As the story of Christ’s crucifixion unfolds, viewers will find themselves sucked in by the film’s graphic depictions of prolonged torture. Unlike other films that merely exploit Jesus’s death on the cross The Passion of the Christ actually makes you feel His pain.
Gibson opted to use a small cast rather than celebrity actors in the main roles, which aided in establishing a sense of authenticity. He also had the film shot in Italy to further establish realism.
Viewers will wince as a Roman soldier thrusts a spear into Jesus’ side (blood and water erupt) and as He is scourged with flagellum, a whip that rips the flesh from His body. A sa he is dragged to his death, his eyes closed and his feet unsupported by a suppedaneum, a cross bar, His skin turns a sickening shade of purple. The movie ends with Joseph of Arimathea removing His body and burying it in a rock-hewn tomb.
The Resurrection
While the film does not develop Christ’s teachings or deep characters and is a bit overshadowed by its brutal depiction of his physical suffering, it does make an important statement. The Resurrection was a central point for the Gospel writers and it is clearly a major theme of this movie.
The scene in the garden with Mary crying over Jesus’ grave emphasizes how deeply she loved him and her reaction to his suffering is very moving. She stays with him till the end, a very courageous act of loyalty.
The crucifixion scene is also very powerful as the film focuses on the horror of what Jesus endured, a horrific event that is still seen by many as one of the most shameful and cruel events in history. The film draws upon Catholic writings such as St. Mary of Agreda’s The Mystical City of God, which may explain some of its extra-biblical elements. When a faithless thief crucified alongside Jesus callously challenges the Lord to save him, a raven flies down and pecks his eye out, a visual allusion to Genesis 3:15. This is one of only a few instances in which a non-canonical work is referenced in the Passion narrative.
The Afterlife
In the climactic scene of the Passion – or “Arma Christi,” as they are called in Germany — Jesus dies. He suffers physically from his wounds and spiritually from the mockery and crucifixion. He is stabbed, pierced by nails and spears, hung from the cross, and then stripped of his clothing. His body is then entombed in the tomb.
Gibson was inspired by a combination of sources, including the diaries of St. Anne Catherine Emmerich and the Bible. But he was clear that the film would depart from traditional biblical story lines.
The Passion of the Christ is a disturbing and powerful movie that should not be taken lightly or watched by families without serious spiritual and emotional preparation. It doesn’t glamorize brutality or maliciousness like some films, but rather presents a truthful portrait of the most horrific events in the history of humanity. It is a film that challenges anyone to make a decision about their own beliefs and how they will live their lives.