Who will see "The Passion of the Christ"?

[Strapping Buck]

I think I'm going to go see it. Just want to see for myself what all the hullabaloo is about. I remember seeing The Last Temptation of Christ during all of its controversy, and the movie turned out, at least IMHO, to not live up to all of its billing.

Anyone else gonna see The Passion?

Why or why not?

[Redbear]

1. I plan to see it.

I enjoy seeing different takes on the story.

[stopbush]

53. I was planning on seeing it,

but when I heard that Gibson cut the big 12-minute Mel Brooks-directed dance sequence from the middle of the movie, I realized that it had lost all semblance of historical veracity. Oy! :)

[ElsewheresDaughter]

2. me

[jean]

3. I'll wait til it goes to rental - Gibson has been way too irritating

[bif]

4. Not me

Mel Gibson's Ultra rght wing Catholic beliefs totally turn me off.

[Strapping Buck]

8. Not necessarily defending Mel here, but...

we have to remember that the beliefs Gibson espouses as an orthodox Catholic go back way before our understanding of "left" and "right".

[KC21304]

12. But not back far enough. They have nothing to do with what Jesus taught.

Most of what he believes in was made up by men in the 11th century and there abouts. Someone here called him an Austrailian Taliban and that seems about right to me. He thinks his own wife is going to go to hell because she isn't Catholic. I am a Catholic by the way.

But unlike Mel, I am tolerant of others and whoever wishes should go for it. I just don't like some in my church trying to shove it down my throat.

[Strapping Buck]

20. Do you have a source for this?

Have you read the Church Fathers from the 1st and 2nd centuries? You can find reference sets of their writings at any decent library. Justin Martry, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp, and many others. Some of these early Christians were converted by the apostles themselves. The things that Gibson believes-- at least what I have heard him espouse publicly-- are to be found in their writings.

[Djinn]

86. Nope

not for any big moral reason just that for $25 (plus a few thousand if you get popcorn and a drink) I can see any number of interesting movies currently playing...and as people have posted before given this is a story we all know the ending to why bother

And just on a jingoistic note PLEASE stop calling Mel Australian - he was born in the US to American parents he spent a bit of his childhood/teenage years here and then went back to US to work. WE DIDNT PRODUCE him - I'd be willing to put money on Australia having the one of the least religiously engaged populations of the world and certainly doesn't breed too many fundies.

[JNelson6563]

5. I know the story

This movie looks to be more the fare of fanatics than casual observers IMO. How many ways can you tell a story? *yawn*

Just another blood-n-guts display by Gibson the Lunatic.

Julie

[ArkDem]

24. You are absolutely right. This story has bored people

around the world for centuries.

[bleedingheart]

26. any movie I know the ending of is a boring movie

[Nadienne]

6. I plan on seeing it

Mostly to see what the fuss is about. Plus, I'm curious about what kind of political spin was put (or not put) on the story. In my opinion, Bible-thumpers resemble Christ's killers. They seem so triumphant about this movie... I would love to see them hate it. :)

[Mistress Quickly]

7. I am

it looks like a good movie.

[Elidor]

9. It sounds like Braveheart without the kilts

The only surprise is that the megalomaniacal Gibson didn't take the starring role as Martin Riggs-cum-Jesus.

I really love Tbogg's snarky names for this movie: Lethal Jesus: Too Fast, Too Furious and Crouching Jesus, Hidden Agenda.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

40. Hope to God it's more accurate (and bearable) than The Patriot

I may give at a miss, purely on account of Gibson's dubious abilities as a director.

[Djinn]

88. good point

some people would mention that he's waaay to old to play Jesus but he was also way to play William Wallace who only 35 when he was killed and much younger when romping about stirling

[sushi]

10. I plan to go see it

because it's not the kind of movie I'd miss. Besides, everybody will be talking about it and if I don't go see it I can't join the conversation and arguments. I read the Pope likes it. "It is as it was," he said.

[supernova]

15. His office disputes

the "it is as it was" claim.

Besides, nobody alive can make that statement and have it be true.

[AntiCoup2K4]

62. I don't know, JP's pretty old

He and Bob Dole might have been there to watch the whole thing in person.

[sushi]

85. That's what I read too

but after that, there was another article that said that the Pope did say that.

[NoPasaran]

11. Not me

I know how it ends.

[Bridget Burke]

13. Nope.

Just not the way I want to spend my entertainment dollar.

Anyway, I read the book. Mel's no Peter Jackson.

[supernova]

14. Will probably see it

Though, I'm prepared to disagree since my theology is in no way conservative.

Remains to be seen whether Mel's version highlights an important aspect of the story that is often overlooked/ignored, or merely crucifies Him all over again. :shrug:

[StClone]

16. "Passion" for Manipulation

Gibson is a barker.

He purposely developed his "vision" with an eye towards stirring controversy. Note the "lightening strikes" to the actor James Caviezel during filming.

The selection of James Caviezel as his initials are the same as Jesus Christ (JC) and his being the same age as Christ when crucified (33).

The Controversy with the Jewish portrayal and that of Poncius Pilot are also suspect. I know that there is always controversy when the life of JC is depicted but Mel is a Right-winger that can not but help himself to force his visions on people and make a little money to boot.

[Loonman]

17. I want to see it

Looks good.

[KharmaTrain]

18. Cable...If I Stumble Into It...

This reminds me of the noise around the "Last Resurrection Of Christ", but in the other direction (I guess a sign of our times)...lots of noise prior to the release and then it quickly faded away.

[Strapping Buck]

21. Last Temptaion of Christ

n/t

[glarius]

19. Saw him with Diane Sawyer last night....he's scary...

He has the look and gestures or body movements of a zealot....There's something about him that is really scary...he's so certain he is right....

[leftchick]

28. you are right glarius.....

Struck me as a zealot also. He reminds me of chimpy* when he goes off on his "God" tangents... :scared:

[truth2power]

46. I saw that interview

with Diane Sawyer last night.

Gibson's demeanor was disturbing. He seemed so hyper and, as described by a woman interviewed after the segment, kind of "goofy". It made me really uncomfortable. I'm not sure what's going on there, but I think he's trying to work out some really disturbing personal issues.

The clips of the movie that were shown during Gibson's interview seemed gratuitously bloody and reminded me of those "Left Behind" books. Ugh!!

Also, I was disturbed by the behavior of some of the fundamentalists at that church or whatever who watched the film. Some seemed emotionally wrought to the extreme. I'm concerned that the emotional content of the film will increase the hysteria of those already on the edge, ever watchful for anyone who they deem is not showing the proper respect for "the Lord".

With all the demagoguery these days over issues such as the Ten Commandments, I can see this as a rallying point for those who already have an itch to give "libruls" what they deserve for their godless ways.

BTW, I'm not advocating censorship. I just think we should be aware.

[plurality]

22. I'm going to see it.

If anything to piss off all the people telling me not to go see it. I probably could have cared less before, but if there's one way to get me to do something it's to have the morality and thought police out there telling me it's going to warp my fragile little mind.

Plus I'm kind of interested in how the pull off an entire movie in Latin and Aramaic.

[mgc1961]

23. Not going.

Three biggest reasons are:

1) I'm not a Christian so I don't really feel a special need to go.

2) As moving as it was, I was so greatly disturbed by the violence in "Saving Private Ryan" that I can't bear to watch it again. With that in mind, I can only imagine what "The Passion" will be like.

3) I already know the end.

:-)

[Zero Gravitas]

25. Nope

I'm not a Christian and get enough Christianity stuffed down my throat as it is without volunteering for more. Plus I'm not a big fan of violence and this sounds like a very violent movie.

[leftchick]

27. Heard on NPR Mel left out some crucial words from Jesus....

As they crucified him he prayed for those who executed him. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23 v 34)

.... That is why I won't be going to see it.

[Strapping Buck]

37. That line is in the movie...

as far as I know. Will have to wait and see.

[plurality]

50. he also left out another line from the Bible...

the one where Pontius Pilot washes his hands of the matter and the mob says, "his blood is on our hands and that of our children."

So there you have an instance of him leaving a piece out to appease everyone screaming 'anti-semite', yet they do it anyway. :eyes:

[Strapping Buck]

52. Again, we should probably wait and see...

I have read that Pilate's line is definitely in there, and that Caiaphas' line about the blood is still audible, but will not appear in the English subtitles.

[plurality]

54. probably a good idea

that's why I'm going to see it for myself. People are making absolutely outrageous statements all based on what people with an agenda a saying about it. In another thread someone called it the next 'Rise of a Nation'. All without seeing it and having any clue what he's talking about. It truly saddens me to see so many people on DU that are all too willing to let others tell them their opinions.

[ikojo]

73. From what I heard on Entertainment Tonight, this

evening the line "his blood on our hands and that of our children" IS in the movie, however it is NOT translated so unless someone knows Aramaic then they may hear that line.

I don't know if I will be seeing the movie or not. There is a discussion of The Passion at Shaare Zedek synagogue in St Louis this Saturday 2/21/04...here is a blurb that the rabbi wrote on the website.

http://www.shaarezedek.org/Rabbi.html

"I have invited Dr. Stephen Patterson, a Professor of New Testament at Eden Theological Seminary, to speak to us following services on Saturday, February 21. I urge you to attend this important program. I have asked Professor Patterson to speak in a scholarly way about the actual Gospel texts, their variations in relating the Passion narrative, and to explain how this story is at the very core of Christian faith and practice. I expect that there will be opportunity for questions and dialogue. If nothing else, you will come away with a better appreciation of what the fuss is all about. It may help you respond to the questions of your children and grandchildren. And it may help us to better understand how we can build positive bridges with our Christian neighbors."

He ends the message with the following: "Our work is not over. There will always be those who teach and learn conflict. But for more than two and a half millennia, our people have embraced the dictum of Isaiah: Lo yisa goy el goy cherev, lo yilmedu od milchama - "Nation shall not loft sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore."

Artistic license, even as a from of free speech, is one thing. Teaching hatred is quite another. May we find ways to help the world understand the difference. Mark Fasman, Rabbi

[plurality]

83. does ET have Aramaic scholars on staff?

As reported by the Guardian, AP says the line isn't in the movie.

http://film.guardian.co.uk/apnews/story/0,1276,-3656867,00.html

Jewish groups have been worried that Gibson's script would ignore modern teaching by the Roman Catholic Church and many other denominations that Jews were not collectively responsible for Christ's death. The notion of Jewish guilt fueled anti-Semitism for centuries.

An article about the film in The New Yorker magazine last September indicated Gibson would keep a biblical verse out that upsets Jews and has been used to justify anti-Semitism: ``His blood be on us and on our children!'' (Matthew 27:25). That verse was not included in a version of the film The Associated Press saw last month.

[Djinn]

89. anti-semitic furphy

If disagreeing with something is anti then:

christianity & islam are anti- semitic
islam & judaism are anti christian &
judaism & christianity are anti islam

ALL of the monotheists claim their religion as the one true religion and the holy texts of ALL three makes claims about the evilness of the other - Jews and Muslims do not beleive that Jesus was the son of god and do not believe he "died for our sins" so are they all anti-christian?

[Walt Starr]

29. Nope, won't see it at the movies

Won't rent it on DVD.

Will cancel any pay channel that runs the thing.

[liberalnurse]

30. I can hardly wait to see it.

We all know the story but it will be great getting a real feel for the events.

[ComerPerro]

31. I intend to, I think it will be intersting

The idea behind it seems fascinating.

[libertad]

32. No, I'm not contributing any money to a holocaust denier.

.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

34. source to "Mel being a "Holocaust denier" PLEASE?

[libertad]

38. His father is a holocaust denier and he was evasive in his answer

during the interview last night.

[SaveElmer]

41. No he wasn't

I disagree that he was evasive at all about the holocaust. He said very clearly that he was certain the holocaust occurred and that 6 mil. Jews were massacred. I now he is getting tagged with his fathers views, which are way out there, but he clearly does not share them.

I was pleasantly surprised by the interview. He was obviously nervous, but didn't seem too out there to me.

[The Political Eye]

33. I look forward to seeing it.

I enjoy "historical" movies and want to see the sets, costuming and the attempt to tell a story that runs so deeply in human history.

[Cat Atomic]

35. I will. I hear it's well done.

I'm not religious, but I'm a big movie fan. I also really enjoy Mel Gibson's work. I don't care about his politics- the man is very talented.

[veganwitch]

36. i think jeremy and i will see it

because i find early christianity interesting. i would like to see this how this interpretation is. i do know that it is violent and will be shielding my eyes.

that, and monica (hott) bellucci is mary magdalene.

[devinsgram]

39. Not me!

Personally, I don't really believe this is what happened. This is a story that was handed down thru the times and we all know how things change when that happens. Points of a story get taken away and other points get added. Sorry, but that's just how I feel.

[x-g.o.p.er]

42. I will

I think it will be a powerful movie. Hopefully it will help me to restore my faith, which has really waned over the last few years.

[Kamika]

43. Absolutely

I think Mel did a good job with it.

The pope said it was great

[Lindsey]

44. I used to not care about people's politics and would see

their work for the sake of the art. However, during the past few years, that has changed. I won't see it. I've heard a lot of negative things about Gibson. I can't source them but I'm almost positive that he's on record as being very anti-gay. I also "heard" that he told his wife she's going to go to hell because she's a Presbyterian. To me, anyone that radical and extreme doesn't deserve to be supported in their art. Also, there was an article in Sunday's edition of the L.A. Times and it was noted that a few months ago he said he wished he could kill some guy, who's Jewish, and yank his guts out (or something like that). I think the guys a madman - but once again - I don't have the proof.

[Kat45]

79. He talked about that comment in the interview last night.

I can't remember the exact story, but he was talking about a particular person and I think it involved some business/movie of Gibson's. He was angry about something, kinda lost it, and just made this comment on the phone to someone (who dealt with both of them). He said he later realized it was a terrible thing to say and he wished he hadn't said it. He said it was not a Christian thing to say. (I think he tried to say he was sort of joking when he said it too.)

He also said it didn't matter what religion a person is, but that it was just easier for Catholics (to go to heaven); others can get there too.

[tishaLA]

47. The pope's office denies that

especially him saying it was "great." It was originally reported that he said "it is as it was," but the pope's office, if it matters one way or another--the pope isn't Pauline Kael last time I looked--denises that the pope ever made a comment like that. Poor Peggy Noonan wrote a column about how confused she is about it all: how could she have been misled like she was with the Gipper?

Oh you were, Peggy. You were.

BTW, how do you know "Mel did a good job with it"? Have you seen it already?

[Kamika]

51. I haven't seen it

But I know people who knows people etc who has, and according to them it's a great movie even if you're not religious..

Like Ben Hur etc

[Lars39]

61. From what I understand, the Vatican announced that the pope

"had the opportunity" to see the film. Having the opportunity and taking advantage of the opportunity are two different things. :shrug:

[Kamika]

64. No he saw it

He said something like "that's the way it was"

[Lars39]

71. Controversy over whether he actually said it or not:

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/WNT/World/pope_passion_040122-1.html

[gulfcoastliberal]

45. Negative

Movies by Holocaust-deniers produced with the aim of converting rubes and furthering strengthening fundy ideas turns me off.

[dawn]

48. Not me.

It would be too violent for me. I'd just cry the entire time. I can't see stuff like that done to another person, even if it's just on-screen.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

49. Considering who they are marketing the film to...

I feel it's a film I really don't have to see. I wouldn't read or see one of the "Left Behind" pieces, why this.

Besides, twelve years of Catholic school have cured me forever of needing to see any sort of "traditional" film rendition of Christianity/Catholicism. I got off that boat in second grade.

[geniph]

55. Graphic scenes of torture tend to be disturbing to me

and from the reviews I've seen of it, there are many lingering scenes of graphic torture. He did that in Braveheart, too. I think Mel is working out some of his own issues in his movies, which is certainly his right, but it's a bit too upsetting for me in a theatre. On DVD, where I can skip such scenes, leave the room, or at least see it on a smaller screen, it's not quite as distressing. If I watch it, it'll be on DVD or on a movie channel.

Mel was a fairly moderate guy until about 12 years ago, when he had a rapproachment with his father and started to adopt some of his Catholic Traditionalist views. The Traditionalists are hardcore fundies with some way-out-there beliefs, and it's made Mel a bit of a nut. I'd as soon he didn't get my theatrical royalties - would rather get it from Netflix.

[scottcsmith]

56. I'm going to see it

As a Jew I'm a bit concerned over which Gospel passion narrative Gibson will use. I'm assuming he's combining them, but the dialog that bothers me the most is from Matthew 27, verses 24-25, where Pilate literally washes his hands of the Jesus problem and then turns Jesus over to the Jews to be dealt with, where the Jews all scream for Jesus' blood to be "on us and on our children."

Needless to say, that short verse in the Christian bible helped to fuel anti-Semitic attitudes of the time. Just read Luther's Of Jews and Their Lies for some context on just how much Jews were hated for the charge of committing deicide.

[Kamika]

58. Don't worry man

Noone with his brains intact will turn into an anti semite because of the movie..

[ikojo]

74. Scott and other Jews on the list and anyone concerned

should read the writings of St John Chrysostom..he was a virulent antisemite.

[gyopsy]

57. It'll be just another stupid movie

and I'm not sure if I want to give those people the satisfacton of having me see it.

[brainwashed_youth]

59. most definitely yes

I've been hearing about this for so long now I wanna see what the big deal is. Besides, it looks to be very faithful to the Gospels. It just looks like it's gonna be a good movie period

[sbj405]

60. Nope

no interest. The more hype that surrounds a movie, the less inclined I am to see it.

[AntiCoup2K4]

63. I'll think I'll wait for the DVD.

I don't particularly feel the need to see beatings and crucifixion on the big screen.

[VOX]

67. Same here. Less "in your face" on the home screen...

Beside, we all know how the story turns out!

:toast:

[slackdude]

65. I think I'll see it

The trailer makes it look like a good old bloody gladiator flick, and I think hearing Latin and Aramaic spoken will be interesting.

[ikojo]

75. I hear Aramaic everytime I say the Kaddish

which is the Jewish prayer for the dead. It is said in every service where there is a minyan (quorom needed for certain prayers to be read).

[KCDem]

66. eventually, no hurry though

I don't get to the movies much (two small kids and no relatives to babysit) and it's not on my top 10... but with all the flack, yeah, I'll watch it at some point.

[marigold20]

68. Nah - never saw Titanic either

Long torture scenes bother me- so do long scenes of drowning people.

[bratcatinok]

69. I'll probably have to wait

as the closest large movie theatre is 70 miles away. I'll see it when it comes out on DVD or tape though.

Before watching it I'll re-read the New Testament to refresh my memory though.

[trogdor]

70. No effing way.

I'm watching Monty Python's Life of Brian instead. Who's with me? 7PM EST, 25 February, on my DVD player.

Let's go to the stoning.

[ikojo]

76. You know we SHOULD organize a nationwide

viewing of the Life of Brian at the same time. Let's have a run on rental of LOB!

[Ramsey]

72. I'm thinking not

BTW, The Last Temptation of Christ is one of the BEST Jesus movies ever made, IMHO. With the best movie soundtrack ever recorded.

See that instead.

[Piperay]

77. NO...I don't like films that deliberately prey on

my emotions, also too much blood and gore.:puke: I think the movie about Judas that they advertised during the interview with Gibson looked more interesting because I like films that are about characters and don't just depend on action, violence and special effects.

[onebigbadwulf]

78. that's a renter ghostrider

[Kat45]

80. I'm still trying to decide.

I'm very interested in seeing it, but I can't handle the type of graphic violent scenes that are in this movie, so I'm not certain. At my church, my pastor was talking to some of us about it, and we're thinking of planning either to go together (or individually) and then set up a time to meet and talk about it. I think that would be a good way to do it. (And we're not fundies at my church; my pastor can't stand to see or listen to bush any more than I can.)

[Lars39]

81. Here's an interview with someone who viewed the film:

Don't know how reliable this site is, though:

http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=45863

Sounds like there's a leeetle bit too much scourging for my tastes.

[Mick Knox]

82. I will fo sho n/t

[bikebloke]

84. I'll skip it

I believe much of the controversy is fabricated to sell tickets. It's the kind of film destined for showings in church basements....SATURDAY at the Main Street Church and Hardware - Complimentary lemonade provided. Please bring your own dixie cups. Anyone shooting their guns during the showing will be shushed.

I've read Mel signed up for another Mad Max film after he gets his religious gig out of his system. Sure, I'll see that.

[Kat45]

90. Fundie churches bought tix in blocks of 1000s --

Actually, I think they said churches bought something like 20,000 tix--that sounds so absurd to me now, that I don't know if I'm remembering correctly, but when fundies are involved, absurdity is often involved as well.

[arwalden]

87. Not In My Lifetime

I'd never waste a second of my time or a penny of my money on it... for reasons that are already well known to many of you.

-- Allen

[jonnyblitz]

91. I am an atheist and I will see it. I like Bible movies

especially controversial ones.