Yes. He looks TOTALLY different in The Passion. They even changed his eye color (they're naturally blue) to brown.

I saw it this afternoon. It was extremely graphic, very powerful, moving even. It touched me as a mother, more than in a religious sense. I could just empathize with Mary as a mother. It is worth a watch, I wouldn't see it again just because it is so graphic and heavy. It was good though- two thumbs up.

That shows that someone is a good actor, when he completely takes on that role to the point where you don't recognize him!

I want to go see this movie this weekend.

Re: Why?
 

DEL,
I am so glad you wrote what you did. I just came from seeing the Passion..and was interested to see what other GCers had to say. I was literally SICKENED TO MY CORE to see that the conversation has to be reduced to discussing the fact that Jesus was or wasn't portrayed as a black man...or that other people were "melanin challenged." If a person is that hung up on color that they won't support a movie about Christ's life because he's portrayed by someone that is NOT black...or even further won't even consider that the Galilean Jesus Christ was white....I think that person should question their understanding of Jesus Christ and his teachings.

I wanted to share my views about the movie, but I changed my mind because I am just THAT disgusted that people MUST ALWAYS bring race into the discussion.

I REALLY WOULD HATE TO SEE THE REACTION OF SOME OF MY BLACK BROTHERS AND SISTERS IF ON JUDGMENT DAY JESUS IS WHITE! WHAT ARE YA GONNA DO...GO THE OTHER WAY??? :mad: :rolleyes: :confused: That goes for errybody else too.

Saw the movie.....
 

My overall thoughts are summed up by

Saw the Movie
 

Thanks BTB, Eclipse, and Love_Spell!

I saw the movie last night, and I woke up this morning crying about it. I wasn't sad as I watched the movie, I was moreso in the state of shock that He did all that He did for ME. I was just thinking throughout the entire movie, "I am not worthy, Lord. Why?" Words can not express how that made me feel. The movie made me more convicted as a Christian. As I watched, I thought about all of the times that I was Peter, and denied the Lord by not standing for His Word. As I watched the movie, I thought about all the times I was Judas, and betrayed Him. My thoughts are as follows, and this is for Christians ONLY: It's time out for playing "Christianity." Look at the world we live in, and look how sin has taken over the world. Why have we, as Christians, let it get this far out of hand? Are we doing our part? Are we acting as Peter and Judas? Are we living as examples? Or are we allowing it to happen? I went home last night asking the Lord to search me-so that I may become the beacon of light that He wants me to be. I know that I will remain imperfect, but Lord I want to be more like you. That's all I can say right now. But after I left that movie theater, I could have run a few laps that someone could do something so divine for us-filthy rags! None of us would have been capable of doing such! God bless all of you!

Re: Saw the Movie
 

So true Delph998! This was the decision I made almost a year ago and I've never looked back! :D You are either ON FIRE for the Lord or you are cold towards Him (unbelievers & backsliders). There is no room for lukewarm feelings.

I believe that this movie is just the beginning of the large revival that is coming - especially here in America.

Re: Re: Saw the Movie
 

AMEN, Honeykiss. And I want to add to my last post...

__________



This movie is really on my mind. And I was thinking about some things. You know, it's so easy to get so consumed by other things: school, work, greek orgs. etc., and we find ourselves putting Christ on the back burner. But you know what, after watching the movie last night, I made a vow to self to make sure that what I do for the Lord outweighs everything else.

Additionally, in Sunday School, we discussed the movie and there were parents who said that they weren't going to take their children to see the movie. Then there were other people who advised them to take their children to see it. I thought it made a lot of sense. Why should we not take the children to see it? It's a reality, and they see everything else of the world. But again, this is just my $19.13 on the issue.

The Passion of the Christ
 

I saw the movie. It's still hard to describe what I saw, and what I feel about what I saw. IMO, this film will impact anybody who sees it.

Seeing the depiction of what Christ endured, I was ashamed, mad, incredibly sad, and ultimately challenged and uplifted. As a Christian I know that I'm no better than anyone else, but I do have standard that I need to live to. The depiction made me realize that I need to step my game up trying to meet that standard.

For non-Christians, I hope it'll cause some reflection, and maybe spark a curiosity about Christ---not religion, nor church denominations. Think about Christ's history and why he, an innocent figure, would suffer, and ultimately triumph, as he did.

I'd hate for anyone "on the fence" about the movie to be turned off by my comments, or anyone else's. See it for yourself, and then think about what you saw.

peace, yall.

Re: The Passion of the Christ
 

Thanks for your commentary. :) IMO, your last sentence says it all!!

I'm not "on the fence". I do want to see it, but I'm going to wait a minute.

I saw the movie! WOW! I was disturbed in a way honestly. I've seen violent movies before, but we're talking about what the Savior went through for all of us! That was hard for me to take. Do I think kids should see it, NO! Now, if you let your kids see movies as violent fine. Just because it's a depiction of the crucifixion of Christ, it's still a movie. I'm a grown man, and it was parts in the movie where I couldn't keep it together. As we approach Easter, there are other ways to engage kids say 12 and under about Christ and his awesome sacrifice without taking them to this movie. Again people, it's still a movie. Albeit, a very powerful movie that strengthened my faith as I watched it. There were points in the movie where I was saying to myself, 'okay this is enough'. I'll probably own it for my collection but only pull it out during the Easter season, lol..

Re: The Passion of the Christ
 

Well said, Tony!

I'm definitely planning to go see it within the next couple of weeks.

Just got an e-mail from my cousin that lives in Stone Mountain asking me if I saw it. And in her words: "God Bless Mel Gibson! The movie is fabulous!! It will change how you worship, how you see God!"

I'm praying that this is true. Because, like Phrat TonyB said, I need to step up my game. I've know this for a while, but sometimes you need a little kick to get you jump started. Even more so, I'm hoping that it's not just a passing fancy - something that's kosher for the moment. The "Left Behind" books had people talking, but you don't hear much about them anymore - I hope that this movie does the same, but even to a greater degree than these books did/do.

Like I stated to someone earlier, I pray that this brings those that are Christians closer to Christ and gives us all a new revelation about who we are in Him and whose we are.

Police Seize Bootleg 'Passion' DVDs in Pa.
1 hour, 52 minutes ago


SOMERSET, Pa. - State police found more than 1,500 bootleg compact discs, DVDs and videocassettes, including a couple dozen copies of Mel Gibson (news)'s "The Passion of the Christ," during a traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.



Police didn't immediately release the man's name because charges hadn't been filed. He was being held at the Somerset County Prison on an outstanding warrant from Allegheny County for drug possession, Sgt. Anthony DeLuca said.


The 30-year-old Philadelphia man was stopped Tuesday morning for tailgating and using his high beams on the westbound turnpike, DeLuca said. Police discovered a small amount of marijuana and, while arresting him, noticed several movies and music and obtained a search warrant.


DeLuca said the man had 1,040 compact discs of recently released music and about 475 DVDs. Besides "The Passion of the Christ," DeLuca said police found "Starsky & Hutch" — which won't be in theaters until Friday — "Twisted" and "Monster."


"He admitted he purchased them in New York for $5,000" and was taking them to Pittsburgh, DeLuca said. He estimated they were worth $300,000.


DeLuca said there was no doubt the items were counterfeits, noting the movies seemed as though someone taped them during a theater showing and that the CD labels seemed to have been made on a color photocopier.


Police have contacted the FBI (news - web sites) to help in the investigation.


Gibson's film, about the Crucifixion of Christ, took in $125.2 million over five days, the biggest debut ever by a film opening on a Wednesday

You all know, I'll view/ buy a burned DVD...but I wouldn't dare see/ purchase a burned copy of THIS film. It's almost like those on Showtime at the Appollo who won't boo anyone singing gospel. :o

You know Soror! I ain't going to hell!

Lack of authenticity
 

While I agree that the movie does not accurately depict a person in that region, I have to say having seen the movie that was the least of my concerns. The movie is POWERFUL!!! It is more of an experience than a day at the movies - I was touched, moved and motivated . . .to do better, to be better!

As far as the failure to show a Jesus of a dark hue - I can only attribute that to the fact that some people believe that Jesus represents us all and is the color the artist chooses Him to be . . . I don't necessarily agree with that concept, but I understand.

I chose to embrace the message and NOT the package that the message came in.

LOL! My neighbor called me the other night & asked me to come over and watch his BURNED copy. I told him no thanks. It's just some things ya don't do.

Anyway, I went to the THEATRE to see this movie yesterday & it is wonderful! TonyB, said it best. I felt bad for living life like a defeated Christian. The scripture, I can do ALL things through Christ that strenghtens me, has a greater meaning to me now.

I think children should see this movie b/c it's the truth (as Christians believe) & it's not any worse than some things that's on tv.

The Truth
 

I was finally able to watch The Passion of the Christ yesterday with my family and my sentiments mirror what has already been posted. Waves of emotions hit me the entire movie: Shame, guilt, sadness, anger, love. I couldn't hold it together in the movies. Usually I try to let my tears fall gracefully, but I cried like a baby...no, I bawled. I probably sounded like a mixture between a hyena and a giraffe in heat but I couldn't help it. I took it personal. Even as I'm thinking about it now and writing this, a lump is forming in my throat. To think that The Messiah loved me and my ungrateful, spoiled self so much that he sacrificed himself and suffered pain I don't even want to imagine just so I can have the CHOICE to serve him...the CHOICE to decided between heaven or hell. And here I am playing around like I have forever to get my life together when it's sunny and bright on Monday, windy and gusty on Tuesday, and calling for snow on Wednesday...When the world speaks of mass destruction and nuclear war....When men are committing unspeakable crimes on 2 month old babies.

Eye opening is the only word I could come up with after I saw this movie. It makes me want to be a better person and not waste the gift of eternal happiness that has been offered to me. I'm telling you, HE is worthy of all the praise, honor, and glory due his name. It makes me sick to think of all the times I've sat in church talking with my friends, passing notes, "feeling" too tired to stand up and lift my hands to worship God. How dare I? If you haven't watched this movie yet, please do soon. It's disturbing, but soul-stirring and very much needed.

-LaChaya

LMAO about the DVD buring...what are people thinkng?

Akron Agency to Bus Homeless to Theater for "Passion"
(3/10/04 - Akron, OH) — A couple who help run a ministry for the needy in Akron say they're planning to bus up to 250 homeless people to a movie theater this weekend to see "The Passion of the Christ." One of the organizers had been given a $1,000 donation with instructions to use it for whatever she wanted. Judi and Steve Haydu say they had been praying about how they could get homeless people to see the Mel Gibson film that depict's the final hours before Jesus' death. Judi Haydu says she thinks the film will change a lot of lives on Saturday.

Why did someone sit in my mom's bible study and with a straight face testified how this movie has changed her life, makes her want to be a better Christian-then proceed to tell how she has a personal copy and she wants to set up screenings at the church for others to watch?

**HC my mom had to explain to the pastor why this wasn't a good idea :rolleyes: ? (he's young, just out of seminary, but still)!

Christ Movie Moves Man to Confess Murder
 

Christ Movie Moves Man to Confess Murder
Fri Mar 26, 8:20 AM ET

HOUSTON (Reuters) - A repentant Texas man went to police after seeing Mel Gibson (news)'s controversial film "The Passion of Christ" and confessed to murdering a 19-year-old woman who was pregnant with his child, authorities said on Thursday.

Police had thought Ashley Nicole Wilson, who died on Jan. 18, had hanged herself, but Dan Leach, 21, went to them on March 9 to admit that he had killed her, said Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jeannie Gage.

Leach wanted to seek redemption after talking to a friend and seeing the movie about the last hours of Christ's life, she said.

"He mentioned that speaking with the friend and seeing the movie 'The Passion of Christ' made him feel remorse," Gage said.

Leach said he killed Wilson because she was pregnant with his child and he did not want to be involved with her anymore, she said. :mad: :mad:

Wilson was found in her apartment with a suicide note describing her depression but Leach said he staged the murder to look like she had killed herself. The Houston Chronicle first reported the story in its online edition.

Leach was released after his confession while police investigated and was arrested on Tuesday after a grand jury indicted him. He was being held on $100,000 bail, Gage said.

The Mel Gibson film has been criticized for graphic violence and for its portrayal of the role of Jews in the death of Christ.

Yessssssss Indeed!

Dat's Deep!

I finally went to see the movie. I was a little hesitant because I am known to get really emotional during movies, and I didn't know if I could take it. This movie was such a blessing. I've read the Gospel, but nothing compares to the visual. I was in tears and thanking Jesus for his sacrifice.

On my schools tv channel, this guy was saying how someone he worked with hadn't seen the movie yet, so he asked them how it ended!:eek: It tore me up when Jesus kept repeating, "They Don't Know". The actors did an amazing job.

I know! The woman next to me was crying just as much as I was. During one particular scene she made a noise as if she was surprised. I'm thinking," You knew that was gonna happen"


But, actually, that a valid question. Although the ending was beautiful, they didn't have to end it there. They could have ended it at a different point. I was sitting there wanting to see more.

That's how you know it was a good movie. I would of loved to see everyones reaction to Jesus rising, mabey Mel ended it like that to leave another Passions movie a possibility.

There were a lot of people at my mother's church who wish the movie had ended with the resurrection as well. I try to remember that the primary focus was on the last 12 hours of Jesus's life and the suffering that he went through to save lost souls. The resurrection would have been 3 days later and although glorious, would've taken away from the point of the title. But I do think there should be a part 2 in the future. I would definitely go see it.

Calif. Teacher Fired for 'Passion' Credit
 

Calif. Teacher Fired for 'Passion' Credit
Sat Apr 3, 8:04 PM ET

NORTH HIGHLANDS, Calif. - A teacher at a Catholic school said he was fired for offering extra credit to his seventh-graders for watching "The Passion of the Christ."

Stephen Hathorn, 50, said he had taught at the St. Lawrence School in North Highlands, a Sacramento suburb, for five years before being dismissed last week.

The hugely popular R-rated film depicting the story of Christ's crucifixion was produced by Mel Gibson. It has been criticized for its graphic scenes of torture and violence, and some contend it is anti-Semitic.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ssion_firing_2

Pardon me while I pose a quick question:

I saw the movie in the theatres and the last scene was: Jesus resurrected - they zoomed in on the nail scar in one hand - then leaving the tomb. Granted it was understated but it was *there*.

Like others on this thread, this film made me re-examine myself in light of my God and my faith. I didn't expect it to be this powerful.

Adrienne

I think she meant, his contemporaries reaction to his resurrection.

Ah, that puts a different light on it.

You're right, I'd like to see that too.

:cool:

--add