It's not a perfect film, but it certainly feels
inspired.
Starting off rather awkwardly: that hard night
while the disciples sleep, Jesus agonizes over the
necessarily caustic events soon to befall, then a
hokey cut to an indifferent moon. The film's pace is
slow, and occasionally, even the talking heads are
shot in slow mo. It takes some time for the viewer to
fall into that dream-slow step. Full of close shots,
reaction expressions, and subtext, we witness Jesus
withstand the greatest cruelties humanity has to
offer, until his human body can no longer stand at
all. The whipping, cutting, stabbing, punching,
thorn-crowning, and stake-driving crucifixion is all
very graphic. Likely more graphic than any other
telling to date.
This is not a film with some harsh violence. It is
a rumination of that violence -- more of a study than
a cinematic drama. Throughout history there have been
those who have nobly endured incomprehensible
persecution for their beliefs in others or
themselves. Whether you call Jesus the Messiah, or an
inspired man, or mythic character, how could you not
be moved by this endurance, this persevering belief?
The trunk of the film is Jesus' body being slashed
and smashed, his slow moving legs carrying an
unmercifully heavy logged cross. Yes, there are
peaceful flashbacks to the "better" preaching days,
but they are used to heighten the current pain of
betrayal.
There's a great deal to learn here, no matter your
faith. Are you a high priest that seeks to squelch
that which challenges you? Are you the fair governor
trying to keep peace, at the cost of your own
beliefs? Are you the follower, who, upon realizing
that your following has an aftertaste of insecurity,
of powerlessness, picks up the stones and casts them
at the one you called leader?
A hard strong heart gives this B+ production a
nudge into the A- range. In short, "Passion" is an
inspiring film, no matter what your faith.
Great performances by Jim Caviezal (I loved him in
"Frequency")
and Hristo Naumov Shopov as Pontius Pilate. Maia
Morgenstern seems a bit young as mother Mary, but
delivers big in the forlorn look department.
(This film viewed at a Krikorian Theatre to sold out
audiences.)
(Btw, if you like a rather rugged story with some
inspirational kick try "Eddie Johnson's Ark" -- a
modern day Noah's Ark by Ross Anthony: Click Here then
scroll down.)
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