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.)