I had seen several movies about the crucifixion and I figured if you have seen one you have seen them all. I realized that this film would be bloodier than most, but I assumed that it would still have that "religious" and sugar coated feel to it.
My mom offered to take me to see the film, so I agreed. From the moment the movie began, I knew that this film was different than any other film I had seen about Christ.
The movie opens, not with "pretty" music and smiling faces, but with a tortured Jesus praying in the garden. It is dark and frightening. Satan appears, trying to make Christ doubt his purpose and divinity. I was immediately hooked.
Most of the movie was dark and gruesome. There was a lot of blood and gore. I don't think that Mel Gibson pulled any punches when making this film. It was obvious from watching the film that Gibson is a man who has wrestled with his own inner demons.
Being a parent, I was especially touched by the scene of Jesus as a boy falling and his mother running to comfort him. What a horrible ordeal she had to endure, watching her son being mocked and crucified.
Watching this film made me realize something. Themes from this event have been made into "religious" and lovely songs, books, sermons and the like. But when this was happening, there was nothing "religious" or pretty about it. This wasn't the theme of praise songs or lovely verses to include on cards to send to your friends. This was horror! This was a dark and terrifying day for everyone involved. We need to never forget that.
