bouncingoffwall

The film's depiction of violence is extreme, but Jesus' crucifixion was likewise an extreme act of inhumanity. I was disturbed by what I saw, but remain thankful I was allowed to get beyond the romantic, glossed-over depiction of the crucified Christ. What happened to Him was brutal beyond description, and this film spares no possible details.

I gave this film a 9 since it wasn't perfect, but last night when I was falling asleep, all I could see was Christ's bloody face. All I could think of was the sacrifice He made for humanity, a humanity which hasn't always appreciated His selfless love. If I were to factor in how my faith has been strengthened, I would give this cinematic tour de force a perfect score.

In closing, I must add I hold nothing against my Jewish neighbors. Nobody should. And if you are tempted to, please remember you yourself are part of the cause Jesus died on the cross. We all share the blame because we have all sinned and fallen short of the grace of God. Only through Jesus have we been saved.

Gregory Peck's acting was excellent, as one would expect, and the cinematography quite stunning even when playing directly into some melodramatic "moment." But, the rest of the film was overacted and hard to watch, for me anyway. I tried to like it, but had to fast-forward through the last thirty minutes or so. I feel I wasted a couple of good hours. Had it not been for Gregory Peck, I wouldn't have lasted fifteen minutes. 4/10.