posted
This post is not meant to be about religion or politics, but a recommendation to experience a first rate movie.
Last night I saw Mel Gibson's "The Passion" and it is, without a doubt, the finest movie I have ever seen. The violence is horrific, but the acting is overwhelming.
Please don't turn this into a bashing thread. My intentions are just to give my opinions on a movie, not a way of life.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Raymond, I want to see it as well. Funny how folks are in such an uproar over violence which really happened that was witnessed publicly, yet they will go and watch a flick that is filled with murder and car crashes and eat popcorn the whole time. Love...JILL (still trying to get out to see "Cold Mountain" too)
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
Up until just the last few days I really wanted to see it too but now I am afraid to. I have been reading accounts in Time and Newsweek and saw portions of it on TV. I DON'T like violent movies. I don't want to see violence in ANY movie. I know I would probably be either crying my eyes out or covering them the whole time. I think what I have decided to do is wait till it comes out on video. That way I can watch it in the privacy of my own home and turn it off and take a break if it is too intense. I appreciate the fact that it IS a violent story, but I just can't watch that. The images my mind produces when I hear about it are enough. I just don't think I want to see that much blood and gore.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I'm with Jane, violence is a real turn off for me. However, I recently saw Monster (with Charlize Theron) and although it was very violent, it left me thinking critically and was hands down the best acting I've ever seen.
Raymond's comment about the acting has me leaning towards seeing the Passion movie again, I had kind of decided not to see the blood and gore.
-------------------- Best Regards, Mark Smith EstiMate Sign Pricing Software It's Not Luck. It's EstiMate.™ http://www.EstiMateSoftware.com 1-888-304-3300 Posts: 724 | From: Asheville, NC, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Good point Raymond, I also want to see that movie. I think it's will become a classic, and I haven't even seen it yet. But it sure has gotten a lot of publicity!
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
Without bashing, as Raymond requested, I will say that Mel Gibson is a marketing genius! He did in fact put up his own money (30 Million) for the movie, which has been widely publicised. That means as an artist, he took a risk, which we all do from time to time. It appears that he already got his money back based on early ticket sales
But, he singlehandedly got the masses of Christian churches to agree to see and promote an R rated movie. Many churches even renting theatres to show the film to their flocks while cancelling regular church services. Something the ministers have preached against for years. Now, it's OK? How about those people who went to Hell for seeing violent movies....what is their fate???
I am not bashing the movie, I probably won't see it, but, I won't critisize someone who does see it either. Just my .02
edited for spelling
[ February 27, 2004, 12:28 PM: Message edited by: Rick Beisiegel ]
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3486 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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to fully understand that day in time....you have to put yourself in a place most of us cant concieve. that is a time/place with no newspapers, no radio, no tv and the only way news traveled was by word of mouth. this was also a time not many years after the feeding of the christians to the lions and the gladiator shows, which was ENTERTAINMENT!!!! getting your mind set into this type of violent and bloodsheding, that was "the norm" at that time. this act of a man draging a cross to the place it would be set, and him being nailed to it with a crown of thorns(to make him bled as much as possible, without killing him)was the ENTERTAINMENT OF THE DAY!!!! how sad is that...when people are tortured and humiliated for ENJOYMENT OF THE MASSES.....this was not the 1st man to get this treatment nor the last......but he was the ONE THAT CHANGED alot of peoples belifes, and those that were ignorant of who he was........didnt realize it till after the resurrection. thats what made that SPECTACAL OF THE DAY...different.
[ February 27, 2004, 01:42 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Jane, I am in agreement with you. I havn't made a final decision, but I am afraid I will become physically ill. As my mom put it "Going to see the 'Passion' is a REAL Lenten penance." At what point does the "lesson" or "experience" simply become "sensationalism"? I will pray about it because I typically try not to fill my mind with on screen violence, but on the other hand, many of the churches have a bloody corpse depicted right up front above the alter. Lots of food for thought, and one person's "right thing" may not be another's.
posted
I intend to take my 9 year old daughter as I appreciate historically accurate movies.
Have you ever wondered why artists have always depicted Jesus looking very porceline with only tiny spots of blood on his hands & feet? I wish I could find the report made by a Doctor describing the physical trauma to the body during crucifiction. As for the violence, if a movie is as historically accurate as possible (with respect to acadmic or religious history) like "Joan-of-Arc", "Brave heart", or "Elizabeth" (just for examples) I will usually let her watch after I see it first. In the case of "Saving private Ryan" for example, which I watched with my father, I will let her see it when she's a little older simply because of the extraordinary amount of cussin' in that particular movie and also try to add my Dad's great historical comments as well.
Such movies as these are often very "violent" but these things occured in order for this world to be where it is. I accept movies as visual books. I think everyone should understand the sacrifices people have made during the existence of this earth and that should include the ultimate sacrifice by it's Savior.
I also believe in protecting our children or anyone from the severity of this world to a degree, but not blinding them from it or sugar-coating it.
In the old days people lived horrific things all the time, before this world's mind-set became so "sterile". I want to be a person and raise a person who will be able to cope as well as possible in times of crisis in a realistic way rather than be in total shock and be useless.
When another event like 9-11 happens, or even if you should happen to be first on the spot at a severe car wreck, I think it's important that people deal with the trauma, not only in a spritual way but with as much rational logic as possible. A person freaking out and screaming insanely or simply fainting is only reacting to the trauma, not responding.
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
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"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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-------------------- Ed CJ Williams CJ Graffx Christiana,Pa. cjgraffx@comcast.net Just have'n fun.... Posts: 296 | From: Christiana,Pa. | Registered: May 1999
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posted
Also keep in mind that Mel Gibsons reasons for making this movie were not all about money and fame. He himself is a christian. It is my understanding that Mel wanted the story of Christs last day told and shown like it is, no holding back. Rick, as far as the churches allowing it to be seen, the R rating is for violence. Theres a difference in that, at least to me there is. Even though it is a violent movie, it is reality as the bible told. I live in the midst of many, many, christians and they are flocking to see it. As one woman put it, I really got to see exactly what he did for me. I havent seen it myself yet, but I have done alot of reading about it. Im going with my father to see it next week. Its sold out until then.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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I respect what you are saying, and tend to agree with it to a point....
Just because the masses of Christianity decide to view the film, doesn't make it proper or right for me. Look at the decisions "Christianity" is making with regard to marriage and other issues.
I detest violence! If someone reads the account of His death with the eyes of faith, a bloody violent movie is not necessary to visualize and appreciate that great sacrifice he made. I attend a service every year that reminds me of it in a very full, sobering way.
As a final thought, remember the flood. Only eight people lived through the flood.....which means the masses or beliefs of the majority were wrong.
To me, this is not about the movie, so no offense Ray, but I hold it as a decision of principle. I do hope that those who decide to view it, will benefit from it.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3486 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3486 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Start a new post Rick, you're getting off track
-------------------- Terry Baird Baird Signs 3484 West Lake Rd. Canandaigua, NY 14424 Posts: 790 | From: Canandaigua, New York | Registered: Dec 2002
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3486 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
I intend to to see it, even though I am a pretty serious Atheist. It sounds like a powerful story and the historical significance is undeniable.
posted
O.T. ...but a great discussion point. There's probably no liklihood that anything a fellow letterhead could type in this forum that would change anyones fundamental base of belief. O.K. violence is detestible. It doensn't matter if it occurred centuries ago or last week, but it IS a fact of our humanity. DEAL WITH IT! It's GOOD when evil, corruptness, ignorance, and apathy are depicted for what they are...this is what itlooks like! When you see it in the 21st century...open your eyes, recognize it and express your outrage. The movie is overly graphic...but it could be accurate...at a minimum, that's a condemnation against our human fralities, at best, it's a message of hope for all of us. Ray Chapman, I always suspected you were a "good dude"
-------------------- Tony Lucero Eagle Graphics Waterford, MI www.eaglegph.com Posts: 305 | From: Waterford, MI, USA | Registered: Apr 2000
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I saw the movie and choose to refrain from my critique at this time. I would like to comment however on something OP stated. I quote, " this was also a time not many years after the feeding of the christians to the lions and the gladiator shows, which was ENTERTAINMENT." Joe, you got it all bass ackwards. There was no such thing as Christians yet.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6718 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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We went last night. I can't remember the last time I went to a packed theatre. This one was full with people waiting in line for the second showing.
The film is very moving, to say the least. At times I wanted to bawl like a baby. I believe the film will make Christians and non-Christians think. You would have to be pretty hard for it not to grip you in some way.
After it was over, the whole crowd just walked out quietly. Not the usual noisy, laughing crowd. Almost reverent.... Myself included.
same for me and my friends as well, after the movie ended most people in the theater just sat there and said nothing. I think most were quite stunned. Myself included~
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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quote:can anyone think of any other movies that have generated this much controversy in the media??
Sheila, it wasn't quite this much but the last time I remember a movie being talked about as much and protested over, etc was The Last Temptation of Christ that starred Willem DeFoe...sometime in the late 80s I believe. I seem to recall it was a big deal back then.
As for the movie, you couldn't pay me enough to go see it...I'd be interested in seeing bits and pieces of the non-violent parts but to sit through 2 hours of someone getting tortured isn't my idea of a good time. In fact, I turned off the end of Mel Gibson's Braveheart because I couldn't deal with what happened in that one.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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Thanks Rick S. I was moving on rather quickly to get to the next reply of interest but while missing the clear irony of his error, I did sense it was another off-the-cuff OPinion that lacked research. (sorry Joe )
I intend to see the movie. I'd like to see it on the large screen, but I got my wife to watch The Last Samuari, & the Return of the King in the theater, & both were too violent for her... so maybe the DVD will be the answer for me too.
Did anyone else get the email circulating that contains a review claiming to be written by Paul Harvey? Although it was not written by him, it is a very good review from the private showing in Washington DC, & describes the after-shock Bob & Mark mention as percieved by the "mover-shaker" VIP elite that get invited to those private screenings. I believe it stripped them all bare of their usual pompous self-importance.
Kimberly, not to change your mind but once you view this movie you will see that the torture that was depicted in this movie cannot be compared to any violence I have ever seen in any movie.
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Thank you Bob, I actually believe you in that it would be a different experience than the blatant gratuitous violence of today's movies. The violence is not my only reticence, I'm just not interested in the subject matter which is a whole other ball of wax and completely inappropriate for this forum.
I would like to applaud each and every one who has replied to this post for keeping this about the movie and not delving further into the subject matter.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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One thing that really concerns me with this movie is the effect it will have on the mentally ill. Because of the subject matter, it is going to naturally attract people with schizophrenia and the graphic content combined with the spiritual material is going to be very tough on them. These people already are extremely sensitive to guilt and replaying graphic images in their minds. They are also very vulnerable to innuendos, misinterpretations and delusions. It scares me a lot to think of how disturbing a movie like this could be to their health. BTW - did you know schizophrenia afflicts 1% of the population. That's like one of every hundred people you know.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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Kelly, I hope we don't sidetrack this thread, but you brought up something I find interesting.
It's like the numbers might be even higher than that if you think about where the line is drawn. I mean, I doubt that every case is to the same degree, so there has to be a line drawn, by proffessionals, this much, you're a verified case, less, and you're not part of the statistics.
I'm no proffessional, I guess as "layman" or pedestrian in the field as anyone, but I see so much emotional difficulties. Isn't that part of the realm of mental illness? It's the partial cases I'm wondering about.
As far as it's effect on the mentally ill, the bible says: "By his stripes we are healed". The issue hinges on whether or not Christ is alive and still changinging people from the inside out. I myself would probably be dead by now, if I hadn't met Jesus.
I havn't seen the film, maybe the violence needs to be toned down.
[ February 29, 2004, 08:04 AM: Message edited by: James Donahue ]
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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How about those people who went to Hell for seeing violent movies....what is their fate???
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