The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)

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After all the controversy and rigorous debate has subsided, Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ will remain a force to be reckoned with. In the final analysis, "Gibson's Folly" is an act of personal bravery and commitment on the part of its director, who self-financed this $25-30 million production to preserve his artistic goal of creating the Passion of Christ ("Passion" in this context meaning "suffering") as a quite literal, in-your-face interpretation of the final 12 hours in the life of Jesus, scripted almost directly from the gospels (and spoken in Aramaic and Latin with a relative minimum of subtitles) and presented as a relentless, 126-minute ordeal of torture and crucifixion. For Christians and non-Christians alike, this film does not "entertain," and it's not a film that one can "like" or "dislike" in any conventional sense. (It is also emphatically not a film for children or the weak of heart.) Rather, The Passion is a cinematic experience that serves an almost singular purpose: to show the scourging and death of Jesus Christ in such horrifically graphic detail (with Gibson's own hand pounding the nails in the cross) that even non-believers may feel a twinge of sorrow and culpability in witnessing the final moments of the Son of God, played by Jim Caviezel in a performance that's not so much acting as a willful act of submission, so intense that some will weep not only for Christ, but for Caviezel's unparalleled test of endurance.

Leave it to the intelligentsia to debate the film's alleged anti-Semitic slant; if one judges what is on the screen (so gloriously served by John Debney's score and Caleb Deschanel's cinematography), there is fuel for debate but no obvious malice aforethought; the Jews under Caiaphas are just as guilty as the barbaric Romans who carry out the execution, especially after Gibson excised (from the subtitles, if not the soundtrack) the film's most controversial line of dialogue. If one accepts that Gibson's intentions are sincere, The Passion can be accepted for what it is: a grueling, straightforward (some might say unimaginative) and extremely violent depiction of the Passion, guaranteed to render devout Christians speechless while it intensifies their faith. Non-believers are likely to take a more dispassionate view, and some may resort to ridicule. But one thing remains undebatable: with The Passion of the Christ, Gibson put his money where his mouth is. You can praise or damn him all you want, but you've got to admire his chutzpah. --Jeff Shannon

Description

The Passion of the Christ focuses on the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life. The film begins in the Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper. Jesus must resist the temptations of Satan. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus is then arrested and taken within the city walls of Jerusalem where leaders of the Pharisees confront him with accusations of blasphemy and his trial results in a condemnation to death.

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.......2007-09-15

Mel Gibson's Passion is a true masterpiece of modern cinema. Those who disregard it do so because they don't understand that the movie has much in it that the viewer should already know. The movie is meant more to be a meditation than an evangelical message.

The discussions of historical accuracy forget that there are things not written in the Gospels. The Gospels were written for evangelism, not to capture every detail. Much of the details have been developed (or culturally remembered) through traditions of the early Church, that Church long before the Schism of 1000, and even longer before the Reformation of the 1500s.

The bloodiness and violence are necessary. In a culture desensitized by violence (Saving Private Ryan, multiple slasher films), the cruelty, which only needed to be slightly enhanced -- not invented, was meant to shock the modern audience as part of this meditation.

Much of the criticism is analogous to art critics critiquing a Byzantine icon. No perspective. What's with the big golden circle around his head? But to those who understand that it is a vehicle of meditation realize that there is a deeper truth portrayed by this seemingly savage painting.

Not a movie for everyday viewing, but for the fortifying meditation of the devout heart.

The Good & Bad Of 'The Passion Of The Christ'.......2007-09-07

GOOD - Kudos for someone finally presenting an accurate account of Christ's sufferings, as gruesome and horrible as they were, although, if you read the Gospel accounts in the Bible, it was even worse than shown on this film. Jesus' face was beaten to a pulp and "unrecognizable" so keep that in mind if you think the film overdid the beatings. However, the overall effect is that there isn't anything sanitized in this film; it's an according-to-the-Book account and after you see this on film, it shakes you up.

I heard that people were so stunned they couldn't speak for about a half hour after coming out of the theaters. I thought that was probably exaggerated, but it wasn't. I felt the same way, just stunned at what I had witnessed. As a Believer, it was something I needed to see to remind me of what this God-in the flesh human voluntarily went through. For non-Believers, scoffers or whatever, I don't know what your reaction was to the film but for me, it was a humbling, sobering experience.

THE BAD - The unrelenting brutality against Jesus the last three-quarters of this film is so bad that, frankly, I would hesitate before ever watching this again. One viewing is enough. I am amazed so many people sat through this, including Christians. I wish director/producer Mel Gibson had shown more of Christ's resurrection instead of centering 99 percent of this movie on his suffering, although I understand Mel's point. However, all of Jesus' claims and sufferings are meaningless without the resurrection, so why not emphasize that instead of just tacking it on for the last minute or two? Just asking.

It's a cliché, but this is a film you won't soon forget, but I would add to that, one you probably won't want to watch multiple times.

Most Unrealistic Version of Jesus' Life I've Ever Seen.......2007-09-07

I am not cold, nor am I without heart. I cringe when I watch this movie. I weep to think that this would happen to the most guilty of men let alone a good man who's done nothing to deserve it. And though I am not a Christian I respect the story of Jesus. But, this is the most unrealistic movie I have ever seen portraying his life.

99% of the story, the dialog, and the violence is not an accurate portrayal. It's not just that most of the story is made up or isn't accurate according to the Bible, but most of the dialog is made up too. Most of what is supposed to be from the Gospels is altered in some way to say something other that what scripture says.

The violence in itself is another story. Though it is told that Jesus was tortured and suffered, the violence depicted in the movie just isn't realistic. It's not just that 99% of it isn't mentioned in the Bible, but there is no way on Earth that Jesus could have survived 20 minutes into the movie. If he hadn't bled to death first, the fishhook type whips used on him would not only have ripped his flesh off his body, but gone in and ripped out his internal organs too. It's just not realistic. No one could have survived that. Not even the Son of God.

The portrayal of the Roman soldiers that beat Jesus wasn't realistic either. I know that the Roman soldiers were cruel and could be sadistic but the way they are portrayed in this film is as much over the top as all the violence. The Bible mentions nothing of all this punishment. He wasn't beaten and whipped and kicked around the way they showed as he carried his cross to Calvary. He fell three (3) times. And most of the portrayal that went on with him being nailed to the cross and set up isn't mentioned at all. Him being flipped over the way he was. Geez!

What this movie blatantly is, is an attempt to play on the emotions of those who believe so deeply in the story of Jesus. Period. It's false propaganda and it plays its part well. You can tell by all the reviews stating this was the most realistic version they'd ever seen. Don't buy into it.

Any Christian who is interested in watching a more accurate portrayal of the life of Jesus would be far better off watching Jesus of Nazareth. Or any non-Christian who's just interested in learning about Jesus' life. The real purpose of Jesus' life is portrayed in Jesus of Nazareth, and done very well. His teachings. That is what is really important, not this excessively violent and unrealistic version.

I'm giving this movie two stars because of the use of Aramaic and Latin, and because the cinematography was beautiful. Oh, and because the rendition of Satan was really creepy.

Captures the Essence of Christ's Passion.......2007-08-20

This masterpiece has been criticized as being too violent. Actually, upon seeing it, I have to conclude that the actual problem is the fact that all previous films and plays about the Passion have been much too sanitized and nonviolent. Of course, the violence, apart from being historically accurate, is a reflection of the brutalities of the ancient world in general and the ancient Roman Empire in particular. Those liberals who complain about conservatives selectively condemning televised violence are just being silly. There is a world of difference between the careful depiction of violence in movies and the gratuitous violence that pervades modern movies and TV. Conservatives have never objected to the former, only the latter. Those who complain about the discrepancies in the Gospels are being equally silly. Apart from the fact that these discrepances are to be expected between independent eyewitness accounts, they are minor and easily reconciled with each other (much as variant newspaper accounts of the same event in no way negate the factuality of the event).

The violence makes it easy to understand elements of the Passion. For instance, the abject brutality of the scourging makes it easy to understand why many of those flagellated died on the spot. It is amazing that our Lord did not die much sooner. Then again, God the Father needed His Son to live long enough to complete His atoning Sacrifice for our sake.

Far from being anti-Semitic or otherwise portraying Jews in a unilaterally negative light, it includes portrayal of Jews as the victims of the Roman conquerors. This is shown by the derogatory remarks towards Jews by Pilate (e. g., This stinking province!...This rabble!...), as well as the Roman soldiers (e. g., An impossible people!...Help Him carry the cross--you Jew!).

I disagree with those who say that the movie didn't pay attention to His teachings. Apart from the fact that the movie was about His Passion, and not primarily about His entire life and teachings, it does include substantial references to the latter. These include flashbacks to the time of Jesus as a Boy, Jesus following the trade of His father Joseph as a carpenter, the forgiveness of the adulteress, the command to love one's enemies, the command to love one another as He had loved them, Peter's promise never to betray Him, etc.

Because He died to take away my sins, the film enabled me to see myself as His tormentor. It was I who was spitting on Him, scourging Him so savagely, making Him carry the Cross, and then nailing Him to it.

The film concludes with a good visual portrayal of His Resurrection. The grave clothes stay wrapped together while His resurrected Body passes right through them, and His Body still contains the nail marks of His Passion. A superb film! The only question is why a film of this quality had not been produced much sooner.

very powerful film.......2007-08-20

any film that deals with Jesus is bound to stir up some kind of controversy and this film had alot of people split. the depictions and the Blood and intensity kept you on the edge. the film was captivating in the directing and overall story telling and the various perspectives that capture your mind set upon digesting all that is taken place. I found the pacing of this film to be very incredible and it just moved me. the Cross scene and the nailing parts were deep and very Profound. the film is two hours and i felt it flew by. it asnwered alot of questions and also made you see things in a completely different light. very Powerful and a very Good film.

The Passion of the Christ (Two-Disc Special Edition)

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Offensive & exploitative
Profoundly offensive
Captures the Essence of Christ's Passion
do not forget the Eternal Father
The Passion - the blood, sweat, and tears of Jesus of Nazareth

The Passion of the Christ (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: James Caviezel , Maia Morgenstern , Christo Jivkov , Francesco De Vito , and Monica Bellucci
Director: Mel Gibson
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B000K7VHJQ
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Offensive & exploitative.......2007-09-16

What can I say? As an unorthodox Christian myself, on the one hand, you could say this was a stark, innovative movie about the final hours of arguably the most important man in our history. On the other, you could say what on earth was Gibson thinking? I nearly came to blows with a born-again "Christian" colleague because I said this was exploitative garbage. Prior to this film, he and his chums had only Cliff Richard to fly the flag, so they were desperate for someone to notice them. Unless all the actors did it for free and every penny was donated to charity, this is blasphemous exploitation. After having been assaulted by the awful "Braveheart" and "The Patriot", the only thing that really surprised me was that Gibson didn't have the Jews and Romans speaking with perfect English accents, with Jim Caveziel Riverdancing to the cross in an Irish brogue and half his face painted blue, whilst waving the Stars and Stripes. Perhaps that will come with the sequel, "the Passion of the Patriotheart". I could go on. Ho-hum.
F Tomlin, England

Profoundly offensive.......2007-09-01

I usually don't write bad reviews - I prefer to praise movies that I love. But I found this film deeply and profoundly offensive. All I kept thinking while I was being repulsed is "What is Mel Gibson doing? What is his agenda?". It seems to me that this masochistic, Catholic guilt-ridden travesty misses the entire point of Jesus' crucifixion. Wouldn't this great spiritual leader want us to focus on the message of eternal life - there is no death - rather than the suffering?

Captures the Essence of Christ's Passion.......2007-08-20

The original movie has been criticized as being too violent. Actually, upon seeing the film, I have to conclude that the actual problem is the fact that all previous films and plays about the Passion have been much too sanitized and nonviolent. Of course, the violence, apart from being historically accurate, is a reflection of the brutalities of the ancient world in general and the ancient Roman Empire in particular. Those liberals who complain about conservatives selectively condemning televised violence are just being silly. There is a world of difference between the careful depiction of violence in movies and the gratuitous violence that pervades modern movies and TV. Conservatives have never objected to the former, only the latter. Those who complain about the discrepancies in the Gospels are being equally silly. Apart from the fact that these discrepances are to be expected between independent eyewitness accounts, they are minor and easily reconciled with each other (much as variant newspaper accounts of the same event in no way negate the factuality of the event).

The violence makes it easy to understand elements of the Passion. For instance, the abject brutality of the scourging makes it easy to understand why many of those flagellated died on the spot. It is amazing that our Lord did not die much sooner. Then again, God the Father needed His Son to live long enough to complete His atoning Sacrifice for our sake.

Far from being anti-Semitic or otherwise portraying Jews in a unilaterally negative light, it includes portrayal of Jews as the victims of the Roman conquerors. This is shown by the derogatory remarks towards Jews by Pilate (e. g., This stinking province!...This rabble!...), as well as the Roman soldiers (e. g., An impossible people!...Help Him carry the cross--you Jew!).

I disagree with those who say that the movie didn't pay attention to His teachings. Apart from the fact that the movie was about His Passion, and not primarily about His entire life and teachings, it does include substantial references to the latter. These include flashbacks to the time of Jesus as a Boy, Jesus following the trade of His father Joseph as a carpenter, the forgiveness of the adulteress, the command to love one's enemies, the command to love one another as He had loved them, Peter's promise never to betray Him, etc.

Because He died to take away my sins, the film enabled me to see myself as His tormentor. It was I who was spitting on Him, scourging Him so savagely, making Him carry the Cross, and then nailing Him to it.

The film concludes with a good visual portrayal of His Resurrection. The grave clothes stay wrapped together while His resurrected Body passes right through them, and His Body still contains the nail marks of His Passion. A superb film! The only question is why a film of this quality had not been produced much sooner.

do not forget the Eternal Father.......2007-08-07

I believe alot of people are forgetting the whole point of why Jesus sufferred the way He did. They forget the Father, the Eternal Father. He sent His Eternal Son and Jesus' suffering and passion was the way God the Father chose to help bring people back to himself. For God the Father to send Grace to the world and to bless the world the Father sees His Son on the cross and in this way He blesses the world.What pleased the Father was the willingness of His Son to undergo the Passion. To see His Son on the cross is not what pleased the Father, no, it was His Son's willingness to suffer. Jesus could have easily prevented anyone taking His Life. He is God. Yet His willingness to undergo suffering was motivated by His Love for us and to reveal to us the real enemy of our souls that is the devil. God needed to wrestle us from the clutches of the devil. His death actually defeated the devil and revealed the devil as he truly is and inagurated the Kingdom He wants to establish based on Love and Mercy. How could God do it in any other way. Most of the world had rejected Him and continues to reject Him today yet His Son and the Remembrance of the Passion of His Son, the Eternal Father sends His Grace especially for the forgiveness of sins so that we may be able to receive The Holy Spirit. Can you see what sin did to man. Sin did not change God. It changed man. The cost to heal man was the sending of His Son. And for those who reflect on this cost and realize their own condition He is then able to heal them. It was God's Love for us that motivated Him to send His Son.

The Passion - the blood, sweat, and tears of Jesus of Nazareth.......2007-07-13

Mel Gibson rich film telling of the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ is vivid, violent, and a terrifying display of passionate storytelling based on the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Gibson has the actors speak in the native dialects they would have spoken at the time of Jesus: Aramaic for Jews, Latin and Greek for the Romans. This is what makes the gospels come alive far more than previous biblical films for it is the living language of the time that transcends the blur of history and theology.

James Caviezel's portrayal of Yeshua is stunning. Whether you believe in God or not ... this is the Jewish Yeshua set in the context of Jewish Messianic expectations, the legal political warfare of Rome, and the religious fever mixed with jealousy from the Pharisees. Caviezel's Roman Catholic devotion comes through in his emotional displays from the Garden of Gethsemane, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Crucifixtion. This is human Yeshua, the Jewish Yeshua, the Messiah incarnate, and the threat of the High Priest and Roman Governors.

Mel Gibon played great attention to detail in every scene and recreates the gospel accounts of New Testament apostles in a way far different from previous films. This is a haunting depiction of one of history's most controversial figures ... and leaves a question: Was Yeshua just a rebellious Jewish rabbi, a false Messiah, the true Messiah whose birth fulfilled the promise of Moses, or a mythical concoction of Roman pagan myths, Jewish mysticism, and religous distortion that has fooled mankind for 2000 years? The Passion leaves many probings that can not be anwered. It stays true to the New Testament, reveals its Roman Catholic leanings, and leaves even the un-religious to take notice.

Another good one to watch: The Gospel of John (2004) which explores how the Roman and Jewish rabbis jealousy of Yeshua came against the more human and very Jewish Christ.

.... The most learned of his day rejected him (Caiphas and Annais) whilst he who was a mere fisherman (Peter the first Pope) believed in him. Only the pure in heart could see what those whose intellects ruled their spirits could not .....

The Passion of the Christ (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
The Good & Bad Of 'The Passion Of The Christ'
Most Unrealistic Version of Jesus' Life I've Ever Seen
Captures the Essence of Christ's Passion
very powerful film

The Passion of the Christ (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: James Caviezel , Maia Morgenstern , Christo Jivkov , Francesco De Vito , and Monica Bellucci
Director: Mel Gibson
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00028HBKC
Release Date: 2004-08-31

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Description

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.......2007-09-15

The Good & Bad Of 'The Passion Of The Christ'.......2007-09-07

Most Unrealistic Version of Jesus' Life I've Ever Seen.......2007-09-07

Captures the Essence of Christ's Passion.......2007-08-20

very powerful film.......2007-08-20

Average customer rating:

A Film for the whole Family

The Prophecies of the Passion

Manufacturer: Randolf Productions, Inc.
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ASIN: B000BFXUVK

Product Description

Prophecies of the Passion is an extraordinary look at the Messianic prophecies fulfilled during the final week of Christs life on earth. The Gospels clearly describe Jesus betrayal, arrest, death, and resurrection. Remarkably, these events were foretold by Hebrew prophetsin specific detail... centuries before they actually occurred. An ideal companion to Mel Gibsons The Passion of the Christ, this unforgettable 58-minute documentary reveals Gods incredible plan for the redemption of humanity, and the eternal hope He offers to all who accept Jesus as the promised Messiah. "This film is a work of art. I believe many people will understand the full meaning of Christ's death and resurrection for the first time." - Lee Strobel Author of The Case for Christ

Customer Reviews:

A Film for the whole Family .......2007-07-09

waken's the spirit and Kindles the Passion of one's faith and Hope in God the Father and the Son, the Christ to the full fillment of the Holy Spirt and Helps gives anwers to those things left unknown about the death of Jesus Christ this is one Film the whole Family should watch...!

Average customer rating:

Biased, but interesting.
It's painful to watch Sawyer debase herself
Mel and Diane
Money Mel and His Big Money Movie
Confident and Steady Mel Gibson

ABC Primetime - Mel Gibson's Passion
Starring: Diane Sawyer , and Mel Gibson
Manufacturer: Mpi Home Video
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ASIN: B0001NM7W0
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Description

In this episode of Primetime, ABC News' Diane Sawyer interviews filmmaker Mel Gibson about his highly controversial movie, "The Passion of the Christ."

Gibson discusses his own religious beliefs with Sawyer and explains how his faith helped him overcome struggles with addiction and other personal problems at a spiritual low point in his life. These dark experiences ultimately led him to make "The Passion of the Christ."

He responds to charges that the movie's portrayal of the Jewish role in the death of Christ will encourage anti-Semitism. He also elaborates on comments he's made about the Holocaust. In addition, he tells why he felt it necessary to exhibit such a graphic depiction of Christ's crucifixion on film, and discusses his decision to tell the story in both Aramaic and Latin.

Sawyer also interviews Abraham Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, who shares his views on the Passion of the Christ." Religious scholars, members of the clergy and others assess the film's potential impact.

Critics, theologians and film aficionados won't want to miss this exclusive interview about one of the most emotionally charged movies of our time - "The Passion of The Christ."

Approx. 40 mins.

Customer Reviews:

Biased, but interesting. .......2005-11-26

I don't own the DVD, but I saw the interview when it aired live. Although I hadn't been a particularly avid follower of Diane Sawyer, I had by no means ever been offended by her, so I gave her the benefit of the doubt that she wasn't caught up in the anti-Christian bias. After watching this interview, I was disappointed. I don't dislike Sawyer now, but I've lost a lot of respect for her. It takes a strong person to stand against popular opinion (i.e. anti-Catholic bias), and she simply doesn't seem to have what it takes. I'm sorry, but one would think that a full-grown, mature, educated woman would have learned the importance of not following peer-pressure -- the anti-drug campaign advocates this lesson enough, for crying out loud.

From the get-go, it seemed that Sawyer had made up her mind (or her boss did) to react to Mel Gibson and his beliefs as one reacts to someone who believes that they have been abducted by fish-people (although I think she would've been a tad more polite to the fish-people believer, as it is politically incorrect to denigrate a (non-Christian) person's belief system). She also seemed intent emphasizing the anti-Semitic issue, just like pretty much everyone else who hadn't even seen the movie yet did (forgetting that most of the "good guys," if you will, in the movie were also of Jewish descent). As we all know, it's been about a year and a half since the movie's release, and people of Jewish descent are at about the same level of health and happiness that they were before the movie's release. Way to break the mold, Diane.

Thankfully, Gibson held his own. Although he didn't openly react to the implications raised by Sawyer's questions, it seemed evident that he was well aware of her intentions; to be fair, he was probably very well prepared for it.

I gave this DVD 3 stars because, even though I thought Gibson was interesting and he stated his reasons for making the film with confidence, Sawyer was unimpressively consistent with the popular opinions of the day.

Also, a respectful note to the individual who addressed the issue that Gibson has his own private church. While you raise an interesting concern, you seem to be under the impression that because Gibson has his own church, it means that he has his own religion. That would be problematic, except the church he has on his property is a Catholic church, and the Mass that is said there is in union with the Roman Catholic Church, at least as far as I know. Therefore, I don't see the hypocrisy that you seem to be trying to point out. As far as where his money goes, Gibson, unlike other celebrities, doesn't publicize his donations, so who's to say how much money from the movie went solely into his own pocket? It wouldn't be very Christian of me to judge.

It's painful to watch Sawyer debase herself.......2004-08-31

Anyone who sees this review can see that it is extremely flawed for two reasons: First, Sawyer obviously knows very little about Christianity. How can you question someone about their religious beliefs when you haven't got a clue yourself? Second, it's painfully obvious that Sawyer was constantly attempting to bait Gibson into saying something "controversial." It's just awful to watch her do it; it's like watching someone you respect write profanity on a washroom stall; you just kind of feel sick to your stomach seeing them debase themselves. The very fact that they have packaged this television interview for sale on DVD is indication that their intent was commercial, not journalistic.

Mel and Diane.......2004-08-19

The mainstream media, so eager to crucify Mel Gibson for being an outspoken Christian and, therefore, not a hostage to the atheistic liberalism embraced by most film stars, isn't about to pass up an opportunity to cash in on his popularity. Hence, the release to home video of this episode of ABC News "Primetime."

When your audience is deserting you in droves for cable and the internet, you've got to find a way to make extra cash, but the only selling point is Mel Gibson whose popularity is soaring as ABC and Gibson's interrogator, the obnoxious Diane Sawyer, slide into irrelevance.

Such hypocrisy is not surprising, nor is it a revelation that Diane Sawyer is an embarrassment to her profession. This aging fluff chick's anti-Christian bias is evident throughout, but she never comes close to ruffling Mel's feathers. Unlike Sawyer, the superstar actor/director has a solid belief system and is not likely to be intimidated into muzzling those beliefs to accomodate the infidels of modern Babylon.

Although Mel holds his ground and makes quite an impression, and Sawyer makes a bigger fool of herself than she usually does, I can't justify buying this. Anyone who wanted to add this interview to their video library could have taped it from TV. They weren't likely to miss it since it was hyped in the same hysterical fashion that is network TV's stock-in-trade. Besides, Gibson gave a more in-depth interview to ETWN, the Catholic cable network that let him speak his mind without trying to trip him up, as Sawyer does, with stupid, insulting questions. Buying this video only puts money in the pockets of Sawyer and ABC. I gave up on ABC and the other broadcast networks long ago. I'm not about to support them now.

Brian W. Fairbanks

Money Mel and His Big Money Movie.......2004-07-20

First, the guy who ordered this thinking it was the "Passion" movie, you're an idiot. You got what you deserved for not paying attention.

This interview is a waste of time, Gibson is just promoting himself and I don't belive a word of his personal religous dogma. If anyone thinks Mel made 'The Passion' for any reason other than to make himelf richer, then you are a fool. If his inspiration was to spread "the word", why weren't the profits given to his beloved Catholic church? The money went in Mel's pockets and if you paid your hard earned dollars to see it you're fool, regardless of the quality of the story or your religious beelifs. Not one cent went to any religous entity of any kind. Except Mel's chruch of course. Did you know Mel started his own chruch? With private membership? I guess he decided not to tell you that part. He's a money grubbing egomanic and if you buy into his crap then more fool you.

Confident and Steady Mel Gibson.......2004-07-17

Gibson did very little press for The Passion, with this being the much-hyped primetime ABC interview. Sawyer asks the questions that would be expected, asking him why he didn't make a more politically correct version. Gibson should be commended for standing by his vision. His particular form of Orthodox Catholicism believes the brutal crucifixion is the singular most important moment in the life of Christ, and to understand the him, you must travel that last day with him and suffer ever blow.

Therefore, he felt his depiction of the death of Christ was the ONLY version he could ever produce (he tires to explain this to Sawyer who seems to suggest "well, why not change this story if people get mad?"). To him, anything else would be a compromise before God. You may not agree with his spin on the meaning of Jesus, but you have to admire his allegiance to his beliefs.

Amazon.com

In this account of Jesus Christ's suffering and death, Arvo Pärt has found appropriate material for his very popular minimalist style. The Vulgate Latin text, taken from the Gospel of John, relates the harrowing story of Jesus' arrest, trial before Pilate and Caiaphas, betrayal by Peter, and death on the cross with a matter-of-fact, straightforward simplicity that is perfectly matched by the calm detachment and slow-moving simplicity of Pärt's music.

This simplicity, reminiscent of medieval plainchant, is achieved through rather complex resources: two soloists--Michael George for the words of Christ, John Potter for those of Pilate; the remaining members of the Hilliard Ensemble singing the Gospel narrative in harmony; a small chorus for the words of the crowd and other characters; and a chamber ensemble (oboe, bassoon, violin, cello, and organ) to accompany the voices. The performance and cathedral ambiance are just right. --Joe McLellan

Description

Composer Arvo Part wrote "St. John Passion" in such a way that it recalls the purity and timelessness of the great musical Passions from the seventeenth century. Taken from Chapters Eighteen and Nineteen of the "Gospel According to St. John," the piece is sung in Latin and includes an introduction. Durham Cathedral, one of Europe's noblest medieval monuments, provides a fitting backdrop for the performance. Conducted by Paul Hillier.

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Impact: The Passion of the Christ

Manufacturer: ANTOnline
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000BB1N1S

What a Friend We Have in Jesus; A Closer Walk With Thee

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What a Friend We Have in Jesus; A Closer Walk With Thee

Manufacturer: Family Value Collection
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Jesus of Nazareth

ASIN: B000ANEU6M

Product Description

What A Friend We Have in Jesus is an inspirational journey through the life of Jesus set to a beautiful, stereo soundtrack of favorite Gospel songs such as How Great Though Art and What a Friend We Have in Jesus. This wonderful DVD reverently tells the greatest story ever told , the life of Jesus, His words, His miracles, His triumphs, and His Tribulations. It is truly a DVD event for the whole family.

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The Life and the Passion of Christ
Starring: Life & Passion of Christ
Manufacturer: Highland Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B0006B29UM
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Charlton Heston Presents the Bible: The Passion

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Charlton Heston Presents the Bible: The Passion

Manufacturer: GoodTimes DVD
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

The Charlton Heston Presents The Bible: Jesus of Nazareth

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Charlton Heston Presents the Bible
The Passion
Jesus

ASIN: B000HDN9DA

Product Description

"Powerful...impassioned" (The New York Times). "An impressive accomplishment...a work steeped...in spiritual passion" (The Wall Street Journal). In the beginning...before there was a written language, the stories in the Bible were told, to people sitting around a campfire in the dark, listening to the tales of what had happened and what was yet to come. Now, Academy Award®-winning actor Charlton Heston (Ben-Hur) recaptures all the passion, the power, the drama, and the sheer beauty those first storytellers passed on to us with his own dazzling new exploration of the greatest stories ever told. THE PASSION dramatically presents the tragic and triumphant coda to the New Testament: The Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. You'll be present with Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper and in Gethsemane, where Judas betrays Christ with a kiss. Witness the drama of His trial before Pilate and the crowds...the struggle of His walk with the cross...the moving power of His Crucifixion...and the joyful triumph of His Ascension. Shot on location in the Holy Land, this incredible production is more than great literature come to life. It is a walk through history itself. SPECIAL FEATURE: Charlton Heston: Behind the Scenes

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