Reader Response: The Crux of Gibson's Crucifixion

Since I live in the United States and the movie was first released here, I have had an opportunity to see it twice. While the movie is very graphic, it is appropriate to the subject matter. It is definitely NOT anti-Semitic. But it IS a movie of faith. I believe that many will be deeply moved by the message and the humanity of Jesus that is clearly portrayed. -- Sandra Jenkins

I believe the world has gone too long believing that the murder of Christ was as clean and sanitary as is shown in many Renaissance paintings. It was a bloodbath, just as Mel Gibson has depicted it. The world at large needs to know and understand the magnitude of suffering and the price that was paid. -- Gary W. Cooper

I am in some way amused at the fear this movie has brought upon certain people but then I really don't understand. I ask how can you make a movie about the crucifixion of the Christ and not show the violence that surrounded it. "The Passion" left me with a very heavy feeling at the end of the movie, and I'm sure has the same effect for most people who have seen it, and will see it. Yes, it was quite graphic, however I can honestly say that this is one of the best biblical movies (and movies in general) of all time. --Veronica, Canada

I have just seen the movie and do not understand why people are deeming it as a "blood, guts, & gore" movie. There is blood yes but it doesn't show any internal organs or heads rolling as many other movies and television shows have. This movie is showing people the suffering this man went through to fulfill scripture. His forgiveness and love are moving. The story of the Passion has always been emotional and moving for me. The movie has shown what I always felt was true. -- Amy

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Reader Response: The Crux of Gibson's Crucifixion

This film reveals what happened to Christ during His final hours on earth. It was horrific. He knew all His physical life that this time was coming and it did not alter His path. Christ was willing to pay the price. At the end of the movie - the last scene shows a resurrected Messiah. That is the real message of the film. -- Colleen Hofer

I saw the movie. It was difficult to watch but I did not see any anti-Semitism. If fact, there is a scene in the movie where some Jewish leaders protest the bringing of Jesus before the court, "late in the evening." If anything this movie is about how a small group of people can manipulate others. This represents humanity as a whole and not a particular group. If any group came across as being inhumanely barbaric it would have to be the Romans. The level of cruelty expressed by them was truly horrible. This movie was about personal sacrifice and belief. -- Joe Power

In light of everything we see in the world today, I have no objection to the violence depicted in this film. No one is forced to watch it and it is not being filtered to into homes like many other highly destructive scenes. -- Christine Loomis

I am old enough to remember World War II and know a great deal of the events of the 30's in Europe. I saw "The Passion of the Christ" twice and did not see anti-Semitism in it. I realize that those of us who lived and live in the U.S. can see it without the enormous baggage Europeans and especially Germans carry still about those times. You feel guilt about a murderous anti-Semitism that I can only read about, never having experienced anything like it. Hate and love, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder. I saw "Triumph of the Will" and never became a Nazi and "The Birth of a Nation" and never joined the KKK. "The Passion" will not make me anti-Semitic. -- Manuel H. Rodriguez, USA

I have seen the film. I think a person who is not familiar with the bible will not understand it. However, the film did not cause me to blame Jews. -- Harold Geer

This is not a movie, it is a snuff film. It's a long, drawn-out, snuff film. Mr. Gibson may have a torture fetish, but I doubt many other people do. If you see it, please do not bring children. Also, a bag to hold your vomit is recommended. -- John Penta

"The Passion of the Christ" is true to the gospels....there is no hatred of the Jews, only hatred of sin. It is not anti-Semitic, only anti-sin. -- Vic Cascio

"The Passion of The Christ" is a very well made movie. It's more like a work of art than a Hollywood film. Mel Gibson did an excellent job of bringing the most important event in human history to the screen. The violence was neither gratuitous nor excessive, considering the reality was far harsher. Every soul on the face of the earth age 12 and above owes it to themselves to see this film. -- Julie Fowler, USA