It is difficult to visualize the horrific torture Jesus experienced during the last 12 hours of his life until one sees Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ."
The film presents a realistic picture of the time period with the dialogue spoken in Latin, Aramaic and Hebrew with English subtitles.
"The Passion of the Christ" leaves out most of Jesus' life and begins with Jesus (James Caviezel) praying to his father in the Garden of Olives where he must resist the temptation of the devil who is personified by actress Rosalinda Celentano.
As in the scriptures, Judas betrays Jesus by telling the Pharisees where he is.
When they say, "We are looking for the Jesus of Nazareth," Jesus honestly replies, "I am he."
From this point on, the film revolves around the excruciating pain Jesus suffered.
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The lashing scene, which shows parts of Jesus' skin being ripped from his body, is excessively long and bloody. Although this was probably Gibson's intention, it may be difficult to keep your eyes open and your stomach from turning during the drawn-out sequence. The loud sound of the whips are particularly poignant. The Romans surrounding Jesus mercilessly cheer on the lashings as his mother and Mary Magdalene cry in disbelief. This, however, is only the beginning of the pain Jesus suffers until his death.
Although the film is in languages not native to the actors, Caviezel and Maia Morgenstern (the Virgin Mary) give phenomenal performances. Caviezel looks native to the Palestine region, portraying a more likely Jesus rather than the fair-skinned, blue-eyed image Western culture often depicts. The overly bloody image of him on the cross is also not one most are used to seeing. The compassion in Jesus' heart is shown in this image when he asks God to forgive his killers as he is being crucified.
The most touching moments come from the emotions of the Virgin Mary as she watches her son being brutalized. A memory of Jesus as a small boy is mirrored by him falling in pain as a grown man.
Some critics claim the film is anti-Semitic because it is apparent that the Jewish leader Caiaphas favors the crucifixion of Jesus far more than Roman governor Pontius Pilate does.
But aside from the controversy of "Passion," the film sends a beautiful message of peace. It is hard to believe a man who suffered so much could have such love and forgiveness in his heart. The refreshing flashbacks of what Jesus accomplished could have lasted longer.
But Jesus' most important message to love everyone, neighbor or enemy, speaks directly to the audience, especially in times like these.
Before one sees "The Passion of the Christ," it is important to prepare for an emotionally trying experience. This is not a film to enjoy popcorn or Jujubes during, nor it is a film for a first date. But Christian or not, the film will leave the audience with a sense of hope about what lengths of forgiveness the heart is capable of.
