Answers to FAQs

Why another movie about Jesus?

Although roughly 100 movies have been made about Jesus, Mel Gibson feels that the story of Jesus' death and resurrection has never been accurately committed to film according to the four Gospels, the historical setting of first-century Palestine, and the physical brutality of the crucifixion. "I don't think it's ever been told as it should be," he says. The film is the culmination of 12 years of Gibson's personal exploration of his own faith.

Is this film authentic?

Mel Gibson has tried hard to make this film the most authentic movie about Christ ever made. "I'm trying to make it as authentic as I possibly can," he says. "Right down to the clothing. Right down to the eating customs of the Jews of the Old Law...." Actor James Caviezel's (Jesus) eye color and face has been altered to make him appear more Semitic. The entire script is in Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic, the languages spoken in first-century Palestine. The violence of Christ's torture and His crucifixion is also very realistic.

Why write the script in Latin, Hebrew and Aramaic?

These were the languages that were used in first-century Palestine, and in keeping with Gibson's desire for the highest level of authenticity, they were the natural choice. Gibson originally intended to not include English subtitles, either, relying instead on the power of the images to transcend language.

Is this film too violent?

"I think we have gotten too used to seeing pretty crosses on the wall, and we forget what really happened," says Gibson. " We know that Jesus suffered and died, but we don't really think about what it all means. Hey, I didn't realize it either when I was growing up. The full horror of what Jesus suffered for our redemption didn't really strike me. But when you finally see it and understand what He went through, it makes you feel not only compassion, but also a debt. You want to repay him for the enormity of His sacrifice. You want to love him in return."

These faqs and quotes are from thepassionoutreach.com.

Movie Info Links:

• What is "The Passion of the Christ?
• Movie Trailers - more trailers
• The official movie website
• The Senator Theater (directions)
• RBC: The Passion of the Christ - Questions raised by the release of The Passion of the Christ.

Quotes About the Movie:

"Every time I preach or speak about the Cross, the things I saw on the screen will be on my heart and mind." ...
"The film is faithful to the Bible's teaching that we are all responsible for Jesus' death, because we have all sinned. It is our sins that caused His death, not any particular group. No one who views this film's compelling imagery will ever be the same."
~Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

"It is deeply moving, powerful, and disturbing. A film that must be seen - although the graphic scenes of the scourging of Jesus are emotionally wrenching." (From an email to Icon)
~James Dobson, Chairman, Focus on the Family

The Passion will stun audiences and create an incredible appetite for people to know more about Jesus. I urge Christians to invite their spiritually seeking friends to see this movie with them."
~Lee Strobel, Former Atheist & Author "The Case for Christ" & "The Case for Faith"

"The Passion" is simply fabulous. It is emotionally wrenching because it is brutally honest about the violence of Jesus' death. Never in my life have I seen any movie that comes even close to depicting what Roman crucifixion was really like. Long familiarity and theological explanation have leached out in our minds the awful brutality of Jesus' trial and death. John's simple words, "then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him" feel vastly different as you watch two brutal Roman soldiers go on minute after terrible minute bludgeoning Jesus near-naked body with flesh-gouging whips. Pious talk about Jesus' death for our sins takes on a whole new meaning. (From an email to Icon)
~Ron Sider, President, Evangelicals For Social Action