The Passion of the Christ

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The Passion of the Christ

R

2004

2h 6m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

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278 Reviews

81%

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250,000+ Ratings

In this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalene (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace.

Critics Consensus

Director Mel Gibson's zeal is unmistakable, but The Passion of the Christ will leave many viewers emotionally drained rather than spiritually uplifted.

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Will Self

London Evening Standard

01/09/2018

If I believed in life eternal with access to a heavenly multiplex I still wouldn't advise you to see this film, but, as things stand, if thou goest anywhere this week, be it to see an honest piece of graven imagery, not this religiose rubbish.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/28/2010

3/5

Extremely violent, and powerful; for mature teens.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

03/05/2008

If I were a Christian, I'd be appalled to have this primitive and pornographic bloodbath presume to speak for me.

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Jeremy Jahns

JeremyJahns.com

Apr 3

What it lacks in backstory, it makes up for with full-force emotional impact.

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Alan French

Sunshine State Cineplex

Apr 20

4/10

While other films about Jesus of Nazareth opted to focus on his struggles as a man of faith, Gibson focuses on the intensity of what he was forced to endure. While Gibson touches on something profoundly nihilistic, it’s ultimately a vapid experience.

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Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

06/27/2023

While the scenes we are witnessing are graphic and difficult to watch, there’s no denying the immersive experience that Passion brought to the screen. It’s as valid and visceral as any biblical story that’s ever been captured on film.

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Tom O.

@ruthlessontogeny 13h

Essentially all of the bad reviews boil down to, “I’m not religious, so I don’t like this movie or the man who created it.” But ignore all of that. Even if you aren’t Christian yourself, this is an amazing movie about the final hours of Jesus’s life, the most impactful human to ever walk the planet (whether he was divine or not). And Gibson’s vision which uses exacting historical accuracy and three biblical languages cannot be blithely dismissed. Even if you don’t share his religious commitments, this is an amazingly realistic view of first century Israel, under Roman rule, in which the Nazorean makes virtually everyone uncomfortable until they kill him.

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Ben W

@Username618 1d

So I had a religious phase, alright. Watched meanwhile. Remember the or-phen-tik Aramaic, and sadistic violence. Dunno what it adds, really. Or where it fits. Put this way- it's not like Bach, Matthew John Passion; even if you're not down with message, the music's beautiful. As an intro to all this, it won't be allowed in pre-school. So. It's Christianity for bloodthirsty teenagers? I'm puzzled. Someone wanted to show they're a grown up? Sure there are simpler ways.

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W A

@RT87133724 6d

I liked the film I wish it had been a little longer, loved Mel Gibson’s depiction on it and after all it was not an easy film to watch I must confess I did shed some tears to it 😭 🙌

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Roberto H

@dhdez87 Apr 7

Painful but necessary to watch. This is what Jesus went through to pay for our sins. We don't deserve Him.

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Cfunk D

@Cfunk2085 Apr 6

Unnecessary long torture. Just a bad movie

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Martin M

@RT02655216 Apr 5

Master Pierce!!!! Great!!!!

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Mel Gibson

Director

Jim Caviezel

Jesus

Monica Bellucci

Mary Magdalene

Maia Morgenstern

Mary

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Synopsis

In this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalene (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace.

Director: Mel Gibson
Producer: Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson, Stephen McEveety
Screenwriter: Benedict Fitzgerald, Mel Gibson
Distributor: Newmarket Film Group
Production Co: Icon Entertainment International
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Aramaic
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 25, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $371.4M
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: DTS, SDDS, Dolby SRD, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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