May 17, 2004 10:18 AM
1900 Views
(Updated May 17, 2004 10:19 AM)
After all the world wide controversy this movie is generating and the huge box office collections ...I decided to do a dekho of Mel Gibsons's version of Christ.
Let me tell you first hand that I am a fan of Mel Gibson's movies - Braveheart and the Patriot rank as my favourites ..apart from Signs, Payback, what women want, etcetra
Review
To begin with: Do not expect a lot out of this movie in terms of a plot or storyline - there isn't any. By the way the movie is in Latin with english sub-titles.
Mel Gibson's retells the last 12-24 hours of the life of Jesus Christ in this movie.
Brief Storyline
Film starts with Judas betraying Jesus for 30 silver coins... and then the Jews capturing Jesus & flogging him for blasphemy (for proclaiming himself as the messiah). Jews want him crucified despite the Ceasar's governor (Roman rule prevails) not being in favor of this. In between Satan is thrown up for some visual effects (I thought God created everything including Satan). The rest is torture ..oops I mean history.
Mel Gibson is trying to make home some point to its viewers (I kept on searching for this point and so did the rest of the viewers). The use of slow motion sequences and the intensity with which the film dwells on Christ's suffering is basically the language of Hollywood Blockbuster movie.
Movie from the beginning seems a bit artificial - the portrayal of Jesus by a handsome bearded guy is difficult to imagine !! (As if goodness & godliness pertain to beauty). The movie starts without any foreword - one feels like one has just crash landed on the sets.
Excessive bloodshed and torture has been displayed as if the movie is a portrayal on the techniques of human degradation. Some of the scenes are very gory especially when they nail Jesus's hands and legs to the cross. The sadistic attitude of soldiers (will remind of recent incidents in Iraq), and the pleasure derived by them seems a bit unrealistic. Rest of the cast is passe except Mother Mary.
Technically the movie is well edited and photographed. The music was the best part, the gentle flute flowing now and then during flashback's. Direction is ok considering the limitations in the script.
The movie does not convey any message - should I be expecting one?. This movie is not a spiritual or a cultural milestone.
I do not recommend(But the bos office worldwide says a different story) this movie.
Better spend the day reading the Bible/Gita or praying rather then seeing Jesus being mutilated. After all he would have wanted us to preach goodness by loving your enemies.
NOTE: Do not abuse your kids by showing them this movie.
