On its initial release in America, the film polarised the Christian and the Jewish communities. In some areas of America, the former contributed to an astonishing opening box office take of over $100m by pre-booking cinemas for their congregations (in Dallas, the film showed on a 20-screen cinema to over 6,000 viewers). However, the Jewish community, together with some other leading Christian churches, accused Gibson of anti-Semitism, citing the portrayal of high priest Caiphus as the true instigator of the Crucifixion rather than Pilate. However, in this country, reaction was more muted, concentrating on the critical rather than the religious points.
The film is undeniably violent - when the crown of thorns is rammed on Christ's head, it does not produce a few delicate streams of blood but a torrent - while the other brutalities He must endure are even more vicious, but within that frame Gibson and Caviezel manage to convey the character of Christ behind the pain. With a cast of almost all unknowns (only Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene is an experienced actress) and with dialogue in Aramaic and Latin, this is a testing film but one that, however visceral, is thought-provoking and memorable.
Preview courtesy of Channel 4
Did you know? When this Latin and Aramaic language film was announced, Mel Gibson stated that his intent was to release it without subtitles, letting the performances speak for themselves. However, subtitles were added later. Also, he stated that regardless of the cost of the project, that this would be "good for the soul".
(2004) (USA) 
(4 Star)
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