The [Perfect] Passion: Three Reviews and a letter (The Most Complete and HONEST review yet)

The Ornery American ^ | Feb 29, 2004 | Orson Scott Card

[gobucks]

This review captures every point, and then some, that I felt about this wonderful film. You won't regret reading his review if you like Mel's Passion.

[tiamat]

I LOVE Orson Scott Card......

[ex-Texan]

I saw Mel's "Passion" a second time today. It was even richer in symbolism and suggestive small details than I noticed at first. It is a film that sticks with you and leaves images in your mind. Mel Gibson is a genius that has been inspired by his prayers. He has a real vision. Cannot wait until the film come out on video.

[King Prout]

Outstanding review.
Once again, OSC has shown both his mastery and his humility.

[Paradox]

Dear Mr. OSC,

For heavens sake, you might as well switch from being a Democrat to a Republican (or at least an independent). You have correctly identified the problem with the Left, which has assumed control of your party. Join us, you will be welcomed here.

I love this guy..

[RoseofTexas]

OH MY GAWD, the letter to Mel is exactly what I was thinking...PLEASE MR. GIBSON, don't let HELLywood near it!! Please for goodness sake, don't let it be nominated for ANY award! I went to the early showing of the Passion and it was PACKED and the rest of the showings were SOLD OUT!! I saw BIG BURLY MEN crying, old folks in sheer silence, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. I for one will email Mr. Gibson to thank him first of all, and to CONCUR with the writer's feeling:
"Keep this film outside. Don't let them use it as a tool to show how open-minded they are, after the fact. Since this is one of the few perfect films ever made, and since it deals with a subject matter sacred to you and to most of its audience, there will never be four other films worthy of being listed with it in any category."

[gobucks]

Well, when you look at the scene sequence, it's clear that the defeat comes AFTER the death and BEFORE the resurrection. But, I've always been taught that it was during that period that Christ assumed Lordship over Satan on earth.

He died for our sins ... and it was the willingness to die, I think, that defeats Satan.

The resurrection, unless I'm mistaken, points the way to what we should be thinking about after we are reborn too.

But, oh boy oh boy, that's just off the top of my head. I'm not a theologic expert.

[AlbionGirl]

Passionate review, I really like it and thanks. Also, I think that Mel could receive no finer advise than the following:

And when award season rolls around next year, please withdraw The Passion of the Christ from consideration for any and all awards.

It would demean this great film to be listed as a competitor for a prize. We don't need to hear absurd and offensive statements like "The Passion of the Christ really has legs as a contender for the Golden Globe" or "The Passion of the Christ is a shoo-in for the best-makeup Oscar."

Hollywood shut you out on this one. Keep this film outside. Don't let them use it as a tool to show how open-minded they are, after the fact. Since this is one of the few perfect films ever made, and since it deals with a subject matter sacred to you and to most of its audience, there will never be four other films worthy of being listed with it in any category.

[King Prout]

not a practicing christian, but... IIRC, the sacrifice defeated Satan (remission of sins = redemption of all mankind) and the resurrection defeated DEATH.

[Eala]

Superb commentary!! It's less "review" than one (I) just posted (it misses what was for me ultimately the most gripping aspect of this film) and definitely more "commentary," but it's commentary that needed to be said, and excellent! Thank you for posting this.

[tiamat]

Good Evening, Your Majesty!

I have ALWAYS enjoyed Orson Scott Card.... thank you for the ping!

:-)

[anniegetyourgun]

No....nothing wrong with your thinking. The resurrection is a sina quo non. As Paul said, "if Christ be not risen, ....then our faith is in vain."

[jwalsh07]

It looks like you're going to make a profit on The Passion of the Christ. Please don't donate any part of the profits to charity.

Exactly right.

[ventana]

What a profound review. Thank you for posting this. V's wife.

[Dick Vomer]

After watching the Oscars last night..... I agree. Withdraw the film from that pile of manure. The only thing that will come of it will be further snide comments, open hostility and the fact that the #1 grossing movie of all time is NOT at the Oscar Awards Ceremony will be just juicy dripped irony at its best.

Just think ...... all other films will be asterisked with the "Didn't compete against the 'Passion of Christ'... the number 1 box office hit of all time. It will be like sitting in the living room with the family and a hippo... and everyone trying to carry on a normal conversation without mentioning the hippo....

[gobucks]

I'm just grinning from ear to ear Rose. I couldn't agree w/ you more. It was like what I would have written, all of it, too.

Our theater was utterly packed. Gasps, quiet crying, shock, awe ... all filled the room. At the end, stunned, STUNNED silence. My wife and my 3 teens then proceeded to have a wonderful evening discussing the film.

And, of course, I flipped through all 4 gospels, checking everything. MEL IS A GENIUS indeed with how he folded in his artistic interpretation and yet fully, completely honored the gospels.

Jim Cavizel ... what an unearthly actor. We were all blessed this Easter season. But, I don't know if I can go see it again. It was just too .... real.

[anniegetyourgun]

And I feel the same way about the last two paragraphs of this writing. Hope Mel reads this particular review.

[gobucks]

You're very welcome. I owe Mr. Sloth for pointing the way to OSC.

[King Prout]

he is, in my opinion, one of the ten best authors alive... not alone for his skill, but for himself.

been to hatrackriver.com lately?