1. After the arrest at the garden of gethsemane, a mob of jews (not roman soldiers) beat jesus
2. The jews (not roman soldiers) bound jesus in chains, and threw him over the side of a bridge
3. Satan whispered in the ears of jews (not roman soldiers)
4. Mary begged the Roman soldiers to stop the Jews from brutalizing Jesus
Did these scenes stand out to you from the rest of the movie? Do you think they were in context with the rest of the movie? Do you their their inclusion voids the claim that the film is true to the Gospels? And lastly, did any of you who saw this film feel any sort of anger towards Jewish people? The folks on that board are convinced that this film is going to send people over the edge with anger.
Thanks in advance for your input!
Your questions are serious and are obviously important to you and others, but the underling current is much more problematic, unanswerable, and argumentative in the main. What seems to have been lost in the emotions in this discussion of this movie, is what is true in all creative endeavors, especially those based on historic events, many people really, really, care about the facts and the ending. It is true, none of the original authors are still around any longer to explain, or expand their writings or answer for their interpretations. However, the writings (the Gospels) are real, and the main events that are documented really happened, and most of the details are accepted as fact.Unfortunately, the authors of the Gospels were not actually witnesses either, and that has created, perhaps rightfully, the loose thread that it's detractors have attempted to use to unravel the entire event. That aside, nobody should argue, without conceding, that this profound event did happen .. it's the details and nuances that have plagued us. All that is left is Faith.. some have it, and many do not.
This motion picture is the product of someone's interpretation of a multi-sourced and heavily influenced and emotionally charged occurrence. However, this particular incident happened over 2000 years ago, in an traumatic age, in a subject matter that has literally shaped the course of history and divided people places and events since it's happening.
Almost everything that occurred on this tragic day in history has continued to be marginalized, manipulated, dissected, and unfortunately been used as an agenda item for both good and evil, and alas, to further some goal.
Well, this newest attempt hasn't escaped the fray, and this is unfortunate.
Everyone, EVERYONE, has an ox to gore in this arena, and the feeding frenzy is well underway. Christians have seen their beliefs under almost constant bombardment from nefarious forces for longer than their memory, and they see this picture, produced and directed by a true believer, as a reaffirmation of their faith. Non Christians, especially some Jews, have elected to see it as a potential weapon, a bit sharper that most, and have given it a higher priority than I believe was expected, or deserved, but it is true, I haven't walked in their shoes.
We have been lectured ad nauseum, that our actions or that of our children are not adversely effected by the barrage of obscene messages portrayed in pop culture, or that we shouldn't get lathered by anything that we disagree, such as movies that portray our deeply held faith as fraudulent and stupid.. just turn it off.. or simply tune it out.. No such measured response is being proffered by any or many of the same messengers in this episode. This is wrong, and is being treated as a line in the sand for many, and I may fall into this category.
Therefore, this film has something for everyone. Some folks will see it as a gory action flic. Others will see it as an opportunity to reinvigorate religious beliefs and faith, a wonderful chance to remind us of our history, an awakening, a lesson plan. However, there are some that see this movie as an opportunity to cause trouble.. or a fundraiser, or even a reason to prove the necessity for their existence, a tool that they can twist into a gargoyle.. We must be cautious with our words, we should not to allow the tormentors to turn this film into a self fulfilling prophecy.
I can't stop any of this, nor do I care to place any label on anyone in this discussion, but I have the GOD given right to an opinion, and I am watching this play out and am making mental notes.. something to remember in the next skirmish, the ones that are sure to come.. In the meantime I intend to enjoy the irony, and of course this wonderful movie.. Thank You Mel Gibson..