LDS opinion of Passion of the Christ

Another question I frequently get asked, being that I'm a student of film and LDS, is what I thought of the film, "The Passion of the Christ."  Most members of the church have not seen this film.  Probably because of the violence and its rating.  Most members will not see R rated films.  Personally, I have always wanted a film of Christ's life to be made.  So when I heard about this film, I was very interested.  Before I even saw the film I heard lots of negative criticism about the violence depicted in the film from fellow members of the church.  But, I decided to see the film myself before I passed judgment.

Having served as a church missionary in Brazil for 2 years, I was very familiar with the new testament, and the story depicted in the film.  I really wanted to see how close the film would stick to the bible, and if there were any variations.

I was amazed at how closely the film followed the New Testament.  Obviously there are points in the story that are open to interpretation, but for the majority of the film it was mostly head on to what is written by the four gospels.  The violence is intense, but it is exactly how its written in the New Testament.  It's not glorified purely for entertainment as most films do, its plainly clear that Mel Gibson (director) intended to show us what probably really happened.  I understand how people are unable to handle this kind of violence.  But for me personally, it gave me more of a perspective on what Christ went through.  And can honestly say I gained more appreciation and respect for what he did for us.  Images have more power that words on a page.  I had always read/studied growing up that Christ was tortured and crucified.  But when you see what that really entails, it gives you a better understanding and respect.

I had a similar experience when I saw "Saving Private Ryan."  I was about 16 years old when I saw this film.  My dad had taken my brothers and I, mainly because I had relatives who served during WWI and WWII.  My great grandfather, who I'm actually named after, served in both these wars.  I had always known that growing up.  I had seen some war movies and I thought I had an idea of what that might have been like.  But when I saw Saving Private Ryan, the pure realism, violence (done with respect/not to glorify), and horror, basically the reality of war, I was changed from that moment.  I walked out of the theatre with a understanding and respect for what my great grandfather did for me.

I had this same experience with Passion of the Christ.  I was changed.  The film evokes an emotion of personal sacrifice.  Anyone who has seen the film can say that the film is not just a violent show to shock and awe; it's meant to give people an understanding of how much love Christ had for us.  I quickly realized that those people who had told me not to see it because of the violence, haven't seen the film.

Anyone who truly wants to know what Christ went through should see this film.  I guarantee you will be changed.  If you are unable to handle that kind of reality, then you probably shouldn't see the film because you will be too distracted from the images to feel the emotion of the film.  

Keep in mind, that this film mainly covers the final hours of Christ's life, with some quick flashbacks of his ministry.  I would have liked to see more of these flashbacks of Christ's ministry.  It would have given the film more of a balance, and probably wouldn't cause people to think its just a bloody show.  So my final word is that I thought the film was well conceived and worth seeing if your truly interested.