Passion Of The Christ, The (2004)

2.5 out of 4

Starring: John Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Hristo Shopov, Mattia Sbragia, Monica Bellucci

Director: Mel Gibson

Time: 127 mins

Viewed: in home theatre

Brutal, unrelenting depiction of the last hours of Jesus Christ's life, from his capture at the Garden of Gethsemane, through the condemnation by Jewish priests and torture at the hands of Roman soldiers, the painfully long walk while bearing the cross, and finally to his crucifixion. Controversy-dogged release, spoken in Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew, is well-filmed, with a heartbreaking performance by Caviezel. Drawn-out nature of the graphic violence, however, counters the initial impact. Not what I would call an entertaining experience.

(c) Joe Wong (17 October 2004)