The Passion of the Christ (2004)

49% of critics liked it
(265 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(342,062 ratings)

Mel Gibson's well-publicized production The Passion of the Christ concerns the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The dialogue is spoken in the ancient Aramaic language, along with Latin and Hebrew. In the Garden of Gethsemane near the Mount of Olives, Jesus (James Caviezel) is betrayed… More Mel Gibson's well-publicized production The Passion of the Christ concerns the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The dialogue is spoken in the ancient Aramaic language, along with Latin and Hebrew. In the Garden of Gethsemane near the Mount of Olives, Jesus (James Caviezel) is betrayed by Judas Iscariot (Luca Lionello). Jesus is condemned to death for blasphemy and brought before Pontius Pilate (Hristo Naumov Shopov), the Roman governor of Judea, for sentencing. The roaring crowd demand his death, so Pilate orders his crucifixion. Jesus is severely beaten and made to carry his cross up to Golgotha, the hill outside Jerusalem, where he is nailed to the cross. Romanian theatrical actress Maia Morgenstern plays Mary, Mother of God, and Italian superstar Monica Bellucci plays Mary Magdalene. Amid much controversy involving Gibson and various religious organizations, The Passion of the Christ received an international theatrical release in February of 2004. In March 2005, Gibson released an unrated version of the film, dubbed The Passion Recut, that eliminated five to six minutes of the more graphic scenes of flogging and crucifixion. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 6 min.
Directed By: Mel Gibson, Ferdinand Zecca
Written By: Mel Gibson, Benedict Fitzgerald
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Feb 25, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Aug 31, 2004
Studio: Newmarket Film Group

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
If I were a Christian, I'd be appalled to have this primitive and pornographic bloodbath presume to speak for me.
Rex Reed, New York Observer
Mr. Gibson has gone to a lot of sweat and expense to make a movie that doesn't say much of anything new.
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
Whereas the words say love, love, love, the sounds and images say hate, hate, hate.
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Puts us in a situation where we can't help but feel Jesus's pain. If only Gibson had taken the time to tell more of us why it mattered.
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
A very dour, pedestrian picture.
Phil Kloer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is a movie so singular, so intense, so overwhelming that it simply has to be experienced.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Extremely violent, and powerful; for mature teens.
Jay Antani, Cinema Writer
Gibson's passion is all over this film...but his resorting to mawkish, superficial tactics blows the tone off-course from time to time.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
The film's lack of discretion robs the viewer of his or own conception of Christ's crucifixion. It is an exploitative disservice to "the greatest story ever told," that reduces that illustrious narrative to an extended torture episode.
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
I love Jesus of Nazareth and Bible movies. This movie just plain tried too hard and used too many horrible devices.
Thomas Peyser, Style Weekly (Richmond, VA)
All [Gibson has] done...is to trade in the Hollywood conventions of yesteryear for the crasser, more bloodthirsty conventions of today.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
I emerged from The Passion of the Christ depressed and spiritually bruised.
Mark Kermode, Observer [UK]
Gibson has created an exploitation movie par excellence.
Jamie Russell, Film4
More sensational than spiritual, this blood-soaked take on the Stations of the Cross retells the Gospels as a horror movie. You can't help asking: where has all the love gone?
Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
For a filmmaker who wants to create an adaptation of the story of Jesus, Mel Gibson's motives seem ironically impure.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Easily the most controversial film of the year, Gibson's fil is a visually bold, relentlessly violent epos that suffers from a shallow, undernourished narrative and no characterizations to speak of.
Peter T. Chattaway, Christianity Today
By giving us the feeling of experiencing Jesus' thoughts, and by making us privy to his prayers, The Passion draws us toward Christ's full humanity like no film before.
Jordan Hiller, Bangitout.com
Mr. Gibson has plucked at the rawest of nerves yet I cannot blame him. He is expressing himself through the medium of film and using the text of his bible as the basis.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Director Gibson tends toward populist impulses without much artistry or invention; he prefers bombardment to poetry.
Ian Nathan, Empire Magazine
A tormented movie about torment; loopy, over-reaching and occasionally suspicious. Simultaneously, it is a daring artistic endeavour.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Joe M

Every christian in america was guilted into loving this movie. In reality it's nothing more than a well made slasher movie that focuses on all the wrong aspects of the story and leaves the audience feeling pressured that if they don't say they loved this movie then they hate… More
Every christian in america was guilted into loving this movie. In reality it's nothing more than a well made slasher movie that focuses on all the wrong aspects of the story and leaves the audience feeling pressured that if they don't say they loved this movie then they hate Jesus.
Zach B

Before I deal with the hate mail I will get for giving this film such a low rating, I want to explain that this has nothing to do with me not being religious. In fact, one of the reasons why I watched this film is because I do have respect for religion due to how it has convinced so… More
Before I deal with the hate mail I will get for giving this film such a low rating, I want to explain that this has nothing to do with me not being religious. In fact, one of the reasons why I watched this film is because I do have respect for religion due to how it has convinced so many people to follow it's teachings and ways of life. The most beloved and controversial religion is Catholicism and it is all due to the man that this film is about: Jesus Christ. Jesus was a man who preached about world peace, love for everyone, and to fight and die for what you believed in. If you are going to make a film about Jesus, you make a film ABOUT what he was/ is (depending on what you believe) all about. Not about his death. Yes, his death was important due to that is what freed us from the chains of sin, but you just don't make a film about that. The reason why is because you go from making a film about his pain into a torture porn version of the story of Jesus that, is just not that good. As I have said, I am not that big on religion in terms of what I believe in. Yes, I did for about most of my childhood go to a Christian school where I had the story of Jesus shoved down my throat, so I am aware of the story. Back in 2004 when I first heard of this film, I was a bit skeptic because I did not want to even know about a film that glorified (or, in this case, gorified) Jesus. Well, a few years later in 2011 I decided to sit down and give this film a chance. I have seen many grotesque and violent films, but this is a film that has destroyed any message it tried to have and has turned it into a celebration of extreme horror and torture porn films. Mel Gibson is, without a doubt, a talented actor but a terrible director. I understand that he is a devout Catholic and believer of God (and has been known to make that public). For his love and belief in religion, I praise him for that. But, it is hard to do in this film when he clearly has the focus on the torture and nothing else. He has said that the point of this film was to show people what Jesus went through during each of the fourteen stages so that people will know what he died for. Now, that is a decent idea for a plot of a film if only we were able to focus less on the brutality and more on the meaning. Mel, you had great intentions, but you destroyed them with the desire to show blood, guts, and gore. Well, that is all I really have to say about this film overall. It basically had it's heart in the right place along with having acting that is superb and make-up artists that makes everything real to the eyes, plus sounds that will make you feel like you were there, but it just fails so much as the graphic violence over shadows the true meaning of the film. I say that if you are interested in the story of Jesus and if you are interested in what he died for, watch Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ and not this film. Or, just read the Gospels. But leave this film alone.
Eric A

Okay first of all, let me just say that I feel weird for reviewing this movie and giving it stars. Putting love and emotion for Jesus Christ aside and looking at the film for its technical aspects.....it is very powerful. The acting, sets, and camera angles capture the audience and… More
Okay first of all, let me just say that I feel weird for reviewing this movie and giving it stars. Putting love and emotion for Jesus Christ aside and looking at the film for its technical aspects.....it is very powerful. The acting, sets, and camera angles capture the audience and grips them throughout the entire film. As sad as this film is, the events and the content of the film are historically correct, and Mel Gibson did an impressive job documenting those events.
Chris W

As a movie, this basically fails. It's ridiculously violent religious torture porn that willl seem pointless to those not into or familair with Christianity. In the right context though this film isn't too bad. It's not a materpiece, but as an "experience" it… More
As a movie, this basically fails. It's ridiculously violent religious torture porn that willl seem pointless to those not into or familair with Christianity. In the right context though this film isn't too bad. It's not a materpiece, but as an "experience" it is a success. I think it is overrated, even though it is powerful. Like I mentioned though, this is for a limited audience. It could be used as a conversion tool, but I don't know how effective or convincing it would be, as this movie isn't innocent of charges of brutality and anti-semitism. I do have a lot of respect for this though, mainly because it strives to show just how horrible and excruciating crucifixion is, and because they had the balls to have the whole thing be in Aramaic and Latin. That's just awesome, and deserves lots of kudos. It's also pretty realsitic in terms of physical, historical, and religious accuracy. It's not completely perfect in those regards, but it's not a work of total fiction and fantasy either. Caviezel has a tough role here, and he does a good job. It's not just screaming either. He's great at radiating personality, kindness, and turmoil. The other performances are also pretty good, but this is basically a one-person show. The camera work is really good, the locations and sets are terrific, and the effects are just outstanding. I'm amazed that Tom Savini didn't work on this, that's how realistic and effective the make up and gore is. Over the years I've gotten desensitized to brutality and gore, and have increased my tolerance for it, and, even though I was able to watch this without getting dizzy or faint, I'm not gonna lie and say that it didn't give me a headache or that I wasn't biting my lip at times. In context, this is basically the most violent film I've ever seen. Mainly due to the realism and emotional impact. This could basically pass for a horror film. Thank God that the Saw and Hostel films don't really make you care about the characters, cuz they'd probably be even more unwatchable. Say what you want about Gibson being all kinds of fucked up, but the man knows how to tell a good story and get a point across, even if subtlety is nowhere to be found.
Brad W

As a Catholic, I cried and shuttered as I watched Jesus 's suffering. The acting in this film is so amazing and unbearable to witness. The plot is based off the bible, and what detail does it bring to the big screen. The production must've been huge, cause its great. Its… More
As a Catholic, I cried and shuttered as I watched Jesus 's suffering. The acting in this film is so amazing and unbearable to witness. The plot is based off the bible, and what detail does it bring to the big screen. The production must've been huge, cause its great. Its horrifying to witness, and sadly its all true.
Wahida K

At one hand I can understand many didnt like itbecause of the Violence. I think sometimes some people take some Movies too serious and personal, especially the ones based on Religions. I think this Movie was okay and it was a great Idea of Mel Gibson to make a… More
At one hand I can understand many didnt like itbecause of the Violence. I think sometimes some people take some Movies too serious and personal, especially the ones based on Religions. I think this Movie was okay and it was a great Idea of Mel Gibson to make a Movie with the last 12? hours of Christi. At the other hand I just dont understand why many people were so offended by the Movie? <center>A film detailing the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. </center> it wasn't in English and was acted by people who looked like they could have come from that part of the world I happened to read a review where a flixster user wrote about the Actors. Just to clear it up so far my knowledge, many Directors cast European Actors for Epic mini Series, Documentaries or Movies. The Reason:: 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". <center>At last no one is forced to watch it</center> Trivia: 1.Because of their experiences during film production, many of the cast and filming crew converted to Catholicism after the completion of the film. Among those who converted was an atheist who played Judas Iscariot.
Bently L

To many, The Passion of the Christ is a hard movie to find enjoyable due to its extremely graphic violence. Apart from that, the film is well acted and directed. Jim Caviezel's performance as Jesus Christ is amazing and belivable. Also the women who played Mary and Mary Magdelin… More
To many, The Passion of the Christ is a hard movie to find enjoyable due to its extremely graphic violence. Apart from that, the film is well acted and directed. Jim Caviezel's performance as Jesus Christ is amazing and belivable. Also the women who played Mary and Mary Magdelin were fantastic! A masterpiece.
Richard C

A-
Anthony L

I could go on for hours about this film but I'm not going to, truth is I didn't enjoy it enough to! Whether you believe it or not, the story leading to Christ's Crucifixion is an interesting one and although Mel Gibson's version is more realistic than other… More
I could go on for hours about this film but I'm not going to, truth is I didn't enjoy it enough to! Whether you believe it or not, the story leading to Christ's Crucifixion is an interesting one and although Mel Gibson's version is more realistic than other version, and by realistic I mean graphic, he doesn't explore the story enough. It should be called the suffering of the Christ. I know that that is basically the point, Christ suffered for our sins etc, but there is much more to the story that wasn't explored. Apart from Caviezel and Shopov, the acting was fairly over the top and the inclusion of the Turin shroud was cringe-worthy. All that said, Caviezel and Shopov's performances were very good in my opinion, the graphic detail was important and thank god (excuse the pun) it wasn't in English and was acted by people who looked like they could have come from that part of the world (And no, Christ would not have been white but he wouldn't have been black either!). All in all, not terrible but hardly the greatest story ever told!
KJ P

Amazing! But is way too graphic. It could have done without so much violence!
Conner R

Even though it somewhat fails on its internal message, Passion of the Christ is an amazingly brutal torture film. It is essentially two hours of one man being worn down and beaten away bit by bit. Mel Gibson did as well as he could with what he had.
Carlos M

Sick, fanatic, anti-semitic Mel Gibson ought to have realized something before making this disgusting, blood-drenched depiction of the Calvary and nailing ham-Jesus in the cross: cinema is NOT church. (ZERO STARS)
Jason O

Read a lot of comments that they let Jesus suffer too much...I bet he suffered even more when this really happened...very touching and eye-opening film of our lord, Jesus Christ.
Thomas B

one of the most hard-hitting films of the yearr, passion will make any Christian cry and make others think twice about religion.
E.J. B

I know as a Catholic the violence is necessary. But there aren't enough of those wonderful, emotional moments in the film to show non-Christians that it's necessary.
Robert C

Highly over rated, but not without merit.
Tim S

It's a powerful film, even though it is nothing but snuff, I might have to re-watch this one for a better opinion.
Derek A

Maybe I've seen too many horror movies or too many Quentin Tarantino films, but I didn't find this movie overly gruesome as some have warned. Was it too gruesome for a child or a squeamish female? Well probably.... But anyways, what I loved most about this movie was how… More
Maybe I've seen too many horror movies or too many Quentin Tarantino films, but I didn't find this movie overly gruesome as some have warned. Was it too gruesome for a child or a squeamish female? Well probably.... But anyways, what I loved most about this movie was how it was shot. It was amazingly and beautifully made. The cinematography was fantastic. Mel Gibson really impressed me here in his debut. Most of us know the storyline... so in that sense, I was pretty bored. Overall, I found this to be an ok film... it's wonderful looking and Jim Caviezel was great as Jesus (especially how he was able to portray his suffering yet forgiving demeanor while being nailed to the cross)... but it's nothing I would watch again.
Douglas W C

There is nothing I can say about this movie that hasn't already been said but better reviews than mine. This is one the greatest films ever made and you can't watch it and not cry when you think about what this man went through for you and me. There is only one way to… More
There is nothing I can say about this movie that hasn't already been said but better reviews than mine. This is one the greatest films ever made and you can't watch it and not cry when you think about what this man went through for you and me. There is only one way to heaven.
Sanjaya &

A very very great movie from Mel Gibson... He makes a very detailed story about the death of Jesus... Truthfully, I barely can't stand watching this movie because it is very inhuman... It looks like Mel Gibson wants to show us how cruel they persecute Jesus... Jim Caviezel… More
A very very great movie from Mel Gibson... He makes a very detailed story about the death of Jesus... Truthfully, I barely can't stand watching this movie because it is very inhuman... It looks like Mel Gibson wants to show us how cruel they persecute Jesus... Jim Caviezel portrays great as Jesus... He really really can stand with the persecution scene that Jesus ever have a long long time ago... And two thumbs up for the make up... They really have a very good and hard job for the make up of Jesus after being persecuted.. I really really can't say anything for this movie... It's just too sadistic, but great.. I even pretty sick with the persecution scene... But it is a really really great and must watched movie... Better watched it in the Good Friday... It's more than heartbreaking... It's just great and very excellence portrait about the death of Jesus....

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ

            Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene

            Claudia Gerini as Claudia Procles

            Maia Morgenstern as Mary

            Sergio Rubini as Dismas

            Toni Bertorelli as Annas

            Robert Bestazzoni as Malchus

            Francesco Cabras as Gesmas

            Giovanni Capalbo as Cassius

            Rosalinda Celentano as Satan

            Emilio De Marchi as A Scornful Roman

            Francesco De Vito as Peter

            Lello Giulivo as A Brutish Roman

            Abel Jafry as Second Temple Officer

            Hristo Jivkov as John

            Luca Lionello as Judas

            Jarreth J. Merz as Simon

            Mat Patresi as Janus

            Fabio Sartor as Abenader

            Mattia Sbragia as Caiphas

            Hristo Shopov as Pontius Pilate

            Roberto Visconti as A Scornful Roman

            Giancinto Ferro as Joseph of Arimathea

            Olek Mincer as Nicodemus

            Adel Ben Ayed as Thomas

            Chokri Ben Zagden as James

            Luca De Dominicis as Herod

            Pedro Sarubbi as Barabbas

            Francesco Gabriele as 3rd Elder

            Ivano Marescotti as Pilatus

            Romuald Andrzej Klos as The Roman

            Angelo DiLoreta as The 5th Elder The Accuser

            Ted Rusoff as 2nd Elder

            Hristo Naumov Shopov
            
            Richard Kiley
            
            Christo Jivkov
            
See full cast