I went to see this movie last night and I am still breathless. I went into that theater for 2 reasons...(1) as a movie fan and fan of Mel Gibson and (2) as a Christian believer. I came out with both truly reinforced.

As a believer, I found myself feeling so many emotions. Everytime Jesus was hit, whipped or scorned, I found myself questioning everything I have ever done. Every blow brought my imperfections and sins into focus, every pain He must have felt was a cleansing of my sins. And knowing that He could have just given in to the temptation and denied everything, He could have stopped it all and not have died for me. But just knowing that He was following God's orders to the fullest extent, no matter what the cost, reinforced my faith. Even knowing and believing the story my whole life, this brought it all into focus, made it all real for me.

This movie can be enjoyed by non-believers also. It is truly a masterpiece. The cinematography was wonderfully done. The actors and actresses were great also, I really felt that they were the real people. Jim Caviezel was astounding as Jesus. Mel Gibson is a genius director.

As far as the controversy regarding the alleged anti-semitism and gory violence, I did not see any of those complaints justified. True, it was very bloody and violent. But what He went through wasn't pretty. It wasn't as simple as a bullet, or a bomb. Crucifixions were notourious as being one of the worst ways you could die. They weren't meant to just kill, they were meant to break a person down through torture and pain. Gibson wanted to convey that. And also, he wanted everyone to feel what He went through. That is why it was so visual. But I think Gibson did a good job of cutting away during an intense scene. He would show others in the crowd, or use flashbacks to give a relief.

And the anti-Semitism is unfounded also...there are good Jews portrayed in the film. Just like in life...no race or creed of people are bad. It's individuals. It was mainly the high-priests who felt threatened by Jesus. They let their power bring out the worst in themselves.

One more thing...I think that everyone should go see this film to judge it for themselves. Alot of people have judged this movie before even seeing it. I think the reason is mostly because of the subject matter. Alot of people don't want this story told to the masses through pop culture. But I think that everyone will get something out of it, whether they believe the story or not. Believers and Christians will have their faith strengthened, and non-believers might be able to understand why we are so passionate about our faith.

I encourage everyone to go, and take at least a friend or two.  It could change not only the way they view Christians, but it could change their life.