The Passion of the Christ (2004)

My Review

Director Mel Gibson (“Braveheart” 1995) takes on Christianity’s core event in the epic Biblical drama film “The Passion of the Christ.” The events leading up to the Crucifixion, referred to as the Passion of Jesus, and the Crucifixion itself are vividly depicted by Gibson, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Benedict Fitzgerald. It is based on the Gospel accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as Roman Catholic literature such as “The Dolorous Passion” by A. C. Emmerich and “Friday of Sorrows.”

The cast delivered riveting performances: Jim Caviezel as Jesus, Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, Maia Morgenstern as Mary, Christo Jivkov as John, Francesco De Vito as Peter, Mattia Sbragia as Caiaphas, Luca Lionello as Judas Iscariot, Hristo Naumov Shopov as Pontias Pilate, Luca De Dominicis as Herod Antipas, and Pietro Sarubbi as Barabbus.

The very watchable, high-quality, and inspiring “The Passion of the Christ” was the fifth highest grossing film of 2004 for producer Mel Gibson, Icon Productions, and Newmarket Films. It was filmed at Cinecitta Studios in Rome, Italy, and on location in the Basilicate region of southern Italy. “The Passion of the Christ” was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Cinematography (Caleb Deschanel), Best Original Musical Score (John Debney), and Best Makeup.