The Passion of the Christ

With The Passion of the Christ, there is no doubt that writer/director Mel Gibsons film is a labor of love. A religious-themed film that is subtitled, featuring long stretches of unspeakable violence, is a tough sell, but Gibson delivers a film that is practically indescribable in its power and emotion. There are times when Passion is so brutal it is unbearable to watch, but it only enhances the films strong message. Passion follows the final 12 hours of the life of Jesus of Nazareth (James Caviezel), beginning with his arrest. Jesus is taken to the leaders of the Pharisees, who accuse him of blasphemy and demand that he be crucified for his crimes. What follows is a brutal, emotionally intense ordeal that works because Gibson doesnt even try to soften the violence. Make no mistake, this film is R rated for a reason. Gibson never lets up in showing Jesus torture, which is effective without feeling gratuitous. There are times when there is the sense of enough already, but upon reflection, that is exactly the emotion that Gibson is trying to illicit from his audience. The actors deserve a lot of credit because this is not an easy film. Not only do the actors have to speak in Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew, they have to re-create characters that are among the most familiar in memory and do it in a way that doesnt undermine the films story. Caviezel has the most difficult assignment as Jesus, but does a very good job conveying the ultimate acceptance of his fate. The film isnt without its flaws, though. There are stretches, particularly the trek to the site of Jesus crucifixion, Golgotha, where the film drags, and there were a few times when Satan lurking in the shadows seemed more forced than effective. Passion is also so relentless in its violence that Im not sure it is something that should be viewed by children, especially elementary-aged or younger. The film has received some backlash as being anti-Semitic. That is an argument best left for another forum. As a film and a work of art, there is no denying Passions achievement. It is a film that resonates with power and will not be easily forgotten. The Dollar Dandy of the WeekOnly three films had the distinction of winning multiple Oscars on Sunday: Lord of the Rings, Mystic River and Master and Commander, which returns to the Plaza 6 theater Friday and is worth another look on the big screen. All shows at the theater are now $1.Master and Commander (B) is a smart and entertaining action-adventure that nicely captures drama on the high seas. The film features two fine performances from Russell Crowe, as the commander of a British vessel during the Napoleonic Wars, and Paul Bettany, as the ships surgeon, and plenty of well-crafted action sequences by director Peter Weir. It isnt often that a film can combine intelligence and thrills, but Master and Commander succeeds on both levels. Now that Greenwood Six has closed, sportswriter/movie reviewer Micheal Compton is making the Great Escape 12 his home away from home. He hasnt convinced management at the theater to give him an office or a phone line  yet but he can still be reached by e-mailing mcompton@bgdailynews.com