South Park: The Passion of the Jew (NR)

Passion of the Christ gets skewered.

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Common Sense rates it
4
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
  • Directed By: Matt Stone
  • Cast: Mel Gibson, Matt Stone, Trey Parker
  • Running Time: 66 minutes
  • Release Date: 01/01/2004
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 08/31/2004
  • Genre: Comedy
  • MPAA Rating: NR

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that the show South Park is not intended for younger viewers. The satire involved requires some perspective on kids' parts. Despite the cartoon format and the youth of the main characters, the issues and humor in each episode are geared toward more mature audiences who won't be tempted to imitate anything they hear on the show. Characters curse frequently, although the extreme language is bleeped. Graphic insults and discussions that take place are also not appropriate for younger viewers. There is not much on-screen violence, but there are some creepy scenes where a young character spearheads an anti-Semitic agenda. The social issues, centering on ethnic intolerance and hate mongering, are also not suggested for younger viewers.

Families can talk about the show's comment on the potential influence of the media. In this case Cartman adopting an anti-Semitic attitude after viewing Passion of the Christ. Do people look to movies to help them make decisions and form opinions? Families might also want to discuss the show's attitude toward serious issues. Are the show's creators making good points or just being silly? Do the lessons of the show apply to itself?

Message

Social Behavior:

Cartman incites a Neo-Nazi movement. Kenny and Stan steal money. Mel Gibson is featured as a maniacal madman who performs unspeakable acts.

Consumerism:

The episode openly critiques Mel Gibson and the film Passion of the Christ.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Cartoon violence, more bloody than usual.

Sex

Language

Foul language is bleeped out but easily identifed.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Marjorie Kase

SOUTH PARK: THE PASSION OF THE JEW deals with the small town of South Park's reaction to Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. On one side is Cartman, who sees the film as a call to arms to wage war against the Jews. On the other, is Kyle who embraces his Jewish faith and launches a protest against Cartman's proposed regime. Meanwhile, Stan and Kenny, unsatisfied with the film, set off to L.A. to get refunds in person from Gibson. They arrive to find Gibson a certifiable lunatic. A shocked Stan and Kenny hightail it home (with Gibson not far behind), in time to find the town split into warring factions -- one led by Cartman and his brown-shirted minions, the other, led by Kyle and his mother's seemingly on-call protest posse. Will they learn to put aside their differences, learn religious tolerance, and get their money back?

Is it any good?

4

The Passion of the Jew is emblematic of South Park, in that it takes current controversial issues, places them in absurd situations, still managing to skewer both sides while providing insightful commentary. In this case, it's religious zeal and political correctness that are brought into question. South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker hit the mark with Passion, taking to task the media feeding frenzy that came before, during, and after the release of Passion of the Christ. Although at times, lowbrow, Passion effectively addresses the hype surrounding this event and ones similar. It may be one of their best episodes to date -- which is saying a lot for a show that's been on for more than 10 years.

The DVD includes two bonus episodes, Christian Rock Hard and Red Hot Catholic Love that fall along similar thematic lines. Parents should know that The Passion of the Jew is not intended for young viewers. They may want to consider holding a discussion with their children to clarify issues being addressed on the show.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 12 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/20/08 by Chris LP Adult contributor

Good Ol' Fashion SOUTH PARK: Humor with a Message

This is a great completion of religious themed episodes.
1


Posted on 11/19/08 by Somebodyunimportant3 Kid contributor, age 13

Incorrect Misleading Information

This is incorrect.Jews did NOT kill Jesus the romans did. Everybody knows that. And if you don't your probably an atheist or something...
3

Posted on 05/23/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

You have to form your own ....

you have to form your own opinion here.
4


Posted on 03/12/07 by zz@aim.com Adult contributor

there is alot of using motherf----r
5


Posted on 03/05/07 by Raguilar254 Kid contributor, age 11
5


Posted on 02/10/07 by jj@aol.com Adult contributor
5

Posted on 12/28/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 15

Pretty sure it's not for kids

5


Posted on 12/26/06 by TheImmortalOne Kid contributor, age 10
4


Posted on 12/15/06 by Riddle_Me_This Adult contributor
1


Posted on 12/13/06 by jjj@aim.com Kid contributor, age 17

See all 12 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 6 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/20/08 by Chris LP Adult contributor

Good Ol' Fashion SOUTH PARK: Humor with a Message

This is a great completion of religious themed episodes.
3

Posted on 05/23/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

You have to form your own ....

you have to form your own opinion here.
4


Posted on 03/12/07 by zz@aim.com Adult contributor

there is alot of using motherf----r
5


Posted on 02/10/07 by jj@aol.com Adult contributor
4


Posted on 12/15/06 by Riddle_Me_This Adult contributor
1

Posted on 05/07/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Offending to God

This movie is offending to Christians and therefore sucks @.

Kids Reviews

There are 6 reviews.

1


Posted on 11/19/08 by Somebodyunimportant3 Kid contributor, age 13

Incorrect Misleading Information

This is incorrect.Jews did NOT kill Jesus the romans did. Everybody knows that. And if you don't your probably an atheist or something...
5


Posted on 03/05/07 by Raguilar254 Kid contributor, age 11
5

Posted on 12/28/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 15

Pretty sure it's not for kids

5


Posted on 12/26/06 by TheImmortalOne Kid contributor, age 10
1


Posted on 12/13/06 by jjj@aim.com Kid contributor, age 17
4


Posted on 10/05/06 by cjblack532 Kid contributor, age 15

I liked it.

I am a christian, but I do think that you can't think that this offends people, because if y'think that the offensiveness is an issue. Let me explain: 1. Language. Yes, lots of it, but still funny. There is lots of language, and really isn't suitible for someone under 16, except for those people that have already been exposed to it. Age is only a number.
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