Common Sense Media Review
Controversial film is extremely violent and powerful.
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The Passion of the Christ
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 66 parent reviews
Parents say this film presents a deeply intense and graphic portrayal of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, making it unsuitable for younger audiences due to its violent content. Many reviewers emphasize its powerful messages about faith and sacrifice, though they argue it should be reserved for older teens and adults who can handle its emotional and psychological weight.
- intense graphic violence
- not for children
- powerful faith messages
- emotional experience
- parental discretion advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 165 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a deeply moving, albeit extremely graphic depiction of Jesus' crucifixion, with many praising its emotional resonance and authenticity, while others criticize its intense violence and graphic scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences. The film is seen as a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice, sparking a range of reactions from appreciation among Christian viewers to discomfort and disapproval regarding its portrayal of violence and themes.
- graphic violence
- powerful messages
- emotional impact
- age restriction
- mixed reactions
- christian themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST is writer-director Mel Gibson's interpretation of the last hours of the life of Jesus (Jim Caviezel). It's neither fully history nor drama, though it has elements of both; rather, it's Gibson's personal statement on how Jesus' suffering and sacrifice proved his divinity. The movie takes place almost entirely during the last 12 hours of Jesus' life. The characters speak in the languages of the time: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Latin (with subtitles). Little effort is made to explain what happened before Jesus was captured in the Garden of Gethsemane, why his followers were so loyal, why his accusers were so threatened, or who all of the characters are and how they relate to each other.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is technically well-executed, but its narrow and harrowing perspective could be told with less on-screen brutality. The Passion of the Christ reverently treats a story that has influenced many religions and people all over the world, using moments of extraordinary cinematography and stunning images. But it doesn't give those unfamiliar with the details or significance of the original tale enough of an understanding of Jesus and the other characters to convey all that it hopes to. The excessive violence is intended to be upsetting, but it can become an endurance test for audience members.
The movie is also controversial due to how it portrays the Jewish elders who ordered the capture of Jesus and urged Pontius Pilate (Hristo Naumov Shopov) to sentence him to death, not to mention the use of the word "Jew" as an insult. Ultimately, the film will likely mean something different to viewers based on their religious background and their tolerance for on-screen gore and violence.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Passion of the Christ and the biblical story it dramatizes fits into their own religious traditions. Did the movie tell you something new about the story? How does the film's view of Jesus fit into what you knew about him?
Take this opportunity to explore the controversy this film has raised about antisemitism, and consider it within the context of Mel Gibson's real-life antisemitic remarks. How does Gibson portray Jewish characters in the film? Is it different from the portrayals of non-Jewish characters? Are there stereotypes?
What other biblical stories have you heard or seen? How does this one compare? Do you think the violence here is necessary to the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 25, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : August 31, 2004
- Cast : Christo Jivkov , James Caviezel , Monica Bellucci
- Director : Mel Gibson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Newmarket Film Group
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 135 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of graphic violence
- Last updated : November 7, 2025
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