Eeeeenyway... About the movie... I saw it tonight. Pretty intense. Yes, it was brutally violent in many places, but the Romans weren't exactly known for their mercy. It definately showed Jesus' suffering. Man, did it ever. I think it also did a good job of showing Pilate struggling with what to do about Jesus. Judas' suffering and torment was depicted well, too. The flashback parts were pretty cool too, the way things happening at present reminded people of previous events. ...And yes, most people's teeth were bad -- sheesh. Did you not notice some of the soldiers' teeth?!
As for criticisms, I wish Mel would have had one of the soldiers at the cross saying "Surely this man WAS the Son of God!" after he had died, although their expressions and reactions kinda said the same thing without words. It would also have been nice to have had Pilate's "What I have written, I have written." in response to complaints from the Jewish leaders about the sign posted on the cross. Also, it seemed like his mother and the others with her didn't cry enough. Man, if anyone would have actually witnessed that, I think they would have bawled their eyes out -- especially if they were related to him or had followed him!
Overall, though, it did a good job of portraying the story as put forth in the Bible. Yes, there were a few non-scriptual parts added, but the main storyline was there. Verdict: a very good -- very intense -- movie.
In closing, I hope this movie set some records this weekend. It's always nice when the "elite" mainstream media and movie critics get one totally wrong -- especially with some of the stupid things they've been saying about this one.
There were thirteen showings today on four screens at the theater I went to, and there were several theaters in the area that were playing it. At least two showings this evening had sold out at the first theater I went to... Go Mel! Go God!
Marty
theres a reason why the majority of high school students read the adventures of huck finn, and its NOT because schools are racist