The Passion of the Christ

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The Passion of the Christ

R

2004

2h 6m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

49%

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277 Reviews

81%

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250,000+ Ratings

In this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalen (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace.

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Critics Consensus

Director Mel Gibson's zeal is unmistakable, but The Passion of the Christ will leave many viewers emotionally drained rather than spiritually uplifted.

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Will Self

London Evening Standard

If I believed in life eternal with access to a heavenly multiplex I still wouldn't advise you to see this film, but, as things stand, if thou goest anywhere this week, be it to see an honest piece of graven imagery, not this religiose rubbish.

Jan 9, 2018

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Extremely violent, and powerful; for mature teens.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 28, 2010

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

If I were a Christian, I'd be appalled to have this primitive and pornographic bloodbath presume to speak for me.

Mar 5, 2008

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Alan French

Sunshine State Cineplex

While other films about Jesus of Nazareth opted to focus on his struggles as a man of faith, Gibson focuses on the intensity of what he was forced to endure. While Gibson touches on something profoundly nihilistic, it’s ultimately a vapid experience.

Rated: 4/10

Apr 20, 2025

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Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

While the scenes we are witnessing are graphic and difficult to watch, there’s no denying the immersive experience that Passion brought to the screen. It’s as valid and visceral as any biblical story that’s ever been captured on film.

Jun 27, 2023

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Sean Axmaker

Seanax.com

It is perhaps testament to the material that the film can be read both as a literal illustration of the story of Christ’s suffering at the hands of the Romans... an anti-authoritarian tract that questions the very assumptions of guilt and blame...

May 6, 2023

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Maksim S

A Painful Slog, Not a Spiritual Epic. Mel Gibson once commanded sweeping, emotionally charged epics like Braveheart — films that balanced brutality with story, character, and heart. The Passion of the Christ, however, abandons all balance. Instead of a profound exploration of faith, sacrifice, or humanity, it becomes a nearly two‑hour meditation on suffering: relentless, graphic, and ultimately numbing. I don’t remember the acting, I don’t remember the dialogue; I remember flesh being torn, bones breaking, and the camera refusing to look away. And this comes from someone who appreciates gore in cinema — yet here, it feels strangely empty, shock for its own sake without narrative propulsion or emotional nuance. Yes, crucifixion was horrifying. We already know that. But watching it in excruciating detail for an entire runtime does not deepen understanding — it dulls it. What should have been moving becomes monotonous, and what might have been transcendent sinks into repetition. A punishing experience, not a powerful one.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/02/25

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Luke S.

I love Jesus with everything that I have. That’s all I have to say.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/26/25

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Tori R

I’m tough to crack. This movie is extremely hard to watch. I don’t cry over a lot of things, but this movie definitely made me break. It made me super emotional and touched my soul, my heart, etc.. people who are Christian and believe in our Lord and Savior look a lot deeper in the movie and listen and see what it’s trying to tell you it was a 10 out of 10 for me.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/25

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Tanner H

A beautiful retelling of the greatest story ever told for modern audiences. This is the only movie that has ever made tears stream down my face. A warning to those who are sensitive to the sight of blood and violence this movie is extremely brutal in its depiction of Christs torture and execution.' Jesus is Lord.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

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Jonathan R.

A cinematic achievement. A spiritual reminder of what Jesus did for us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/25

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Mason O.

Good movie of the final moments of Jesus Christ

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/24/25

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Mel Gibson

Director

Jim Caviezel

Jesus

Monica Bellucci

Mary Magdalene

Maia Morgenstern

Mary

Claudia Gerini

Claudia Procles, Pilate's Wife

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Synopsis

In this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalen (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace.

Director: Mel Gibson
Producer: Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson, Stephen McEveety
Screenwriter: Benedict Fitzgerald, Mel Gibson
Distributor: Newmarket Film Group
Production Co: Icon Entertainment International
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Aramaic
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 25, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $371.4M
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: DTS, SDDS, Dolby SRD, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1

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