Real Reason Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ Became a Child of Controversy Despite $612M Earnings

Hollywood actor Mel Gibson is a fantastic example of someone who was both well-known and controversial at the same time. He has acted in several enduring and great films, including Braveheart, Hacksaw Ridge, and others. The actor has been an icon in Hollywood for more than 40 years. Gibson’s have made billions of dollars worldwide.

The 67-year-old has won two Academy Awards- best director and best picture. Surprisingly, the film that got him the award for best picture was The Passion of the Christ. Directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel, the film told the story of the life and death of Jesus Christ. It amassed $612 million at the box office and was a huge success. Despite that, the 2004 biblical drama by Gibson was surrounded by controversy.

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Reasons behind Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ controversy

The response was overwhelmingly positive when The Passion of the Christ was released in 2004. The film had the potential to inspire and instruct viewers of all faiths. Instead, the movie served as a platform for hate groups to propagate antisemitic ideas and inaccurate facts about the life of Jesus Christ.

The biblical drama directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel opened the door to many controversies. The film showed many events that were historically and biblically inaccurate. For instance, Jesus Christ epitomizes kindness, love, and hope. However, the 67-year-old’s vision of Christ in the film focused on the complete opposite – pain, suffering, hopelessness, and hate.

The terrifying demon baby depicted taunting Jesus Christ as he is being tormented is another inaccuracy in The Passion of Christ. The Bible has not mentioned this horrible baby, with its chalk-white complexion and twisted features, held by Satan. Further, the entire crucifixion was exaggerated, with images showing lies like Jesus Christ needing to bear the full burden of the cross by himself.

Even the appearance of Caviezel is likely inaccurate in the 2004 biblical drama directed by Mel Gibson. There is no proof that Christ’s complexion, hair, beard, or loincloth are biblically accurate.

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Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was a violent film

Mel Gibson produced, directed, and co-wrote the 2004 American epic biblical drama movie The Passion of the Christ. The film starring Jim Caviezel in the role of Jesus Christ received overwhelming reactions from the audience. It was a box office success and collected $612 million. Despite this, the film received mixed reviews from critics and audience.

Some called the biblical drama an extremely violent film. The cruelty of Jesus’ crucifixion—the whipping, the nailing to the cross, and the piercing crown of thorns was very severe and filled with intense horror. Critics believed Gibson’s excessive use of violence was unnecessary, and the story could have been told without that level of brutality.

The film became prosperous due to its controversy. There are reports of a sequel. The Passion of The Christ: The Resurrection will be released in 2024. It will follow the days between Jesus’ crucifixion and his resurrection, following his descent into hell.

The Passion of the Christ is available to stream on Peacock.

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Source: Screen Rant