Mel Gibson's The Passion, sparking concern from the ADL.

Setanta: Just to clarify, it's the ADL (Anti Defamation League) not the JDL (Jewish Defense League) that is referred to at the start of this thread. Maybe a subtle distinction, maybe not.

The ADL has been around for a long time. More or less a mainstream Jewish advocacy group and not afraid to make noise (as in this case) when they suspect anti-semitism is in the air.

The JDL was (and maybe still is, I don't know) a much more aggressive group. Led by Meir Kahane, until he was killed some years ago.

As for the protest to this film, I agree that the ADL spokesman (and everyone else) should at least see the film before denouncing it. But the same thing happened to Scorsese's "Last Temptation of Christ" before it was released. Denounced, in this case, by Christian groups.

Plus ca change, I guess...

Yes, indeedy, Boss, plus c'est la meme chose . . . your right about my having transmuted ADL to JDL, and yes, the latter is an organization with a sufficiently aggressive and unyeilding agenda that i am contemptuous of them. Don't know why i did it, because i know who JDL are, and didn't have them in mind.

They especially get no popcorn, soda or Mike & Ikes.

Very nice drew. Nicely put. People are so quick to PC everything these days that they do not see they are, in fact, resorting to a form of censorship.

Whatever...
I think some people need to get off of their religious, uptight, moralisitic high horses, and appreciate a piece of art for what it is, and quit being offended by every freaking thing they see or hear. It is a known fact that the Jewish people DO NOT acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God, but that shouldn't be reason for people to hate the Jews for that. That would just be stupid, and would just make you a racist redneck. I think you all need to quit fussing over a freaking movie. This is an accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ's life, and thank God, its not THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST. Hollywood needs this, and I think half of the fuss over this movie is just because Mel Gibson has the balls to make a great movie about a man that Hollywood likes to pick on and push to the wayside.

Fabulous debut, Moviemn!
You have just insulted about ten of your closest neighbors in one fell swoop!

Back up and try that one again.

The offending statement--I think you all need to quit fussing over a freaking movie.

This is a discussion (not fussing) board, wherein you will find lots of discussion (not fussing). Join in, without the napalm (and the fussing.)

WELCOME TO A2K!!!

This is deja vu of the stir caused by Martin Scorcese's "The Last Temptation of Christ" which seems far more controversial than Mel's piece. I agree that it's a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing.

um prolly sells more tickets have some controversy and from what i hear the film needs all the help it can get selling tickets. (but then i dont get out much)

don't know if this was posted but anybody see the trailer?
it's available here...
http://www.themoviebox.net/trailers/moviebox_trailers/passion_tr_page.htm

How come Hay-Zeus never looks like a Jew ?

Movie

I suppose you know that to be a fact? It is about as valid as any of the other myths one will find in the fiction of the bible.

Sorry but I get a little angry when I read crap like your post. I better shut up before I end up insulting someone else's beliefs.

I suppose it's believed that Christ was tempted by a plate full of Oreo cookies.

I am sorry...
I admit, I was a little fumed, and I was out of line with a few of my comments. I'm sorry if I've offended anyone, and I promise to not get as heated as I did last time. :wink:

Wait a minute MoveiMn! I am offended by your apology. Why the heck should you have to apologize? Nothing that you said warrants an apology. Why is it that when someone as yourself has the courage to tell it like it is he must be made to apologize? I haven't seen a single posting on this topic even remotely addressing any of the other folks mocking the subject matter. That is insulting and offensive. Why is it that MovieMn should be made to feel that he has to defend his statement and others referring to "myths" and hollow claims of antisemitism don't even get a mention? It's hypocrisy at its best. People who criticized the Last Temptation were seen as closed minded by those very same people now being closed minded about this movie. I think it's absurd that people who have conviction should have to feel pressure to apologize simply because they say something, or create a movie, or whatever it is, that is true to their conviction.

I don't believe MovieMn wanted to direct his fussing comment at all of us but at those zealots we're talking about who want censorship for everything they even slightly dissagree with. Maybe they should be directing their wrath at unsolicited porno spam mail -- that is beyond the fray. Of course, everyone has the right to protest the content of a movie but as long as it stops short of censorship, let them fuss as much as they want. They aren't convincing anyone but the choir.

If Gibson is intent on making a fictional movie no one should stop him. Maybe next time he will make a movie based on the truth regarding his church's
responsibility for the murder, massacre and wars throughout the ages. Both in Europe and around the world. They could make Islam pikers in that regard. My turn to blow off steam. Like it or not it's movies [propaganda] like that stirs the feeble minded up since judgment is not usually one of their strongest assets.

Seen it.
I've seen the film, and as a viewer, I'll tell you it is one of the most stunning pieces of storytelling I have ever seen. Simply beautiful, economical, visually stunning.

As a Jewish person, I'll tell you that in NO WAY did I find the film anti-Semitic. It's very clear Mel's concern here was to document the last twelve hour's of Jesus' life, and not to point fingers. That would have so completely detracted from the film's message. I'm sorry that that ADL didn't wait until they had a chance to view the movie before going on the attack.

The movie didn't change the way I feel about my faith. Surprisingly, however, I came out of it with a greater feeling of closeness to Christianity (and my Christian brothers and sisters) and a greater understanding of the events leading to the separation of the Faith's.

Hmm...based on yup's comment, I will give it a view. One thing I know, Mel plays a lousy Hamlet.

I am offended that seb is offended. :wink:

Thanks!
Thank you so much for you're response. That was great, and it really made my day, to tell you the truth. The other day, after stating my opinion on the whole Passion thing, I got nothing but spiteful remarks from anyone. You're message today showed me that there are some people who will understand my point of view. I think that Mel Gibson has acheived something wonderful, and to have someone like him to take on a project like this is awesome to me. I am a big movie buff, so I see just about everything that comes out, and to me, this is just great!

Thank you for your kind response,

Adam

Re: Seen it.

so is the movie done? what are they waiting for? a good friday release?
it looks really good.