`Message missed'
Sir, — "The Passion of the Christ" is violent, no doubt, but the scenes portray only a fraction of the ACTUAL pain that Christ underwent. Gautaman Bhaskaran says that the film has "sadistic violence." I condemn his words vehemently. Gibson's motive is to make the viewer realise the extent of the sacrifice Christ made for mankind.
Pope John Paul II has acknowledged the fact that the movie is violent, but has said that it is the best — "It was as it was." The review says that the film is "not entertaining." Who says it is supposed to be entertaining? It is entirely a contemplative film.
N. Joseph Satish
Adyar, Chennai
Sir, — Mr. Gautaman Bhaskaran is sadly mistaken. The purpose of the film is to recapture the immense suffering of Christ. To appreciate its essence and significance, it needs to be viewed not merely from a cinematic angle but with the eyes of faith. Mel Gibson is no sadist. There's no reason why he should invest so much money to traumatise or punish his audience. The primary intent is to reveal the depth of the Creator's love for his creation. The scenes shown, though gruesome, are facts mentioned in the Bible.
Josephine Swamy
Adyar, Chennai
Sir, — I was shocked to read the review of the film, "The Passion of the Christ" (April 30). We as Christians firmly believe that Jesus Christ suffered on the Cross so that our sins may be forgiven. We have evidence for all that had happened to our Lord, in the Bible. Hence, I don't really understand how Mr. Gautaman Bhaskaran raises doubts about the Lord's suffering. He should not indulge in negative criticism and hurt the sentiments of millions of Christians.
Janet Jayaraj
(E-mail)
Sir, — Jesus, as a man, was tortured and crucified brutally just for being truthful in his message of eternal love. The director's purpose is to show how difficult it was for Jesus to remove our sufferings. If it is a "futile path that Gibson has taken" how come it is a box office hit all over the world, even in the Arab nations? It is not for entertainment, but for realisation — realisation of His everlasting love for all of humanity.
Ivan Antony John
Tambaram, Chennai
Sir, — We are speechless at the blatant ignorance and prejudice reflected in your review. I only have this to say, in Christ's own words, his last in fact: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Sumi Ebenezer
(E-mail)
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