As Holy Week invites many Filipinos to reflect on their faith, the film The Passion of the Christ remains a powerful reminder of the story of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. Now streaming on Lionsgate Play PH through PLDT Home and Smart, the film continues to connect with audiences 21 years after its release.
Directed by Mel Gibson, the film presents the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life. It is based on the writings of Anne Catherine Emmerich and features a strong visual and emotional narrative. Viewers are brought into Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial, and his eventual crucifixion. Gibson shared that the idea for the film came during a difficult time in his life. Feeling lost, he turned to the Bible and found strength in its message. “I hope it spurs [people] on to investigate the life of Christ for themselves,” he told Sight Magazine. “By speaking very loudly, image and sound-wise, it’s going to make people think very deeply.”
The film’s impact is further strengthened by its elements: Jim Caviezel’s performance as Jesus, Caleb Deschanel’s cinematography, and John Debney’s musical score. These parts work together to create a moving viewing experience. In a country where religious belief is deeply rooted, The Passion of the Christ offers a way for Filipinos to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and faith. For many, watching the film during Holy Week has become a tradition.
Gibson is currently working on a sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ, which will focus on what happened after Christ’s crucifixion. The new film aims to go deeper into the heart of Christian faith.
This weekend marks one of the most recognized periods for the Christian religion, as believers remember Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. To aid in this reflection, Fr. Ryan Pruess of the Holy Family Catholic Community is hosting a free viewing of The Passion of the Christ on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10 AM at Odyssey Cinemas in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The film, which stars Jim Caviezel and was released in 2004, is a powerful retelling of Christ’s crucifixion, based on the New Testament.
Despite its religious significance, the film has not been without controversy. Upon its release, it received polarized reviews from critics; some hailed it as a religious experience, while others criticized it for perceived anti-Semitic overtones and graphic violence. Nevertheless, the event is free and will play in multiple theaters to accommodate any size crowd that attends.
In recent news, viewers have raised questions about whether Netflix cut a famous Bible verse from the film’s opening montage. The theatrical release included a passage from Isaiah 53, which reads: “He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; by His wounds we are healed.” However, some viewers reported seeing a 13-second blank screen instead when watching the film on Netflix. It remains unclear whether this omission was location-based or specific to the platform. One reporter accessed the film on April 18, 2025, and confirmed that the Isaiah 53 verse was present.
Isaiah 53, known as the “Suffering Servant” passage, is considered a key portion of Scripture that theologians say foretells Jesus’ death. Pastor and op-ed contributor Dan Delzell noted that this chapter is no longer read in synagogues worldwide and has become a “forbidden chapter” within Judaism. Eitan Bar, a Jewish-Israeli scholar, explained that the chapter was removed from synagogue readings due to the confusion it caused among congregants.
Despite its controversies, The Passion of the Christ has made a significant cultural impact. It was financed solely by Mel Gibson and his production company, Icon Productions, after major studios refused to back the project due to its controversial subject matter. The film’s production costs reached approximately $30 million, with an additional $15 million spent on marketing. Upon its release, it grossed over $612 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing non-English films of all time until 2017.
Gibson’s directorial vision was met with both admiration and criticism. Roger Ebert, a prominent film critic, praised the film for its visceral representation of Christ’s Passion, stating, “What Gibson has provided for me, for the first time in my life, is a visceral idea of what the Passion consisted of.” This acknowledgment highlights the film's ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke thought about the central event in Christianity.
Jim Caviezel’s portrayal of Jesus has also been a topic of discussion. He faced numerous challenges during filming, including a shoulder dislocation, pneumonia from cold weather, and even being struck by lightning twice. Despite these hardships, Caviezel’s performance has been described as divinely inspired and integral to the film’s impact.
Additionally, the production saw some cast and crew members experience profound spiritual transformations. Luca Lionello, who played Judas Iscariot, transitioned from being an “angry atheist” to a devout Catholic after the film’s completion. Such transformations underscore the film's ability to resonate deeply with those involved in its creation.
As discussions of a sequel continue, with tentative titles like The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, the legacy of The Passion of the Christ remains significant. Gibson is reportedly working on two versions of the script, one grounded in reality and the other infused with supernatural elements. However, no production start date or release date has been confirmed.
In reflecting on The Passion of the Christ, it is clear that the film has sparked conversations about faith, suffering, and redemption. Its blend of artistic vision and spiritual depth continues to engage audiences, prompting many to explore the themes of sacrifice and belief in their own lives.
