The Passion

"This is a movie about love, hope, faith, and forgiveness. He [Jesus] died for all mankind, suffered for all of us. It's time to get back to that basic message. The world has gone nuts. We could all use a little more love, faith, hope, and forgiveness." --Mel Gibson, Icon Productions

Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of Christ portrays the last twelve hours in the life of Christ—leading up to his crucifixion. In this companion book to the film, the movie’s impact continues through the gripping still photographs taken on location during the actual filming. Accompanied by the biblical narrative from the New Living Translation as well as Aramaic and Latin text, the drama unfolds rapidly and with searing realism.

Publishers Weekly

This exclusive and official companion volume to Mel Gibson's film The Passion of Christ invites readers to ponder some of the most powerful still photographs from the movie. Gibson provides a foreword in which he briefly describes the inspiration for making the film and explains his decision to draw on Scripture and "accepted visions" of the Passion as the sole texts for the screenplay. In the book, relevant Scripture passages (from the New Living Translation, alongside Latin and Aramaic) are juxtaposed against stunning full-color photographs of the film's depiction of Jesus' final 12 hours. We see Jesus kneeling in Gethsemane, bloodied by soldiers, brought before Pontius Pilate, mocked by Herod and nailed to the cross. Some images are simply unforgettable-Judas hanging himself from a tree; Mary recalling a poignant moment from Jesus' childhood; a spike being driven through Jesus' palm. Several pages of photos at the end of the book chronicle some behind-the-scenes moments in the making of the film. (Mar.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.