FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Passion is a visual portrayal of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus. Gripping photos taken on the set of Mel Gibson's new film, The Passion of Christ, together with the biblical narratives in the New Living Translation, present the story in vivid detail. A sweeping overview of the Passion story in powerful images that will enhance the movie experience!

"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

FROM THE CRITICS

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.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

I was honored that you would come to see me and show a few of us your film on THE PASSION. Every time I preach or speak about the Cross, the things I saw on the screen will be on my heart and mind.

I have often wondered what it must have been like to be a bystander during those last hours before Jesus￯﾿ﾽ death. After watching ￯﾿ﾽThe Passion of the Christ,￯﾿ﾽ I feel as if I have actually been there. I was moved to tears. I doubt if there has ever been a more graphic and moving presentation of Jesus￯﾿ﾽ death and resurrection ￯﾿ﾽ which Christians believe are the most important events in human history. The film is faithful to the Bible￯﾿ﾽs teaching that we are all responsible for Jesus￯﾿ﾽ death, because we have all sinned. It is our sins that caused His death, not any particular group. No one who views this film￯﾿ﾽs compelling imagery will ever be the same. (President, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) — Billy Graham