IMPACT: THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
A beautifully made, deeply watchable documentary about the gospel's worldwide impact.
Should You Watch It?
If you want to understand how The Passion of the Christ affected audiences around the world, this documentary is an unusually strong choice. Tim Chey travels widely to hear from people whose lives were changed after seeing the film, including criminals who confessed their guilt and a neo-Nazi who turned himself in.
The documentary also includes brief interviews with Hollywood figures and media experts. It informs without becoming preachy, dull, or tedious, and the production is much better than that of an ordinary documentary.
For older teenagers and adults, this is worth watching—especially if you want a thoughtful look at the reported spiritual and cultural impact of The Passion of the Christ.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESWriter/director Tim Chey travels to London, Tokyo, Oslo, Bombay, Seoul, Bangkok, and locations throughout the United States to document the worldwide impact of The Passion of the Christ.
Along the way, he interviews people who say the movie led them to confront their guilt, change their hatred, or turn toward a different way of living. The documentary also features brief interviews with Hollywood figures and media experts.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this documentary succeeds both technically and as entertainment. It is beautifully produced, with a quality the source attributes in part to Tim Chey’s strong experience in the movie industry.
More important, it is very watchable. IMPACT: THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST entertains and informs without becoming preachy, dull, or tedious. The source calls it marvelous and notes that it has already been acclaimed by the Renaissance Film Festival and Liberty Film Festival.
The Worldview
The documentary presents a very strong Christian worldview. Its central subject is the reported impact of The Passion of the Christ on people around the world, including criminals who confessed their guilt and a neo-Nazi who reportedly moved from hating everyone to loving everyone after seeing the film.
The source does not provide further analysis of what the documentary removes, distorts, or leaves unresolved.
The film’s central longing is for lives to be changed by the message of Christ’s Passion. Scripture says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian worldview; and, some violent images from the movie. GENRE: Documentary
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The documentary highlights people who confronted guilt after seeing The Passion of the Christ. What is the difference between simply feeling guilty and turning toward repentance?
2 Corinthians 7:10 · Acts 3:19One person reportedly moved from hatred toward love. Where does Scripture tell us to begin when loving people who are difficult to love?
Matthew 5:44 · Romans 12:20–21How should a Christian evaluate a movie that claims to portray or communicate the suffering of Christ?
1 Corinthians 10:31 · Philippians 4:8What does the gospel mean when it describes Christ’s death as good news for sinners?
Romans 5:6–8 · 1 Peter 2:24The Final Word
This is a marvelous, beautifully produced documentary that remains informative and highly watchable. For older teenagers and adults, WORTH THE TRIP.
