Search - The Animated Passion on DVD

Let's children see what they've been taught--somber but fami

TOMMY C ELLIS | Federal Way, WA United States | 09/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Animated Passion is exactly what parents of faith hope and expect it to be: Mel Gibson's Passion, minus the gore, and with greater emphasis on the Resurrection. Ironically, this Passion predates the R-rated one by several years.

We all know the story, so the questions for such a production are: Age appropriateness, tone, and overall quality. Our children are five and three, so we struggled with whether to show this to them or not. The five year old knows that "Jesus died for our sins" and "Lives in my heart." So, we tried. She cried through the saddest parts, but more in the way we adults did with Gibson's version--not out of trauma, but just utter sadness. Originally, we planned to show the Passion portion one night, and the Acension the next. However, for younger children, it is important that they see victory--or at least the Resurrection, after the crucifixion. We did not want them going to bed with Jesus having died and not yet risen! Bottom-line: Unless your child is mature and well-versed in the stories of Jesus, it's probably best to hold off on this one until seven or eight. Also, parents really need to watch this with their children, and be ready to answer questions.

The tone of this animation was balanced and appropriate. There was great sadness. No one category of people (i.e. Jews or Romans) were scapegoated. The story is not sugar-coated simply because it is for children. Yet, there is hope, and Jesus' suffering is mixed with his sense of purpose and determination.

The Animated Passion's quality was quite good as well. While this appears to have been produced by a smallish company, great care and thought went into to the work.

Recommendation: Parents will do well to show this to children seven and above. Five and six year olds might have the maturity and background to appreciate the Animated Passion. Viewers will find a movie of standard quality, but one done with care. There is a sacredness, hopefulness, and yet somberness that permeates the film. This is a definite rent recommendation--and a probable buy, since it is a story Christians want to hear again and again!"

A MUST HAVE

Kristi Summers | Murfreesboro, tn | 03/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have a four year old son and I was a bit hesitant showing him this movie for obvious reasons, but we had discussed the crucifixion and ressurection with him before. He watched the whole thing and although there were some "slow" parts that he had trouble understanding, when it came to the crucifixion he was deeply moved. He teared up not because he was scared or disturbed but he was moved by seeing this Jesus he had heard so much about being put on the cross. I agree with another person that it was much like what an adult goes through watching the original movie. He has told all of our family about the movie and How Jesus died for us. The depths of such a young childs understanding is remarkable.
I would most definately reccommend discussing this with them for a while before watching it and watching it with them. Every child is different and only you know when this may be appropriate for your child, but it is a well done movie with no gore, but with a beautifully driven point."

Easter Story for Children

M. Kamajian | Chicago, IL USA | 05/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD was a well-made portrayal of the last days of Jesus' life, ending with his crucifixion, which is depicted as sensitively as possible, in my opinion. My children appreciated the message of Salvation, and it prompted a positive discussion in our home. This item would be good to share with a Sunday School class. We will watch this movie every Easter season to remind ourselves of Christ's sacrifice for us."