Here is the expanded version in English:

Tears on Set and Reflections Revealed: Mel Gibson and Jim Caviezel Revisit The Passion of the Christ

More than two decades after its release, The Passion of the Christ remains one of the most impactful and debated religious films in modern cinema. In recent interviews and public conversations, filmmaker Mel Gibson and actor Jim Caviezel have revisited the experience with candor and visible emotion. Their reflections offer not sensational revelations, but a deeply human look at the physical endurance, psychological strain, and spiritual conviction that shaped the film.

For Jim Caviezel, portraying Jesus was far more than a professional role—it became a life-altering journey. Filming in Italy under demanding conditions, Caviezel endured significant physical hardship. He suffered a dislocated shoulder while carrying the cross, was accidentally struck during the intense scourging scenes, battled pneumonia due to cold weather and minimal costuming, and was even struck by lightning while shooting the Sermon on the Mount sequence. These incidents, while extraordinary, became part of the lived reality of bringing the story to screen.

Beyond the physical toll, Caviezel has spoken openly about the emotional and spiritual weight of embodying such a sacred and historically significant figure. The isolation he felt during filming—both from the intensity of the subject matter and from the responsibility of portraying Jesus authentically—left a lasting impression. Yet he has consistently described the role as transformative, deepening his faith and reshaping his understanding of sacrifice, humility, and devotion.

Mel Gibson, who directed and financed the project independently, has also reflected on the personal motivations behind the film. Driven by his own faith, Gibson sought to depict the final hours of Jesus’ life with unflinching realism. His creative choices—particularly the graphic portrayal of suffering and the use of ancient languages such as Aramaic and Latin—were deliberate attempts to immerse audiences in the gravity of the events. The film’s production faced skepticism, controversy, and significant financial risk, but Gibson has maintained that it was ultimately a project of conviction rather than commerce.

When Gibson and Caviezel speak about the film today, their emotion underscores the profound impact the production had on them personally. They describe moments of silence on set, the intense focus shared among cast and crew, and the sense that they were participating in something that transcended ordinary filmmaking. Rather than revealing hidden secrets, their conversations highlight the human cost of telling a story centered on suffering and redemption.

The renewed attention surrounding The Passion of the Christ speaks to its enduring resonance. Upon its release, the film sparked widespread debate—praised by many for its faithfulness and criticized by others for its graphic violence and theological interpretations. Regardless of perspective, it undeniably became a cultural phenomenon, grossing hundreds of millions worldwide and remaining one of the highest-grossing R-rated films in history.

Looking back, both Gibson and Caviezel acknowledge that the film marked a defining chapter in their careers and personal lives. The tears that sometimes surface in interviews are less about controversy and more about memory—about the strain, the faith, and the shared sense of purpose that defined the production.

Years later, The Passion of the Christ continues to provoke reflection not because of newly surfaced conspiracies, but because of the deeply personal experiences of those who brought it to life. At its core, the film’s lasting power lies in the intersection of art, belief, and human endurance—an intersection that Gibson and Caviezel still feel profoundly when they look back on that extraordinary chapter of modern religious cinema.