The letter included below is written by Dr. James Dobson's daughter, Danae; concerning the new Mel Gibson film which will be released near Easter time. It was forwarded to me by Jim's nephew's wife, Jolene.

Dear Friends:

A couple months ago, I had the unique privilege of accompanying my
family to Mel Gibson's studio to see a private screening of his film, The
Passion.

Many of you have probably heard about this portrayal of the last 12
hours in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. I can say that The Passion is the
most beautiful, profound, accurate, disturbing, realistic, and bloody
depiction of this story that I have ever seen. It is truly amazing, and it left
all of speechless for a few minutes when it was over.

Mr. Gibson entered the room during the last ten minutes of the
screening, and stayed for an hour to discuss the content and to answer
questions. He's hoping that my dad and Focus on the Family will help promote it,

and my dad has (without question!) agreed to do so.

Mr. Gibson expressed a concern about his position in the entertainment industry,

and said that this film will affect his status from here on. When
asked why he made the movie, he said that he had no choice in the
matter--he felt called to the assignment, and he was determined to carry it out.
Questions had been raised as to whether he can find a distributor.
Asked about it at the screening, Mr. Gibson said confidently, "Oh, I'll
find a distributor!"

The Passion should not be labeled a religious film, or something to be shown
only in churches. Compared with examples of recent Christian films, like
Left Behind, The Passion is a work of high art and great storytelling.
The rough cut I saw contained graphic scenes, including the seemingly
endless scourging of Jesus. The crucifixion scene is long, bloody and painful
to watch. It's very disturbing, but it's also moving at the same time.
While I was taking all of this in, I was thinking, "Christ did this for ME,
and he would have gone through it if I was the only one in all the world,
and the same goes for each person who has ever lived!"

To those in the Jewish community who worry that the film, which is scheduled
for release next Easter season ('04), might contain anti-Semitic elements,
or encourage people to persecute Jews, fear not. The film does not indict
Jews for the death of Jesus. It is faithful to the New testament account.
Also, Mr. Gibson, a devout Roman Catholic, does not elevate Mary beyond
what Scripture says of her, which will broaden the film's appeal to Protestants.

The dialogue is in Aramaic and Latin. English subtitles are provided, and
they are very helpful in following the story line. A decision about using
them in the final version has not been made. My family and I tried to
persuade Mr. Gibson to leave the subtitles in, and my dad pointed out
that those who are unbelievers (or those who are weak in their understanding)
will have no idea of what's going on in the flashback scenes of Jesus'
life without subtitles.

In The Passion, few liberties are taken with the Gospel account, and the
extra dialogue added helps round out the characters without damaging
historical or Biblical accuracy. Satan is cleverly played as an asexual being

who at first seems to be an observer in the Garden of Gethsemane

(and other scenes), but then becomes a snake slithering between the

character's feet and attempting to wrap itself around the arm of the

prostrate and praying Jesus.

The film is an intense two hours. It uses unknown actors, which keeps
the focus on the message. By the end of the film (a unique portrayal of
the Resurrection), the viewer is exhausted!

Thirteen years ago, actor Mickey Rooney wrote an editorial for Variety
in which he said, "The onscreen depiction of religion is less than flattering,
and, as a Christian, I pray the era of denigrating religion on screen comes
to a screeching halt. And soon." His prayer has been answered in The Passion.

It is a soul-stirring film that deserves wide distribution and viewing.

Its message is not just for Christians, but for everyone. I hope you all will

support Mel Gibson's bold and courageous effort to portray the sacrifice that

our Lord made for us. Pass this email on, if you feel led, and be sure to see

The Passion when it comes out. Yes, it is a disturbing film, but every person

should see this realistic depiction of what Christ did for them!

Blessings to you,

Danae Dobson