Mel Gibson makes violent movies

I recently watched Braveheart (thanks Matt for the gift) and it was a great movie. I have heard a lot about it, but never watched it. I appreciated the character William Wallace and how he stood by what he passionately believed in and not wavering.

However, after the movie ended, something struck me when I finished watching it - Mel Gibson makes violent movies.

I have watched the Passion of the Christ and heard about The Patriot and his latest movie (can't remember the name), but all of them have very violent scenes in them. Mind you, it may be realistic, but I don't know if I can handle all that violence in real life (ex. Ultimate Fighting stuff). I don't think I enjoy watching that kind of stuff, even in movies.

In discussing with my wife on this topic, she made a very insightful comment. She said, and I paraphrase, "People don't realize the sacrifice in which people go through. For people who live in such times we don't understand the price that was paid. So, we take this stuff for granted and view these movies as gratuitous violence. But you have to look at these movies and try to understand the price the people paid and be thankful". I think is true - that is perhaps why some people like war movies, movies based on true stories, and movies about good and evil.

I have also been reading up on news (a pastime), and have noticed the news articles that highlight how people suspect violent video games have led to violent behaviour. I believe this is true for movies as well. I have watched movies like The Departed and Fearless and I'm becoming more aware of the violence in it.

I think there needs to be a balance when watching movies. I need to be careful that I don't watch gratuitous violence and appreciate the price paid for things like freedom.

All men die, but not all of them really live. Christ came so that we may die and truly live.