It just goes to show that the #1 financially grossing movie about Jesus has nothing to do with his teachings or philosophy and everything to do with watching someone be tortured and killed on screen. This goes well with Mel Gibson's other top-grossing movies -- there is usually a violent torture scene in front of a crowd of people. I think there must be something about human nature for some people that enjoys watching a violent spectacle like this, and this movie takes full advantage of that.

I remember a few years ago when it came out, and all the controversy surrounding it. People complained about it being too intense. Some complained because they thought it was Biblically inaccurate. Some went as far as questioning the motives of those who made the movie, and pointed fingers. Some felt it was irreverent in one way or another (be it against Jews, Christians, or Catholics). And there was too much guesswork and vague symbolism in it. There's just no pleasing anyone, is there?!

I find it to be a very reverent movie, and about as closely accurate as a movie can get when it comes to this very important Biblical event. Yes, the crucifixion of Jesus was a very violent time, therefore 'R' was a suitable rating for it. We need to realize the pain Jesus actually did go through on the cross for our sins, and this movie captures it better than any other Biblical movie I've seen.

I don't know about Mel Gibson's true lifestyle. All I can say is this is truly a well-made movie. Good work, Mel.

Mel Gibson is looney dudes!

What a breath of fresh air that they didn't use the English language once. :) I doubt I have ever watched a more natural movie than this one, nothing felt artificial, strange or unfitting as far as I was able to notice - as great achievement that is!

An awesome, powerful, and touching movie. I did find that some of the beginning parts were a little long and drug out, but I guess it didn't help that it wasn't in English, and me being 15, I get bored with foreign language movies easily. I did watch the whole thing though, and I was almost crying by the end.

Ahh a movie that appeals to religious people and sadists...Mel Gibson had this one in the bag. (ching ching)

UPDATE: You missed my point. If what you say is true then I guess your pastor reads the Bible, and then sits down not saying another word. Is God not the same today as he was yesterday, can he not speak to the hearts of men today? I don't want to argue with you, I just think you are taking this too far. ORIGINAL MESSAGE: I thought the movie was very good and was based a lot on historical data of what crucifixions were like; I think the story line followed the Word close. I agree that we need to be careful not to add to or take away from the Scriptures, but I do not believe that is what the movie was doing. When a preacher expounds on the Bible during a sermon is he adding to or giving his opinion based on the wisdom he has received from reading the Word and through prayer. This movie has touched many lives including mine and I do not believe that it is anything but the work of God.

According to most biblical scholars this movie was pretty accurate.A masterful job by Mel Gibson!Jim Caviezel, as usual, was very strong.Update:See, even people who agree on 98% of the issues can see things differently.Can you explain further Gone-Away?

I've seen the movie a couple of times (once at a theater, and once on DVD); it's a lot better in terms of impact (positive for some, negative for others) the first time around. I agree that it's pretty bloody, but then again, the scourging and crucifixion were precisely that. I think that Caviezel did a tremendous job of acting - but there are those who disagree. Amen.

A little too gruelling an experience for me. I'm not going to explore the faith connotations of the movie. I just found it too unrelentingly unpleasant.

Very good movie. Very heart-touching and sad.