[vrwinger]

Finally saw the film last night... For any believer who ever said "Jesus suffered and died for my sins," this film will never let you say that again without remembering vividly HOW he suffered and died.

Throughout the last half, you feel like crying out "Stop beating him already!" Very moving. This film will be packed again Easter weekend...

[finnigan2]

As a nominal and not very devout Christian, I too saw the film, if only to show support for Gibson against the literati crowd who have seemed to have ganged up on him. I found the film beautifully shot in a great painting kind of way and the violence strangely endurable because it had a purpose, unlike much screen violence which seems to be grossly gratuitous.
While I did not cry, many in the audience did. For me, the most moving scene happens at the end when Jesus is removed from the cross and rests in Mary's arms. The scene is composed almost like "The Pieta" by Michaelangelo. Anyway, Mary kisses Jesus on the cheek and, as the camera moves in, she turns to face us ( the audience ) and, with blood smeared on her cheeks and lips she stares hard at us for what seems like minutes. Her eyes seem accusatory and demanding; Why did you, all of you, do this to my son? Very effective. It had me choked up there for a minute, I tell you.