LMAO. Sorry I hope I didn't offend you, but that really made me spit out my drink.

I'd rather not get into a debate, (I've been in enough about this movie) although I've probably just left myself open for one.

Sorry again, just had to share that *still chuckling*

Yeah, I was trying to skip over that one too.

Art? Maybe a titlating blurring of the line between religious ecstacy and bloodlust - which in itself is a pretty cool benchmark to hit.

ok one more comment (i can't resist)...

i was raised catholic and still hold some of the belief system, although i respect the major religions and believe that all of them have something to offer. my beef w/ the movie is simple: why did it have to be made?

there have many movies that depict the crucifixion, albeit not as bloody as this one, but its been done b/f. what purpose does this movie serve??? does it make me want to be a better catholic? no. but does it use the age old religious tradition of fear/guilt to facilitate faith? yes.

that is my beef simple beef w/ this movie.

oh, and mel is crazy loon too.

Ex-Catholic myownself

Right there with you. Mel is a loon, but it's kind of fun watching him implode.

I think it was kind of weird that something like the crucifixion required a violent dramatization in this day and age, but the torture horror trend comes more from flagging economy, war abroad and the feelings of insecurity and social immobility that result from it. As America gets scarier for people to live in, its going to keep looking grittier and scarier on film. It's symptomatic that the crucifixion isn't shocking enough on its own anymore and that a multimillion dollar blockbuster made to remind people that Christ died for their sins has a niche. That scares me.

Well, I'm perfectly at home with the idea that every so often, mankind needs a reminder of what Jesus Christ supposedly had to endure (for our sins).

Who's to say Mel Gibson's movie wont be as or more important as the bible in 4000 years time?

fantasic point Doc

And I gotta say, I'm loving everyone's point of view in this thread.

Kind of validates the film to know that so many poeple still have a very strong, visceral reaction to it.