1. This is hardly the most violent movie of all time, nor was it as graphic or as meticulously detailed for historical accuracy (keeping in mind its being produced/directed by those who made Braveheart) as it might have been. I question the disorderliness of Roman soldiers leading men to the cross, considering failure in their duties as guards would mean a death sentence.

And people were, without exception, crucified naked--why is it acceptable for depicting slave ships or holocaust victims, but not permissible for crucifixion scenes? Without that element, the particular shame of being crucified is lost.

That said, this is certainly the most violent/graphic portrayal of ritual crucifixion to date in a widely distributed film.

2. I want to know when the Special Edition DVD comes out, the one with the extra hour or two of stuff from the biblical accounts that didn't make it into the film. Some of the most powerful lines (to me) in the Gospels from the walk to Calvary and from the actual event of crucifixion were left out.

Although Gibson didn't do a "fit everything in that's mentioned" depiction, like Ted Turner's people or Kenneth Branaugh might, what he did was make a fairly cohesive film, more tolerable than it might otherwise have been for many audiences.

3. Characterizations: Mary's and Judas' parts, and even the role of Pilate's wife, are expanded beyond the biblical accounts for emotional impact. Both Judas' and Peter's betrayals are reflected with understanding and not utter despite. Herod--fearsome only in that he has power, not in that he has an iota of shrewdness necessary for effective rule [think: Caligula]. Call me racist, but Jew or not, I want Simon of Cyrene to be black--with other black people in the film, what's difficult about recognizing as such the one person in the whole story who most likely WAS black?

Mel Gibson is quite Catholic, and Mary is noticeably venerated in the film, but not so excessively that any but the most extreme Protestants would object. She serves as a source of strength to surrounding characters, despite her sorrow. Two scenes of hers were the only points in watching that made tears well up in my eyes. Very affecting.

4. Brief highlights from the credits:

My two favorite character names, "Eyepatch" and "Grizzly Beard," were listed right beside each other. Great names for background (or foreground?) actors.

In the midst of all the various and sundry grips and gaffers and such, there's a "muppeteer." Really.

5. Lowlight from the credits:

i *#&$*% KNOW TAHT @*$% MVOEI WROKERS GOT TO *$#% GET HOEM AFTER CLEAN-UP FROM THE #!*$&% LATE SHOW, BUT !*&$#! lET THE $*&#% CREDITS FINISH RUNNING!!!!!!111 sERIOUSLY, HOW MUCH OF A @$&#% INCONVENEINCE CAN IT BE TO LET THE LAST COUPEL $#@!&% MINUTES OF CREDITS FINISH?????? wAHT, YOU THINK I PAID 6.50 TO NOT WATCH A WHOEL MOVEI??/ WHAT'S YOUR $#*&%! PROBLEM????

Ok, i'm over it. Well-done film, not without room for improvement. Jim Caviezel certainly portrays Jesus' agony more effectively than any other actor i've seen.