The Passion

[headsplice]

Probably the most cogent analysis of the film I've read said basically that the film focuses so much on the physical suffering of Christ that the spiritual redemption part of the story is almost non-existant, and therfore seems unimportant.
I've also heard that Gibson interprets the statements in the Bible very, very, very literally, without taking some of the politics that theologians and historians are pretty sure were happening at the time.
I haven't seen the film yet, but the critics' reviews seem to be that Gibson's faith may have gotten in the way of his filmmaking. I'm still going to go see it, but I definitely have my doubts that it will be as powerful as The Last Temptation of Christ (which was amazing).
Media hype: he's pushing buttons and getting people to think about their faith, or lack thereof, which is, IMHO, a good thing.