I haven't seen it, either, for the same reason--the violence. I'm not squeamish about violence, but as a Christian I am hesitant to see Someone I love--and Someone I know loves me--being tortured and beaten. I know that it happened, and why, but I don't think I could sit there and watch it.
Rent the movie...If you need to look away at time or pause it do....but see the movie.
The movie will make you uneasy.
The movie will make you question why He endured this.
The movie will make you truly know that He loves you.
There is the love of a mother, who sees what her son's mission in life is and devoutly watches him and remembers his boyhood and how she witnessed him mature.
There is weakness set against bravery and the ambivalence of a man who knows his mission in life. It shows Christ as he realizes the sacrifice and is not full of portrayed as "fearless" but as showing the bravery of a soldier who is afraid but overcomes his fear in order to do his job.... that is the true "courage" that is dealt with on the screen.
Those who portray this as a "snuff" flick are hypocrites when they "adore" Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, or any other generic violent, sex dripped movie released within the last 40 years.
If you don't "get" the crucification.... that's OK. It is only about a man giving up his life for your soul. no big deal,huh?.. that's all.
It's easy to be cynical...that's the easy way.... it's hard to be a person of faith and be unashamed of it....not a braggart but by living your life and realizing that we all fall short of the grace of God... and he gave his son for us to witness his forgiveness.