In the genre you highlight of Mel's films, he's no David Lean. Not even close. If you want to see great action /epic movies with philosophical and/or religious underpinnings, do yourself a favor and rent some David Lean movies. Mel is a mere poseur compared to Lean.
We've all seen many David Lean movies. Gibson is much better.
We Were Soldiers, isn't just the best Vietnam movie ever made, it is one of the greatest war movies ever made.
The Passion of the Christ is a timeless masterpiece that will endure.