[Clemenza]

But France, Italy, and Spain, and the Phillippines have always been strongly Catholic

Don't know the last time you were there, but France is among the lowest in church attendence in the world. Many churches are nothing more than museaums there. Spain and Italy are only stronlgly religious in certain regions (for example, the Basque Country is strongly religious, the city of Madrid is not). The movie will be highly successful in the Phillipines, perhaps the most devoutly Catholic nation on earth.

[livius]

I believe it's opening in Spain on April 2. Madrid now has a very orthodox bishop (Cardinal Rouco) and I think the response is going to be different from what it might have been a few years ago. Of course, all the left-wing "intellectuals" and El País, the Spanish equivalent of the New York Times, will shudder with disgust. But I think Spain still has some religious leaders (mostly the newer, more orthodox ones) who will encourage people to stand up to the scorn of the chattering class.

Many of the images in "The Passion" are taken directly from Spanish paintings, and I think it will have a profound impact on Spaniards. And, of course, as you point out, the Filipinos will love it!