[TomB]

Mel's success threatens all those pillars holding up the rotten whorehouse in Hollywood.

Interesting point.

If you look at "Lord of the Rings", it has much in common with "Passion".

-Not a second was filmed in Hollywood.

-Mostly unknown actors.

-Miramax pulled funding early in the project.

I'd like to see more movies do it this way. And as production costs skyrocket, it will probably happen.

[Dante3]

The film "Brigham City" (about a serial killer that received great reviews, but includes a scene of people praying) reportedly also faced similar problems. I wonder how many other independent films would have made it big if they had been given a fair chance.

[Mr. Thorne]

Why, it's practically scriptural...

"The stone which the builders rejected..."

And yes, this Roman Catholic Christian will be hitting the Box Office at least one more time, on Good Friday. As an earlier poster asserted, it just seems... appropriate.

This movie is bloodily violently magnificent. The sacrifice, the redemption, the love and devotion of Mary, Mary Magdalene, and The Disciple Jesus Loved, the treatment of Simon of Cyrene, Veronica, the tear from heaven...

And, last but not least, the resurrection.

Amazing movie.

[nonliberal]

Tolkkien was also a devout Catholic and the religious overtones of LOTR are everywhere.