However, by not viewing The Passion film, you are cheating yourself out of an unforgettable intellectual and artistic experience. One does not have to be a believer to enjoy the film's acting, authentic production values, including costumes, music and and the film's settings (Italy).
The film is a celluloid masterpiece. Every frame could be mounted and hung in a museum. Mel said he was inspired by Renaissance painter, Carvaggio. Hearing the excellent actors speak the language of Christ is awesome.
Remember, the violence in The Passion film is not the typical gratuitous Hollywarped device to sell tickets.
This is redemptive violence. Much is done with makeup. Mel has said he inserted "escape hatches" so that audiences would not be exposed to the unrelenting brutality to Christ.
I do hope you get to see it. You will exit the theatre thanking yourself that you did.
I was at the bookstore today flipping through the coffee table book. So many stills can stand on their own as works of art.