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As portrayed in the movie, Pilate had two restraining factors. First, when taking Jesus aside, he found the man no threat to him or Caesar since Jesus said His kingdom is not of this earth. Secondly, Pilate's wife had a dream that day regarding Christ and put her concerns to her husband. Roman women were quite influential on their husbands and my bet is that this influenced his restraint more than any sense of altuism towards Jesus. In the final review though, Pilate still chose his move carefully based on politics--we know too many of these today to find the man sympathetic in any way. BTW, as Jesus is on the cross he prays for Caiphus and the others. If that isn't forgiveness right there for the roles of CORRUPT Jews, then what is and if we are to emulate Jesus, why on earth would a Christian not follow his example?
I'm sorry, but in the end, *some* Jews can not be absolved of their responsibility for putting another JEW to death anymore than *some* Germans can be absolved of their attempt to committ genocide against Jews--it is an ugly truth that is there like any other fact in history--most can differentiate between ancient times and present time. This was how it was meant to be so how anymore Christian or Jew can get their knickers in a twist over it and blame present day Jews is beyond me. The insinuation by Jewish organizations is insulting. Their commentary also needs to be appropriate for their audience. I doubt they need to worry about the fires of anti-semitism in the US, they should be focusing their attentions on Europe where anti-semitism is on the rise and instead of attacking history, attack Europeans who are so far from any belief in Christ and would use this movie as an excuse to castigate Jews.

Pilate still chose his move carefully based on politics--we know too many of these today to find the man sympathetic in any way.

You're absolutely right. And in fact, in the movie (due to Jesus' reply while questioning him) Pilate asks his wife what is truth? Then goes on to elaborate his truth, which goes something like this: 'you know what my truth is Claudia? My truth is that Caesar has already advised me that the next insurrection that occurs in my territories will end with my blood being spilled once and for all. What do I do about that truth, Claudia?'

He is portrayed as he is portrayed in the New Testament: strictly a political creature who isn't able to find the fault with Jesus that Caiaphas wants him to.