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"I just wanted to make clear the actual historical data on the Roman Army in its treatment of insurrection, cowardice in battle and revolution, perceived or factual."

The actual historical data also implies that Pilate's personal role in the brutality of his province was almost maniacal; instead we have the introvert plagued his by concience who waxes about the meaning of truth.

But that's all very much beside the point. Historical accuracy is not a kosher road to go down. Admittedly so. Gibson knew that the Romans didn't speak Latin over there. He knew where Jesus was most likely nailed. This is his interprtation, and direction, of the Catholic Gospel story. And that's a completely legitimate story to tell...factual or not. But it's still a story. It still needs to *suspend our disbelief*, and that's where movie-making skill comes in. It's a lazy cop-out to tell the audience "just because". There was plenty of room for a skilled director to maneuver around the things I'm criticizing. People can do random violent things because they're simply psychopaths, but it helps to illustrate first that they, in fact, are (or whatever the case may be). Having some guy come out of the proverbial woodwork and gleefully brutalize someone with an unexplained zeal is simply lazy.

The common theme running through the fans of this, is that the frankness of the scourging scene is what's supposed to carry this movie. That the reproduction weapon was accurate...that he was tied-up correctly...etc. Nice touches, but that amounts to getting concerned with the details and losing track of the big picture.

Did you not notice the clichés and obvious Gibonsims?

Without going into a lengthy answer, I do believe that Mel Gibson made his film for those who were already very familar with the story of the "Passion". I was, and my purpose in viewing the film was to strengthen my religious beliefs as my wife and family go through the very painful road of watching our youngest daughter pass away from breast cancer. I state that, not for pity, but for the support I gained, in knowing and viewing Jesus commit his fate and faith into the hands of our Lord. My daughter is at peace with herself and the world. I have been very fortunate and grateful that God has allowed us to spend much quality time with her throughout her illness. As such, we will not mourn our child, but will rejoice and celebrate both her wonderful life and her passing to the kingdom of our Lord. Yes, I do realize this is "just" a film, but it has helped me stabilize myself as the head of our family, when that stabilization was needed. As such, the brutalization of Christ by the Romans did not have a negative impact on me personally. I looked beyond it, yet was aware of it, to the higher purpose of the son putting his faith in the hands of the Father! I do however, understand your feelings. The film was a powerful, needed vehicle for me, but not for everyone.