I'm surprised this hasn't gotten seriously flamed yet (even though it is a proper hot deal). BTW, there is a free promo DVD that includes the movie trailer, a lengthy interview with Mel Gibson, and shorter snippets from Gibson and Caviezel (the guy who plays Jesus). You might be able to get it at
http://www.thepassionoutreach.org/. I was given a copy during the screening. Warning: that site is heavily evangelistic and designed for people like pastors and ministry leaders.
Yes, I've seen the film (a rough cut) already. Even unfinished, it's powerful. I would say "stunning." Anything that can crack through the crusted-over heart of Jack Valenti (MPAA) and get him to weep has got to be worth something.
Even from a secular point-of-view, this still stands as arguably the most significant event in Western history, perhaps World history. It has had ramifications (good and bad) for virtually every person on the planet since that time. In any case, even a number of Jews (Michael Medved, Daniel Horowitz, Matt Drudge on MSNBC, etc.) who have seen the rought-cut of the movie have raved about it's profundity and power.
For those who are distracted by the second "the":
It's "the Christ" because "Christ" is a title, not a name. It's "the Christ" as in "the Messiah". "Christos" is just Greek for "Messiah." So, it would be like saying "The Passion of the Messiah". Messiah /Christ means "anointed", btw.
It later became conflated and used like a proper name. "Jesus the Christ" became simply "Jesus Christ" like "Jesus Mendoza," or whatever.