I've never appreciated the suffering Jesus Christ went through. I've never appreciated that he had to die for my sins. The Gospel is not "artwork" It's the handywork of God instrumental in grabbing ahold of men's hard hearts and bringing them to the place of repentence.
I am sickened that so many applaud "artwork" of such a dreadful occurance of the Death on the Cross of our Beloved Saviour. I weep inside everytime I am reminded of what Jesus did for me, and even many times weep outloud.
I'm wonderfully amazed Jesus would go through the sufferings of Calvary. I "appreciate" His willingness to do so, but not His suffering. Most of all I applaud and appreciate His Victory over death, hell, and the grave; that's what He's allowed me to share, in His Glory, not that He suffered and died.
If "Passion" reminds those of His true sufferings and brings others to Christ, not Mary, then Glory!
Let's all remember, Mel Gibson is a major proponent of "hellywood", what else would you expect?