I expected a life-changing experience because of all that I had heard about it (especially from some close to me that had seen it).
Sure enough, what I saw I will never forget. We all know that this film can never take the place of the Scriptures, nor do I want it do. But this film did a remarkable job of making the whole story seem so alive. I was thinking, "This is what Jesus really went through."
One thing that touched me was that every choice Gibson made in the film's production (e.g. the language, location, actors, and camera work) were top-notch. The film didn't look like a 25 million dollar production; it looked like much more. Mel had some top-notch crew members working on this project, and all simply added to the realism.
I admit that the part that changed me the most was when the thief on the cross struggled with every breath to say, "Lord, I only ask that you remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus, bloodied and about to die, raises his head as much as he could and slowly uttered the words, "Amen, you will be with me today in paradise." I was like, "Wow!" For when I read this passage over and over, I tend to forget how horribly beaten Jesus was and imagine him as just quickly saying the words to him. No, Jesus, even in his last moments, as a broken, bloodied man, cares about people and shows his unconditional love for this man.
So, in other words, I expected a phenomenal event; I got one.