New documentary revisits the uproar over 'The Passion of The Christ'

"The Passion of the Christ," Mel Gibson's 2004 film interpretation of Jesus' final hours before his crucifixion, caused widespread controversy among critics and audiences alike upon its release.

Narrated by "America's Newsroom" co-host Bill Hemmer, this short documentary directed by Rabbi Yitzchak Adlerstein recounts the film's reception and the criticism leveled at it by the media and religious organizations. It also features commentary from authors, professors, and other scholars. "This is a time in which Hollywood had long concluded that there were not big profits to be made making religious movies," New York Times best selling author Ellis Henican says. The biblical drama grossed more than $611 million at the worldwide box office after being made on a modest $30 million budget, becoming one of the most profitable R-rated films in cinematic history.