To begin with, I must say I'm surprised this film was literally condemned by Christians. This is the most religious film I have ever seen. They should love and cherish this film, but they don't. This however is the reason I didn't like it. It's to religious. It's basically the same silly story we've heard a thousand times, only with a few differences. It's darker, looks more historically authentic, and it has a more human Jesus. The latter I was actually intrigued by, I had hoped for a more human Jesus, kinda like the Thomas Jeffersen adaptation of the gospel, but it was the same old magical Jesus only with more of an internal conflict. Yes, it is a well made movie. Scorsese really impressed me with his great directing, and Dafoe made one of the strongest performances I've ever seen. But sadly it is still the same nonsense story of magic, miracles, talking animals and cryptic messages. Only this time it is hidden behind a more realistic looking view. if you see it simply as a tale, a story, a myth if you like, it it great. But if you take it as religious, it is a truly dangerous movie.