The Passion Of The Christ, Mel Gibson's latest film, opens on February 25 worldwide.

A depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus' life, it has given rise to much controversy, with religious groups fearing it could whip up anti-Semitism.

James Caviezel plays Jesus Christ, supported by Maia Morgenstern as Mary and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene, among others.

The Passion Of The Christ, with its Aramaic and Latin dialogues, is not the first Biblical movie, of course.

rediff.com glances at some Biblical epics that have courted success and controversy over the years.

Text: Anil George
Design: Uday Kuckian

Photo courtesy www.thepassionofthechrist.com/Icon Productions

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