RALEIGH, N.C. — The film that has everybody talking has opened in the Triangle and across the country.

Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" tells the story of Jesus' crucifixion. Its release falls on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.

The story is told in graphic detail, but that is not keeping audiences away.

"I'm really interested in seeing this movie. It looks more realistic than others," said the Rev. Ronald Wright.

"It's been a lot of hype about it," moviegoer Adriena Riley said.

For many people, the film is more than a movie, but also an inspiration.

"It increases my faith and makes me want to be a better Christian," moviegoer Barbara Penny said.

Some people, including Kimberly and Pat Carlyle, came out in tears.

"Seeing your Savior crucified like that. It was pretty tough," Kimberly Carlyle said.

"All that he did for us in the end, all the pain and suffering was for us," Pat Carlyle said.

Some people did not have strong reviews about the film.

"I really hated the movie. I give it a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. I thought it was so one-dimensional," moviegoer Roy Long said. "It was obviously made just to create contention between the Jews and the Christians."

Many showings in the Triangle are already completely sold out.