Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" is set for a nationwide release next week on Ash Wednesday. Between controversy and the grassroots church efforts; it has already received more advance buzz than most film producers could ever dream of getting.

Slideshow: Scenes From "The Passion Of The Christ" Movie Trailer

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Passion Of The Christ Trailer

Well before it is released to the public, the film has provoked sharp controversy about whether it is anti-Semitic, whether it is too violent, and over who has said what about the film.

Gibson said the graphic depiction of Christ's crucifixion in his upcoming film was meant to make viewers realize the extent of Christ's sacrifice.

Critics say Gibson's production company has been too secretive about the movie's content and has allowed it to be pre-screened only by people they think will like it.

Gibson defended the film during an interview with Diane Sawyer for ABC's "Primetime" that aired earlier this week.

"I think it pushes one over the edge so that they see the enormity, the enormity of that sacrifice," he said.

However, on Wednesday, the Jewish Anti-Defamation League lashed out at the movie.

Anti-Defamation League President Abraham Foxman said the movie portrays Jews as "blood thirsty, vengeful, and angry."

He's calling on the Catholic Church to distance itself from the movie and reiterate the findings of the second Vatican council.

The 1963 council ended centuries of tension between the Catholic Church and Jewish community by formally rejecting the notion that the Jews were responsible for Christ's death.

Foxman's comments came after a series of meetings with Vatican officials.

So far, the church hasn't offered any comments on the talks.

Gibson, who funded, directed and co-wrote the upcoming movie, said he wanted the movie to be shocking and extreme.

"It's very violent and if you don't like it, don't go, you know?" Gibson said in the ABC interview. "If you want to leave halfway through, go ahead."

The R-rated movie, set for release Feb. 25, details the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus. Gibson maintains it's a faithful biblical narrative, but some worry that its depiction of the role of some Jews in the death of Christ may lead to an increase in anti-Semitism.

Among them is Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, who has seen the film twice.

Gibson told Sawyer the film was not anti-Semitic and was instead about "faith, hope, love and forgiveness."

"To be anti-Semitic is a sin," the actor-director said. "It's been condemned by one Papal Council after another. To be anti-Semitic is to be un-Christian, and I'm not."