Staff Reporter
THE COLOSSALLY controversial film, The Passion of The Christ that has been stirring up mixed emotions internationally, has similarly began stirring Jamaicans who viewed the film this week.
On Monday and Tuesday of this week the Palace Amusement Company staged two screenings of the movie, where teachers and ministers of religion got an opportunity to view the film.
Ainsley Henriques, former President of the United Congre-gation of Israelites (Jewish Com-munity) said he found the movie appalling, adding that if he had $50 million at his disposal he could have make a better film than director Mel Gibson.
On the other hand, there were some who believed that The Passion was right on the money.
Rev. Glen Archer from Ardenne High School said that he was very impressed by the film especially with the realistic presentation of Jesus Christ.
"The power of the movie lies in the fact that it is not all gore and horror as it intersperses with snippets of the resurrection hope," said Rev. Archer.
Still, Rev. Archer conceded that at one point during the screening he thought the beatings were too much.
"It can be repulsive to people watching it," he said, but adds that: "The gore and the blood make us appreciate the fact that Jesus triumphs in the end."
Elder Derrymore Gardener of the Bartons Seventh Day Adventist also had no discrepancy with what the movie presents in relation to the Holy Scriptures.
"It is Bible based. I had no discrepancy with that," he said.
In reference to the violent content: "It is graphic," said Elder Gardner. "But, if you read also the Bible and use your imagination there would be no difference."
Rev. Major Dr. Sirrano Kitson, Chaplain of the Jamaica Defence Force also said he found that the movie was consistent with the Scriptures.
"Some scenes are bloody but we have to understand that Christ was scourged and scourging is not a pat on the back and it was for our redemption that Christ's blood was spilled," said Rev. Kitson.
Mr. Henriques said he did not find the film anti-Semitic, but labelled it anti-human having noted that it was too bloody.
"I just find that the whole thing was unbelievable, there was far too much blood and beating...the dramatisation was too lengthy and excessive," he said.
