Reaction to Mel Gibson’s “The Passion” | WBUR and NPR

TODAY IS THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010

The following is a "closing segment" for the show which aired Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 11:00 AM EST.

Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 11:00 AM EST

Reaction to Mel Gibson’s “The Passion”

After months of anticipation and controversy, Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” opened in more than 3,000 theaters nationwide today. The film has been criticized for its graphically violent portrayal of the last hours of Jesus of Nazareth and for unfairly portraying Jews, which could feed anti-Semitism.

But the film is receiving glowing reviews from many Christians, who call it the big screen’s most powerful depiction of Jesus ever. Movie houses were packed across the country today, with people eager to see the movie.

About 80 people took in the first viewing at 10 o’clock this morning at the Loews Theater in downtown Boston. Hear some of their reactions.

Guests:

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