Bombay (AsiaNews) - The Passion of The Christ was released in theaters across the country Friday May 6th. Bombay's theaters are packed as the movie opens throughout the city. Directed by Mel Gibson, The Passion continues to break box-office records even as critics accuse Gibson of being a traditionalist, sadist and anti-Semitic.
The controversial film was released uncensored in India with an 'A' (Adult's only) rating. The film's distributor for India maintained that the anti-Semitic controversy surrounding the film started with some people who saw it prior to its actual release. Only by misinterpreting the film could it be understood that it was the Jews who were blamed for Christ' death. In actuality, as the film shows, not all Jews wanted His crucifixion. More importantly, the understanding that all humanity is responsible for the death of Christ through sin is at the heart of Mel's interpretation of the Passion story.
The film went to great lengths to remain historically accurate. For sheer authenticity, even the dialogues are in the ancient languages of Latin and Aramaic.
But it is undoubtedly a religious movie about the Catholic faith. Mr. Vijay Lazarus, Chairman, Universal Music Ltd., President of Indian Music Industries and Chairman of Music Performance Ltd., a prominent and devout member of the Catholic community states: "The secular world accepts Jesus as a mere human 'example' of faith, the film reveals why Jesus is the Object of our faith." According to one film commentator, the movie is not for non-believers, as it could be perceived as the work of a sadist. But for those who have experienced the pain of Christ while reading the Gospels or participating in the "Way of the Cross", the mystery of Redemption will be lived in a much more meaningful manner in the future after viewing the film. Tears were still streaming down the faces of many as they emerged from theatres after watching the first show.
Non-Catholics have been eager to see the mega box-office success story and had no problem with its brutal content. For many, the political content of the film is inspirational. Fr. Dr. Augustine Kanjamala SVD, Director of the Institute of Indian Culture in Bombay stated that the film can be analyzed eithor in the traditional Christian Interpretation, or with a Secular socio-political interpretation. The Socio-political dimension of the film illustrates political violence wherein both the Roman rulers as well as religious rulers came together to murder a man who was not convenient to their systems. Fr. Augustine stated that the relevance of the film is seen in terms of the political violence taking place in the world today, and Jesus as a man who stood for values contrary to the culture of his time and gave up his life for humankind.
Those viewing the film from this perspective appreciate Jesus as a historical figure who stood for political convictions and questioned unjust systems. A hip university student with studs in his ears said the brutal realism of the film made him realize what it really means for a human being to stand for one's beliefs and principles. Christ undergoing so much torment and pain inspired the young viewer to oppose unjust political and social structures.
In South Bombay, movie goers who were asked if they perceived the movie from a political angle, immediately related it to events taking place in the world today. One sociologist compared it to the instances of barbarism meted out against Iraqi prisoners by a few American soldiers. However, they were encouraged that if the system, either political or religious, is wrong, there are people willing to die for the cause of righting it. Today voices are stifled even in religious domains if one does not adhere to the norms laid down by religious authorities. Getting rid of people inconvenient to the system is a characteristic behavior even in religious circles, as reflected among the sentiments of educated youth today.
Church officials in Mumbai had varying reactions after viewing the film. Many found the film too 'gruesome'. To them, the crack of the centurion's whip and the thud of the hammer on nails were too disturbing. Yet one priest, known for his traditional stance, was thrilled with the movie. 'The Gospel of Suffering!' he exclaimed triumphantly, more than happy with the intensely artistic articulation of faith. Another clergy member who did not wish to be identified said that Mel Gibson went to the limits to depict the duration of suffering and to highlight the connection between suffering and redemption of sin.
A Spanish priest, in Bombay for many years, was delighted to be able to follow the dialogue in Latin without the aid of English sub-titles, noting the actors varying accents.
From the majority of the rave reviews, it seems Bombay has fallen passionately in love with The Passion. It continues to be an inspiring movie for people of faith and others. (N.C.)
