What is the controversy with The Passion of the Christ?

The Passion of the Christ had a huge response when it was released in February 2004. The film that writer-director Mel Gibson portrayed as a potential “career-killer” was a huge success, becoming the highest-earning R-rated release of all time and generating over $600 million (£463 million) worldwide.

However, success brought controversy. The Passion of Christ, an honest depiction of Jesus’ dying days, was criticised in some quarters for alleged antisemitism and gruesome violence venerable reviewer Roger Ebert dubbed it “the most violent film I have ever seen” – and its historical authenticity was questioned.

Since the film’s release, Gibson’s anti-Semitic soundbites and battery charge seem to corroborate that criticism and when viewed today, it’s a troubling exercise in unpleasantness, anchored in one man’s particular faith.

The physical toll of Christ’s punishment was felt by the protagonist of the film. The Passion, which was shot in Italy during the winter, left Caviezel with pneumonia and hyperthermia. During the extended flogging sequence, a few wayward lashes left the actor with a 14-inch scar on his back. While filming the Sermon on the Mount, Caviezel was struck by lightning.