Ref. 29666-32One of the most controversial films in cinema history hits the screens of Swindon's cinemas today.

The Passion Of The Christ is the latest offering from the movie world's interpretation of historical events.

Directed by Mel Gibson, and starring James Caviezel as Jesus Christ, the film is one of the most gruesome ever made.

Running to more than two hours, it looks at the final hours of Christ's life, and is filmed entirely in Aramaic and Latin, with subtitles.

The film has already taken more than £145 million in the United States, making it the 23rd highest grossing film in history.

But John Keil, manager of the UGC cinema in Shaw Ridge, West Swindon, said that audiences were not queuing outside the door to see the film.

He said: "Considering the impact it had in the States, there has been less interest in the film than expected, and when the film comes out we will have just one screen showing it. Maybe interest will improve once people have gone to see it."

It is a similar story at Cineworld in Greenbridge.

Cinema manager Trudy East said: "There have been a few bookings, notably from church groups who are interested in seeing it. I think the 18 certificate on the film will have a big effect, particularly as that will stop many families from going along."

The film is by no means unimpressive. It features spectacular sets of large Roman buildings, impressive crowd scenes, over-zealous Roman soldiers and a gut-wrenching sequence in which Jesus is nailed to the cross. It's not for the faint of heart.

In fact it may have claimed its first victim after a 43-year-old Brazilian Presbyterian Pastor died from a heart attack while watching the film.

But even before its release it was hitting the headlines, facing fierce criticism from Jewish groups, and many Christians, including Catholics.

Among those bitter at the film's release is Martin Vandervelde, the life president of the Swindon Jewish Community.

He has not seen the film, nor does he wish to.

He said: "No-one I have spoken to from the Swindon Jewish Community has any wish to see this film. Such violent films should not be made.

"This film is also highly anti-Semitic, directly blaming the Jews for the death of Jesus Christ, and yet only a few years ago one of the last Popes said the Romans were to blame and not the Jews.

"I have never seen racial hatred and anti-Semitism here in Swindon so why stir up tension again when we have so many problems in the world after 2000 years?"

Rosemary Power, ecumenical development officer for Swindon Churches Together saw the film two weeks ago at a special viewing in Southampton.

She said the film was far from perfect and pointed out several inaccuracies.

"This could have been a good film, but I felt it was far too American. I think that the directing could have been much better but I feel that before people watch this film they should probably have a look at one of the gospels first."

Despite the opposition to the film, it has already received an endorsement from the Pope, while others are giving it good reviews.

The Rev Veronica James, curate of Ashton Keynes, said: "It was a fair representation of what happened. The narrative of the gospels was put together well and speaking as a mother myself I feel the relationship between Jesus and Mary was extremely strong.

"Overall it is a human film, and very dynamic but I am glad it has an 18 certificate."

Rev Stephen Waters, vicar of St Peter's Church in Penhill said the film had a profound effect on him.

He said: "I thought it was extremely violent but it left me feeling quite stunned and I remember sitting there watching the credits thinking about what I had seen.

"It was a good film, not anti-Semitic and it made think about my beliefs and my faith."

The Evening Advertiser's film critic, Stephen Webb, praised the film.

"It was very well made, but not for the squeamish," he said.

"The events leading up to the crucifixion, and the crucifixion itself, are graphically depicted. It's a very bloody, gory film.

"It will be interesting to see how it does at the box office. The subtitles and the 18 certificate won't help, but the controversy will definitely make people curious."

For some light relief, cinemagoers in the States will be able to enjoy Monty Python's Life Of Brian.

The 1979 movie about Brian of Nazareth, who is mistaken for the Messiah, will make a return to the big screen in America at the end of April in Los Angeles and New York.

Anthony Osborne