By Lesley Snyder and Jeanine Poggi

National controversy recently emerged from the portrayal of Jesus’ death and the role of Jewish people in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. The movie, a recreation of the last 12 hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, was claimed by many to be anti-Semitic in nature even prior to its release. The film, which was the source of intense debate even before the public viewed it, continues to stir up a myriad of emotions since its public release last week.

“Despite the great amount of violence in the film, it was excellent–very well done,” Sister Kathy Riordan said.

Due to the extremely graphic and emotional nature of the movie, she urges those who have not yet viewed the film to “…not go alone-go with someone you can discuss your feelings and thoughts with afterwards.”If anything, the movie is anti-Roman Empire, she said, because far more time is given to show the barbaric cruelty of the Roman soldiers, than emit anti-Jewish sentiments.

Sister Riordan believes that the movie was 95 percent consistent with the Gospel, while the other 5 percent was appropriately incorporated.Senior Lyle Rothman, a Jewish Studies major, thinks the movie is merely the “Gospel according to Mel Gibson.”

“In my opinion, as a Jew, the Gospels are not anti-Semitic but anti-Jewish,” Rothman said. “Anti-Semitism is the inferiority of the Jewish race while anti-Judaism is more of a distaste towards the Jewish people.”Sophomore, Aerin Suh, agreed with Sister Riordan’s interpretation of the film.

“The movie concentrated on depicting the potential evilness of the human heart, rather than trying to portray a certain religion in a negative light,” Suh said.

Suh does not believe that the harsh media criticism of the film was warranted.

“I think that any event that forces people to investigate intelligent aspects of society, such as religion is worth while, and can’t be as malicious as critics are making it out to be,” she said.

While some Jewish students appreciate the film as a work of art, they do not support its message.

“I’m curious to see it, as a film major, but I’m not willing to support it monetarily,” junior Hillel Treasurer Josh Zuckerberg, said.Rabbi Meir Mitelman has not yet seen The Passion of the Christ, but he also is concerned with contributing to a film that goes against Jewish beliefs.

“There’s some curiosity about knowing the source of all the controversy,” Rabbi Mitelman said. “But, I do have serious reservations about paying admission to a film that-from what I understand-portrays Jewish people at that time in a very negative way.”

Rothman believes that despite the attacks on the Jewish religion, it is the Christians who may have to rethink their beliefs.

“This film is not a problem for Jews, it is a big problem for Christians,” Rothman said. “Will Christians walk away thinking Jesus is their savior or that the Jews killed Jesus? We can’t rewrite history, all we can do is embrace the past and move forward together.”