Iran Gives Go Ahead To Show Gibson's 'Passion'

Reuters/Yahoo News ^ | 29 April

[Hal1950]

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Authorities in Iran, where few U.S. films make it past the country's zealous censors, have given the go-ahead for cinemas to screen Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," newspapers reported Thursday.

Permission was granted to show the film uncut with Persian subtitles by the Culture and Islamic Guidance Ministry after it was studied by a panel of experts, the newspapers said.

The film has aroused heated debate, particularly among Jews who say it will stoke anti-Semitism by reinforcing the theory that the Jews pressured the Romans to crucify Christ.

Analysts say Jewish anger at the film has encouraged many Islamic countries to break their strict censorship rules and allow The Passion to be aired uncut.

Islam prohibits the flesh-and-blood portrayal of holy figures and says Jesus was not crucified nor is he the Son of God.

Kuwait and Bahrain have banned the film and only one cinema has agreed to air it in Israel. But in most other Middle Eastern countries it has been a huge hit.

In Iran, The Passion will face stiff competition from "The Lizard" an award-winning Iranian comedy satirizing the country's conservative clerics which is smashing box office records.

[Asclepius]

But it may incite anti-Roman hatred among the Persians!

[freedom44]

Islam does not allow the depiction of any holy Prophet, that's the primary reason they wouldn't have allowed showing of the Passion.

In regard to the Lizard, the movie, poking fun at the clerics. Millions of Iranians receive satellite TV broadcast by Iranian-Americans in California that regularlly attacks the Mullahs, i think that was a minor concession to say the least.

[RobbyS]

Reuters is torn. On the one hand they hate the Jews. On the other hand they are pro-Arabs. On the third hand, they ar against anti-semticism

[freedom44]

Iranians aren't Arabs.

[NYer]

Passion Ping!

Catholic Ping - let me know if you want on/off this list

[tiamat]

Won't matter.

The Persians already hate the Romans!

[firerosemom]

I just got back an hour ago from watching for the third time. It still hits home so hard. I wonder how the Muslims are reacting to this movie as they see it.

I also think this movie will open up China very wide.

[BobS]

"Analysts say Jewish anger at the film has encouraged many Islamic countries to break their strict censorship rules and allow The Passion to be aired uncut."

HA! Isn't that what "analysts" said around here? LOL

[RobbyS]

But Reuters is, at least in sentiment.

[Future Snake Eater]

Amazing. I guess all the "this film is anti-Semitic" nonsense is piquing the the Muslims' interest. So the critics are wrong, and God and His Son Jesus are brought with open arms to the Insane Death Cult. Just beautiful...

[RightOnline]

Let me see if I can sum up the Muslim world's reaction to this film:

"Hey!!!! The Jews hate it.........it must be GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Damn, but the Arabs are such a despicably predictable lot. The planet would be so far better off without them.

[Let's Roll]

Let me see if I can sum up the Muslim world's reaction to this film:
"Hey!!!! The Jews hate it.........it must be GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Damn, but the Arabs are such a despicably predictable lot. The planet would be so far better off without them.


Yes, and whose camel got its nose under the tent? hehehe