Gibson film ignites
passionate reaction

Americans are flocking to theaters nationwide today to view Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ," with one woman reportedly dying from a heart attack she suffered while watching the controversial film and at least one theater reporting a threat for daring to show the movie.

KAKE-TV in Kansas is covering the case of a woman in her 50s who suffered a heart attack during a morning screening in East Wichita.

"People viewing the movie at the Warren Theatre East say the woman collapsed during the portion of the movie where the crucifixion of Christ was shown," the station is reporting. "Nurses who were in the audience gave the woman CPR."

The woman was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

In the nation's capital, a movie house reports a menacing phone call with an implied threat.

"He said that I would regret bringing the film to this theater," the theater owner told USA Radio News.

Jim Caviezel portrays Jesus in 'The Passion of The Christ' (courtesy Icon Distribution)

Before it even opened, the depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus received widespread publicity, much of it negative with allegations from some Jewish leaders about anti-Semitism and graphic violence shown on the screen.

As WorldNetDaily has reported, some movie critics who previously praised gore in films such as "Gladiator" were quick to condemn the violence shown in Gibson's movie.

With opening day well under way, reactions from Americans show a wide range of opinions.

Pat Robertson, author and head of the Christian Broadcasting Network, is recommending that everyone see the film.

"When you get through, you just stand in awe of what Jesus suffered for you," Robertson said on "Joseph Farah's WorldNetDaily RadioActive," program. "It is simply unbelievable. When people leave that, they're not able to speak. It's just overwhelming, it's gripping."

WHEC-TV in Rochester, N.Y., interviewed people who just saw the film.

"Whether you're religious or not, this was a wonderful movie. Very powering. I think it will move everybody, even if you're not, like, religious," Nicole Stevens told the station.

"The violence was, I mean, it was very graphic, but I think it really did justice to the story. And I wasn't terribly offended by the so called anti-Semitic references," said Mark Chaney.

"It was great. I don't think the violence was that bad at all, compared to things like 'Saving Private Ryan' and I think shocked me more," said Shawn Matla.

The Seattle Times is documenting some reaction in the Pacific Northwest.

"I did not find the film to be anti-Semitic," Michael Behar, who is Jewish, told the paper. "It makes clear that all that is happening is by Jesus' choice and by God's choice."

But Rabbi Daniel Weinter stated: "I feel more strongly than I thought that the film will fuel anti-Semitic views in America, and anti-Semitic violence abroad. ... Certainly, the film was crafted beautifully, acted well and shot well, but an aesthetic appreciation cannot mute or soften the way in which this film will negatively impact interfaith relations."

Editor's note: Coinciding with the release of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ," WorldNetDaily has issued one of the most extraordinary editions of its monthly Whistleblower magazine ever produced, titled "THE DAY JESUS DIED."

Read WorldNetDaily's extensive coverage of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ."