While a lone protester at the Savoy Cinema on O'Connell Street, Dublin, complained about anti-Semitic content of Mel Gibson's film The Passion of The Christ, it was the sustained brutality and gory content that caused a stir among audiences at the UGC multi-screen complex on Parnell Street and prompted five people to leave.
The controversial labour of love from Hollywood actor turned director Gibson opened yesterday at cinemas nationwide.
At the two o'clock screening in the UGC, an impious audience of about 150 settled in with popcorn and sweeties to watch the last 12 hours of the life of Christ. However, the much-hyped violence soon appeared and the rustle of sweet wrappers and crackle of popcorn crunching quickly disappeared for two hours.
Although audiences were prewarned of the "explicit violence" in the listings, it was clear that the film's hour-long crucifixion scene, Jesus' brutal and lengthy torture at the hands of Roman soldiers, and the gruesome portrayal of Christ's journey to Calvary took some people unawares. Others, however, were very impressed by the film and commended it for its unflinchingly portrayal of the story.
One man was clearly moved by the lengthy whipping scene early in the film.
He left saying that he was too upset to stay. "There was too much violence. I found it very upsetting."
Similarly, a tearful Mr Moses Edewor left the cinema and said that he could not watch one man suffer so much pain.
"I believe that after watching this people will really believe in God," he said and added that he hoped to go back into the film later when he had composed himself.
One woman in the audience also left during this torture scene and said that although she has read about the film, she didn't expect as much violence and could not watch anymore.
Mr Frank Galvin, however, gave the film the thumbs up and said it compared very well to previous versions of the Crucifixion. Another male viewer said that although the brutality was "a bit over the odds", he thought the film was "excellent" and "very faithful to the story".
Mr Patrick Geaney from Swords, who mounted a one-man protest outside the Savoy yesterday afternoon, said he was afraid that the film would fan the flames of anti-Semitism among Irish viewers. In a leaflet distributed to passers-by he highlighted what he termed "the spirit of anti-Semitism in Ireland". Describing himself as a gentile, he pledged to protest again this afternoon.
The Passion and the punters: first-day verdicts from cinema goers
Ciar Egan
"I though the film was brilliant. I was very moved by it and had a really good cry at parts. I liked the way it was in Latin and Aramaic, but I didn't enjoy all the blood too much."
Ailis Egan
"The film was amazing. I was touched and moved. With all that was written about it I was well prepared for the explicit nature of the film. It seemed to be a very true account of the story."
David Higgins
"The way the film told the story was very different to what you are taught in church. It was a different perspective. It's not a film that you could call good or bad. It's difficult to explain. All I'd say is just go see it."
Sarah Donnelly
"I found the film very difficult to watch. The acting and direction was very well done, but it was too gruesome. I'd only recommend it if you have a strong stomach."
Maeve Arnold
"I'm not too sure about the film. It was hard to watch and I'm not sure if I'd recommend it. I think the 15 cert is too young - it should be 18s."