BURBANK, Calif., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Film critics Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper will air an exclusive early review of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" before its U.S. opening.
The special edition of the syndicated "Ebert & Roeper" will air this weekend to discuss the controversial film that may draw protests outside theaters.
"I think the controversy was very premature and was based on people that hadn't see the film, and who are going to be a little surprised at what's actually in the film," Ebert said.
"It's a very great film."
Ebert said that Christianity has focused on the physical wounds of Jesus to show that he suffered, as well as died, for man's sins, and this movie makes it real.
"This is the most powerful, important and by far the most graphic interpretation of Christ's final hours ever put on film," said Roeper.
"As for concerns of anti-Semitism: Ciaphas does lead the call for Jesus to die, and Pontius Pilate is depicted as more conflicted than most historical records indicate, but other temple leaders question the rush to condemn Jesus, and it's the Roman soldiers who are portrayed as sadistic animals throughout this film."
This movie does not blame all Jews past and present for the death of Jesus, according to Roeper.
