Christ film 'riddled with errors'

The film has been criticised by some leading Jewish figures

Scholars have said Mel Gibson's film about the last 12 hours of Jesus' life is riddled with historical errors.

Their complaints about The Passion of the Christ range from inaccuracies about hairstyles and clothes to a lack of gospel context.

Gibson has said he consulted scholars, theologians, priests and spiritual writers before scripting the film.

The film opened for preview screenings in the US on Monday to an enthusiastic response from audiences.

The Passion of The Christ is released on Ash Wednesday

It has been accused of being anti-Semitic, although Gibson has denied this, saying he has faithfully portrayed the Bible's account, and has been supported by Christian groups.

Scholars critical of the film questioned its characters' use of Latin and Aramaic, saying Greek was the main language spoken in Jerusalem during Jesus' time.

Anthropologist Joe Zias also questioned the portrayal of Jesus with long hair, saying: "Jewish men back in antiquity did not have long hair."

John Dominic Crossan, a professor of religious studies at the De Paul University in Chicago, said lack of historical context was the movie's "basic flaw".

Everybody should see it - it gives life meaning Joan Moder, US filmgoer

Other experts criticised the depiction of Pontius Pilate, Jesus' crucifixion, and even his wearing of a loin cloth.

But cinemagoers at early screenings of the R-rated movie in the US were more impressed.

Kathleen Lewandowski, who saw it in Chicago, said: "I was gasping for breath."

Fellow Chicago viewer Joan Moder said: "Everybody should see it. It gives life meaning."

'Great service'

A member of the St John Cantius Society in Chicago, Brother Chad, described it as "a very powerful movie".

"Gibson portrays everything very well," he said. "He's done a great service to the world."

The movie was "appropriately violent," he said. "It got across what Christ went through. It is not anti-Semitic, not putting blame on the Jews. It's all of us."

The film has its official nationwide opening in the US on Wednesday.