This movie stands on its own as a cinema masterpiece. Take it at face value and enjoy. It is ridiculous to over-analyze it. It is a shame when real artistry is overshadowed by controversy about the personal viewpoints of whoever created it. If the artists and producers were really smart, they would "just shut up and sing".
Well Medved gave it four stars regardless. There are some Hollywood people, when they run their mouths, it turns me off, but I want to see this one--I've enjoyed Mel's work in the past. Steven Speilberg is another one, but not lately, where if something he makes looks interesting, I'll go see it as well.