EW Ranks 'Passion Of The Christ' As Most Controversial Movie Ever

Local6 ^ | June 9, 2006

[NYer]

NEW YORK -- Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" ranks as the most controversial film of all time, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The magazine ranks the 25 films that have most shocked, disgusted and divided moviegoers, in its June 16 issue, on newsstands Monday.

EW writes that Gibson's grisly depiction of Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion ignited "a culture-war firestorm unrivaled in Hollywood history." Despite -- or to some degree, because of -- the religious uproar, the 2004 film grossed over $370 million at the U.S box office.

Coming in second is Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange." Kubrick's 1971 futuristic film is famous for a violent scene during which "Singin' in the Rain" is played. Reports of copycat crimes led to the movie's withdrawal from distribution in Britain.

Oliver Stone has the unique distinction of landing twice on the list: 1991's "JFK," ranked at No. 5, and 1994's "Natural Born Killers," at No. 8.

"The Da Vinci Code," now in theaters, charts at No. 13 for the debates spawned by its tale of a Catholic cover-up. Another recent film, "United 93," ranks at No. 16 because of concerns that it came too soon after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Also among the 25: "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Deep Throat," "The Last Temptation of Christ," "The Deer Hunter," "Basic Instinct," "Do the Right Thing" and "Kids."

[Clemenza]

Birth of a Nation actually caused riots and fights in the theatres when it first opened. Down south, there was a problem with folks shooting pistols at the screen whenever "lascivious, corrupt" black political figures (played in blackface by white actors) were on the screen, particularly when one attempts to rape a white woman.

My favorite "controversial" film is the Searchers. Politically incorrect in both its language and themes, it was also one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to treat such issues as rape, interracial relationships, and the effects of war on veterans (think of Ethan Edwards as being an extreme example of the effects of post traumatic stress syndrome).

[MNJohnnie]

Ever heard of the "Last Temptation of Christ"? Ah but that only pisses off Christians so it not "Controversial" to the sleaze Left.

[brushcop]

Outstanding. Love it. That'w why FR is my major news source, humor and all things that are good and worthwhile in the arena of information!

[Mrs. Don-o]

"Behold this child (Jesus) is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34)

"Sign of contradiction" is a term refers to certain persons who, upon manifesting holiness, are subject to extreme opposition. The term is derived from the biblical phrase "sign that is spoken against" ("a sign which is contradicted") found in Luke 2:34 and in Acts 28:22, which refer to Jesus Christ and the early Christians respectively.

In his book, Sign of Contradiction, John Paul II said that "sign of contradiction" might be "a distinctive definition of Christ and of his Church."

[TET1968]

" My favorite "controversial" film is the Searchers. Politically incorrect in both its language and themes, it was also one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to treat such issues as rape, interracial relationships, and the effects of war on veterans (think of Ethan Edwards as being an extreme example of the effects of post traumatic stress syndrome)."

They should rename Task force 145, "Ethan's Searchers".

[TET1968]

" My favorite "controversial" film is the Searchers. Politically incorrect in both its language and themes, it was also one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to treat such issues as rape, interracial relationships, and the effects of war on veterans (think of Ethan Edwards as being an extreme example of the effects of post traumatic stress syndrome)."

They should rename Task force 145, "Ethan's Searchers".

[Polybius]

EW Ranks 'Passion Of The Christ' As Most Controversial Movie Ever

Move over, Leni.

[Tench_Coxe]

Odd. The film 'The Passion of the Christ" portrays the last moments of one of the most controverisial events in history.

I fail to see why this is a surprise.

[NYer]

Go figure... a story of Christ's total act of love reviled, and Don Corleone becomes a cultural hero. Gee... what kind of message is that?

How about the Academy Award winning .... Brokeback Mountain? Nothing controversial there at all .. ;-)

[WOSG]

Where did "Birth of a Nation" land, or did they forget that one?

[NYer]

Everyone ought to see the Passion.

Absolutely! It should be required viewing.

[FreedomCalls]

Song of the South is not controversial?

[Victoria Delsoul]

Go figure... a story of Christ's total act of love reviled, and Don Corleone becomes a cultural hero

And the Da Vince Code is based on facts.

[Mr. Brightside]

Already posted

Thanks for the post NYer! Don't let others around here get you down.

[Doctor Stochastic]

I agree. "Birth of a Nation" was far and away the most controversial.

[Heartofsong83]

I never saw it, but it is clear that Hollyweird is on a different planet as the rest of us...

[Former Dodger]

You forgot:

Bill Clinton: He's the PRESIDENT, show some respect for the office!

[TET1968]

"Bill Clinton: He's the PRESIDENT, show some respect for the office!"

Feel free to add to the list....it may take awhile to complete.
They have been running the show for at least six decades with this very simple "victim" strategy.

Time Warner-
"How dare you criticize a company run by a highly respected BLACK man ? ! "

[Romulus]

EW Ranks 'Passion Of The Christ' As Most Controversial Movie Ever

Good. Otherwise it would've been a failure.