Italian Military outraged over Gibson's 'La Passione'

Italian Military outraged over Gibson's 'La Passione'

Mel Gibson's controversial film 'The Passion of Christ' broke Italian box office records this week as it opened in theatres across the country. This, despite protests held by outraged members of Italy's Military Police community.

Italian Police Protest Portrayal in The Passion

A spokesman for D.P.I.M (Difesa di Polizia Italiana Militare) complained to reporters "Gibson is an anti-Italianite period. The Roman soldiers are portrayed as cruel, barbaric and ultimately anyone who see's this film will only be able to conclude one thing - Roman soldiers killed Jesus!". Another protester, Sgt. Rocco Trieste took it a step further "Gibson doesnt just fuel anti-italianitism but slaps the face of Italian women everywhere by deliberately portraying Italian women as Satans!" [refering to the role of Satan being played by Italian actress Rosalinda Celentano]. While protests by Italian Military Personnel were peaceful in general, several incidents of 'wild hand geturing' erupted, however, they were not enough to stop theatre goers from packing the seats and sending 'The Passione' into top spot among Italy's most popular cinematic draws.