CHURCH leaders in Ellesmere Port have spoken of the power and emotion of Mel Gibson's controversial new film, The Passion of the Christ.

Among those who have seen it is the Rev Gordon McGuinness, of St Thomas' and All Saints Church in Whitby Road.

Mr McGuinness describes the film as a 'powerful piece of cinema' but believes it can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the story.

He said: 'The film is relentless in that it shows the systematic destruction of one person.

'As a piece of cinema it is very good and true to the gospel. However, it is hard to watch. In particular, the depiction of the whipping of Christ and the blood lust in the Roman soldiers is especially violent.'

The film depicts the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ, played by Jim Caviezel.

However, some critics have slammed the film as 'anti-Semitic', 'overly-gratuitous' and 'sprinkled with cinematic flourishes'.

Mr McGuinness said: 'Jesus was handed over to Roman authorities by the Jewish authorities.

'Jesus was himself Jewish and so were his followers. It wasn't the Jews who were portrayed as the most barbaric but the Roman soldiers and the indifference to Christ's suffering.

'However, the crucifixion scene was not accurate. The nakedness was not depicted and nails were inserted into the hands, not the wrist.'

However, Mr McGuinness was impressed by Jim Caviezel's portrayal of Christ.

He said: 'He was good. One of the most impressive parts of the film is that despite Jesus being relentlessly abused, he never loses it. He retains his sense of self-dignity, inner-balance, humility and goodness.

'Jim Caviezel did this very well in that he retained the dignity and humanity of Christ.

'However, I don't think the film is accessible to those who don't know the full story.'

Another critique of The Passion of the Christ is that not enough is made of Christ's resurrection at the end of the film - something with which Mr McGuinness disagrees.

He said: 'The film focuses on the death of Christ, not the resurrection. However, the ending is quite impressive. You think the film has finished but the camera then focuses on the head and torso of Christ who appears without any scarring on his face.'

Captain Bill Dolling of the Salvation Army Church in Whitby Road.

He said: 'I took it very personally and felt upset, angry and uncomfortable. But I didn't think the violence was particularly graphic because we've become anaesthetised to violent films.

'If the film stimulates interest and opinion, then that is a good thing.'

Capt Dolling added: 'It's the most powerful film I've ever seen. It was like watching your best friend being crucified.'

The film is currently being shown at the Coliseum's Vue cinema and staff are pleased at the response.

A spokesperson said: 'We haven't had any protesters.'