U.S. audiences see Gibson's 'Passion'

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CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) -- The buzz that launched a thousand and more commentaries flickered to life on cinema screens Monday as "The Passion of the Christ" drew early bird audiences to Mel Gibson's R-rated version of Christianity's 2000-year-old foundation.

"I was gasping for breath," said Kathleen Lewandowski, who caught a preview of the film with her husband, Greg, at the River East 21 Cinema in downtown Chicago.

"You are constantly reminded of scripture and able to follow along," she said. Asked if she thought there was an anti-Semitic message as some critics have claimed she said "No, Christ kept saying, 'Forgive them for they know not what they do.' "

While the movie begins national showings Wednesday, there were early screenings in Chicago, Kansas City, Missouri, and elsewhere, arranged by churches and others.

Lewandowski's husband called the movie depicting the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ "a great film, even for people who aren't Catholic. It helps (you) understand what Christ represents."

The couple said they planned to bring their two sons, ages 13 and 15, to another showing.

"It's violent but not any more violent than movies like 'Terminator 2,' " he said. "We have seen other biblical movies and there's really nothing to compare it to."

A member of the St. John Cantius Society in Chicago, Brother Chad, called it a very powerful movie, adding that "Gibson portrays everything very well. He's done a great service to the world."

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

Two young women leaving the theater who declined to give their names seemed nearly speechless.

"It was overwhelming," said one, "the story of someone giving up their life."

Another preview patron, Joan Moder of Aurora, near Chicago, said, "I think everybody should see it. You read the Bible like it's a fairy tale. It's a true story; it really happened. It gives life meaning."