Mel Gibson: Misogynist, racist, anti-semite -- and great actor

Once, long ago, a German magazine asked me to review Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. I had not even wanted to see the film — but how else could I review it? And so I went. I did not believe that the film would incite Christian riots against the Jews.

Against my will, I appreciated its power. Despite Gibson’s obsession with physical violence and cruelty, I understood some of his aesthetic and religious reasons. He wanted Christian believers to really see, feel, absorb, appreciate the suffering that sacrifice demands.

And then I spoke to many Christians who were deeply moved by The Passion, reminded anew of the mortal pain that Jesus endured in order that they could be redeemed.