The Irish Film Censor, John Kelleher, has issued a statement regarding the certification of the film for it's Irish release later this month.
"The forthcoming cinema release of Mel Gibson's film, 'The Passion of the Christ', has attracted widespread international attention and there has been particular comment on its explicit violence and what some critics are reported to consider its apparent anti-Semitism.
"The film is clearly a strong personal statement of the director's own religious faith, but I do not believe that his purpose is anti-Semitic. In my judgment, the film's critical stance relates to certain Jewish leaders of the period and not to the Jewish people in general.
"As a serious cinematic dramatisation of an event that goes to the core of belief of very many people in Ireland, this film will have a particular resonance here and is likely to be of interest to a wide audience.
"As regards its violence, I am conscious that some persons, irrespective of age, will find the film's scenes of explicit cruelty and violence disturbing.
"With the foregoing considerations in mind, I have certified the film as 15PG, which, for the avoidance of doubt, means that no person under the age of fifteen should be admitted unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
"This certification is issued upon the express condition that the following words must be included in all publicity materials (i.e. posters, trailers, print/radio/tv advertising and cinema billings) and must also be displayed in a prominent position in all cinema foyers:
Caution: This film contains scenes of explicit violence which may disturb some viewers.
