Although Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” doesn’t open until Wednesday, it has been the hot topic for thousands of members of congregations throughout the North Olympic Peninsula for several weeks.
The controversial movie depicts the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life in graphic detail.
Area theater owners and managers report receiving hundreds of calls from residents wanting the movie to be shown.
Deer Park Cinemas at U.S. Highway 101 and Deer Park Road in Port Angeles, and Poulsbo Stadium 10 theaters, 750 NW Edvard St., Poulsbo, are the only area venues at which the movie will open on Ash Wednesday.
At Deer Park, manager Tom Watson said theater staff received many calls and personal requests to bring the film to the Peninsula.
“We have had a large number of requests,” Watson said. “All of the requests have been very positive.”
“I get calls about this film every single day from people wanting me to bring it here,” said Rocky Friedman, owner of The Rose Theatre in Port Townsend.
Friedman said the film will not open at The Rose on Wednesday, but he hopes to show it at a later date.
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