Lima, Peru, Mar 22, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” has become a box-office hit in Latin America, out-selling any other movie in theaters this past weekend.
In Mexico, despite the decision by the government ratings board to restrict entrance to those above 18 years of age, the film opened on 700 screens throughout the country. Weeks before the release, theater chains offered advanced sales of tickets, which resulted in the movie being shown in four theaters at once in the same complex.
Students and professors from the University of Mayab carried out a poll among the large crowds that were moved by the film. 82% said they would see it again, and 100% said they would recommend the film to family members and friends. 48% said they were spiritually moved by the movie, and 88% said “The Passion of the Christ” is a movie the entire public. Only 10% thought it was movie exclusively for Catholics. Regarding the principle goal of the movie, 82% said the director was plainly concerned with showing the capacity of Jesus to love. Regarding the main message which the movie gave them, 28% said it was gratitude for the Redemption, 24% adoration of Christ on the cross, and 22% to celebrate the Eucharist more authentically. The majority said it was a great spiritual experience.
In Chile more than 33,000 people saw the film on the first day, making it the third biggest release ever in the country. “The release was incredible because we thought the film was going to be well received, but not like this,” said Esteban Morgado of 20th Century Fox. Morgado said more than 200,000 people saw the movie during the entire opening weekend.