French Jewish group says Gibson 'tortured'

Calling Mel Gibson "a tortured soul," France's main Jewish group accused his film about Jesus' final hours of having anti-Semitic overtones.

An umbrella group for Jewish organizations, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF), said Thursday that "The Passion of the Christ" was a backward portrayal of Christian teachings. The movie debuted Wednesday in France.

"The film's violence is extreme and sick," the group said in a statement. "Unfortunately, (CRIF) finds elements of anti-Semitism in the film, which was clearly conceived by a tortured soul."

Some Jewish and Christian leaders have expressed concern that the movie could revive the notion that Jews collectively were responsible for Christ's death.

France has faced anti-Semitic violence for more than two years, with many attacks targeting Jewish schools, synagogues and community centers.

CRIF noted that it had not asked for the movie to be banned, out of respect for freedom of expression.

Three Jewish brothers argued before a Paris court that the film would foment hatred of Jews in France and asked that it be banned. A judge rejected the bid Monday.

The movie, which is showing in more than 500 theaters across France, carries a ban on ticket sales to children under 12.