A controversial film accused of being anti-Semitic, sensational and gory has been condemned in the Keighley district.

Mel Gibson's latest Hollywood blockbuster "The Passion of the Christ" will be showcased at Keighley Picture House, North Street, from Friday, April 16.

The 18-certificate film, detailing the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ, is based on the gospels of the New Testament.

This includes a realistic and bloody account of the crucifixion in original languages, Latin and Aramaic.

Jewish author David Samuels, of Oxenhope, is angered by the decision to show the film.

The campaigner said: "I've heard it's violent and anti-Semitic.

"All my circle of friends, who are all Christians, have told me they will refuse to go and see it.

"From what I've seen, it glorifies violence. What's the point in glorifying violence? Isn't there enough in Keighley already?

"I think anything that cashes in on violence should be condemned.

"It's for the religious sickos."

Film critics have been divided on the movie's merits, claiming it to be either powerful film-making or a religious fanatic's racist interpretation.

It has been accused of over simplifying the story into good and bad, casting Jews in a bad light and making them look responsible for Christ's death.

Asked if he had a message for the cinema, former greengrocer Mr Samuels replied: "Please get a decent film on, one for the whole family to enjoy -- make your money a different way."

The Rev Peter Mott, of Keighley Shared Church, also will not be going to watch the film.

He said: "I've seen the review and 90 out of 126 minutes is said to portray violence.

"From these reviews, it doesn't appear to actually bring across the intentions of the gospel writers and misinterprets the whole message.

"I do not intend to go and see it and I wouldn't recommend my parishioners to see it. Whether the film is anti-Semitic I can't say."

Cinema manager Roger Bartle disagrees.

He said: "Keighley Picture House does not shy away from controversy.

"It's done in an unpleasant way but is factual.

"When you deal with this subject you skate on thin ice.

"It doesn't hold back and is a no-holds barred look at what happened.

"It may not be easy watching for religious people, but will give understanding of what Christ went though.

"I don't want to be drawn into the anti-Semitic debate -- people need to make up their own minds."

Mr Bartle said people from church groups could contact him to arrange a private viewing.

Four UK churches are currently offering free cinema tickets to see the film in an attempt to boost congregations.

Since its release, the film has also earned £108 million in its first two weeks in America.

Ticket touts in Poland -- the Pope's birthplace -- are said to be selling cinema tickets at twice face value.