Veni, Non Vidi, Vinci! (I Came, I was not Seen, I Went Home!)

As the latest thriller titled “Will You Get to Watch The Da Vinci Code in a Theater?” further unfurls, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has, after watching the film, wiped its hands clean of the matter (which with it had no role getting them dirty in the first place). For the record, the minister says, “As a viewer I think that the movie is ok as a work of fiction.” The final decision though will be left to the Censor Board.

This is very interesting, because it shares certain similarities with the crucifixion of Jesus himself. The Christian religious leaders in the country play the role of the Pharisees. The other Christians in the country are like the Jews -- they don’t really care about the issue, but can be easily (mis)led (read: worked up) by the people they obey. The movie itself plays the role of Jesus. (Some irony there!) The role of Pontius Pilate has now been effectively pulled off by the I&B Ministry.

Of course, a bit of biblical knowledge is a prerequisite to understanding the comparison. Here’s what happens though. The Pharisees are all upset about Jesus proclaiming that he’s the Son of God. According to them, it’s completely blasphemous because it goes against their Jewish beliefs. (If you think Jewish beliefs today are strict -- Boy! You should have lived two thousand years ago!) So the Pharisees want him dead.

They catch him and take him to their High Priest who in turn sends him to Pontius Pilate -- the Roman Governor of that part of the land. Pilate questions Jesus and finds nothing wrong with the man. However, the crowd that has gathered for the trial are unwilling to let the man go free. So Pilate says that he does not want the man’s blood on his hands and is therefore leaving him for the crowd to decide what is to be done. They wanted to crucify him and the rest, as we all know, is history. (Unless of course you prefer to believe the movie!)

Now match the characters and you’ll realize the comparison I’ve been yakking about. (Or not. You have to have an imagination as fertile as mine!)