Gibson's "Passion" sets record in Croatia - - - - - - - - - - - - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS April 8, 2004  |  ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) -- Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" set a new record during its opening weekend as Croatia's most-watched movie, a film distribution company said. More than 84,000 moviegoers viewed the film, which depicts the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ. The previous record was held by "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," seen by some 77,000 people in its opening weekend, the Blitz film distributing company said Wednesday. Although Croatia is a secular society, more than 80 percent of Croats are Roman Catholic and the church exerts considerable influence in the Balkan country of 4.5 million. Movie critics expect "The Passion of the Christ" to get a boost during Holy Week, one of the most important parts of the Christian liturgical calendar. went to see the film to get a better feel for Easter," said biology student Sandra Banicevic. "It's a bit heavy emotionally, but I think the message is driven home." Some say the movie unfairly portrays the role of Jews in Jesus' death, while Gibson and others insist it isn't anti-Semitic and is faithful to Gospel accounts. There has been little controversy over the issue in Croatia. Salon provides breaking news articles from the Associated Press as a service to its readers, but does not edit the AP articles it publishes. © 2004 The Associated Press.