13 Scandalous Movies That Sparked Religious Controversy

11. Ro.Go.Pa.G. (“Let’s Wash Our Brains” – 1963)

Ro.Go.Pa.G is a 1963 film with its title derived from the last names of the four individuals who wrote and directed it. The film was split into four short segments, featuring the work of French director Jean-Luc Godard (Il Nuovo mondo), and Italian directors: Ugo Gregoretti (Il Pollo ruspante), Pier Paolo Pasolini (La Ricotta) and Roberto Rossellini (Illibatezza). Though the film—which was banned in Italy—dealt with topics including religious hypocrisy and nuclear war, all would have been well were it not for La Ricotta (Ricotta Cheese), Pasolini’s offering. In it Orson Welles portrays an American director who produces a film about the crucifixion. Using sacrilegious language to highlight the degradation of religion in modern society, the film did not sit well in religious circles and the director was put on trial for blasphemy. In addition, under an old fascist law against “insulting the religion of the state” a four-month suspended sentence was handed down. The “Pa” in Ro.Go.Pa.G, was eventually granted amnesty.