The Da Vinci Code has been surrounded by controversy, with many critics accusing Brown of distorting historical facts and promoting conspiracy theories. The novel and the film have been criticized by Christian groups, who claim that the story is blasphemous and promotes a false narrative about Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene.
Ian McKellen delivers a masterfully energetic performance as the obsessive Grail historian Sir Leigh Teabing, and Paul Bettany is incredibly eerie as the devoted, self-flagellating monk Silas.
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