FILM : Silence (2017)

[Melange 446]

 

I think we need more films like this, which cover interesting periods moments of history which are generally not so well known, I would say.

 

Set in the earlier decades of the Edo Period of Japan and in the years after the Shimbara Rebellion, the film begins with a letter from a Dutch trader making its ways into the hands of a Portugese Jesuit order about the alleged apostasy of a notable Jesuit Missionary (Liam Neeson) over in Japan in the 1630s, after a widespread crackdown in Japan. Unconvinced that their former teacher could be dissuaded from his faith, even under torture, two younger Padres set out to Japan themselves both to find Neeson and keep the flame of missionary work alive in Japan. Given the title, the clever use of sound is used in this film from the very beginning. It is long watch at 2.5 hours with a pace which is not what a friend of mine who accompanied me, expected at all. I'm not quite sure what he expected, bu there is no action to speak of really. It is a very internalised film, with the thoughts and doubts of one of the main characters accompanying it throughout, so don't expect a brimming edge of your seat pace as the trailer below may suggest. It stalled sometimes, but I found it interesting and thought provoking.

 

My friend later said he knew very little about Christianity or Buddhism, to have found a later part of the film as thought provoking as I did. I suppose you could call it a twist on the story of finding Mr Kurtz, and once you see the film you may see what I refer to. To viewers who may be staunch Christians, it may be a traumatic viewing, but without the context of earlier events which precede events in this film, the severity of the 'establishment's resistance to Christianity may seem to be cruelty for cruelty's sake. I only knew the basics of the aforementioned Rebellion, guessed that this movie probably had some link to it but hadn't checked this prior to viewing and only confirmed it afterwards. Anyway, to me it raised questions about the wish to preserve one's culture and ideology from the designs of foreign ideologies VS the fervour of people who believe that an ideology is suitable for every soil. The film explores this in its reference to soil on several occasions. However, secondary questions arise about who wishes to retain that status quo and why, especially if it is heirachies only wishing to retain their power over others. As a last note, the reason for the movie's title becomes particularly important at a particularly moving moment later in the film, whether you are religious viewer or not.

 

Apparently this is a project that Scorcese had wanted to bring to fruition for over 20 years.

 

 

[Naïve Old Fart 9,496]

That's good, Mel.

Don't worry about your friend; his responses, and reactions, are his responsibility, and not yours.

This, I think, will be a Blu film.

Hmm; Liam Neeson, Jesuits? It's all a bit THE MISSION, isn't it?

[Melange 446]

2 minutes ago, Richard said:

Don't worry about your friend; his responses, and reactions, are his responsibility, and not yours.

 

Indeed. I mention it only that some understanding of the various beliefs, east and far east, can help with the viewing. 

[Naïve Old Fart 9,496]

Agreed. I will remember that for when I watch it.

[Will 2,215]

Sounds interesting. Doubt I'll ever end up seeing it, though. Maybe if my parents end up wanting to see it when it comes out on home video. 

[Dixon Hill 4,232]

Well said, Melange.  This one needs some digesting, I think.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Any offensive cultural appropriation?

[Melange 446]

3 hours ago, Stefancos said:

Any offensive cultural appropriation?

 

One of the main characters finds himself absolutely obsessed over by the prettiest local girl, and after two hours of Katana lessons with a practice stick, he single handedly manages to massacre a horde of 100 veteran Samurai warriors who took exception to him bedding the most beautiful girl in the village.

 

Subsequently he settles down, creates his own feifdom of western values in the country, along the way producing (with the prettiest of local girls) a substantial brood of very handsome and intelligent mixed race children who then grow up to become rulers of the otherwise ignorant savages, for generations to come.

 

Ultimately, his seemingly arrogant entrance brings Japan out of an age of darkness and into the light.

 

Other than that, no not really. 

 

 

[Sweeping Strings 2,344]

You mentioned that the trailer may give the wrong impression ... have read a review that said whoever made it deserves an award for making the film look like it isn't slow, dull, overlong and repetitive. 

I don't think I'll bother. 

[Melange 446]

Repetitive, well yes that charge does have some validity in regard to earlier parts of the film I would say.

 

I can recall lots of very close up shots of pleading eyes and hands grasped together in brother / sisterhood, and this went on a lot. 

 

It is for this reason that the movie will probably be a very profound experience for observant Christians, and perhaps less so for others. 

 

The same goes for the internal dialogue of one of the characters. Observant Christians will identify strongly with his doubts / fears, during that. 

 

 

[crumbs 14,300]

Just caught this and I'm still digesting my thoughts. I'm not religious in the slightest but thought the film did a great job portraying both sides of the equation in regards to the Padre's mission. Yes, the Japanese are essentially the "villains," but you understand where they're coming from (even if their methods are barbaric). Their society is presented as peaceful and harmonious, where those with power view the teachings of Christianity as threatening to their way of life and culture. I'm no historical scholar on this one, so I'll take the film at face value.

 

I'm still grasping what message Scorsese was conveying. I'm not certain the film was all that pro-religion by the end; it paints a fairly arrogant position on the part of our lead character, even if you feel tremendous sympathy for the choices he has to make.

 

Solid viewing though and very thought-provoking, highly recommended if you're in that mood.

[KK 3,307]

I'm no Christian, but I found this beautiful. It's harrowing stuff and says a lot faith, doubt and their implications. There should indeed be more films like this.

[karelm 2,903]

I loved this film and found it very moving.  The portrayals are excellent and the actors truly embodied their characters.  It is emotionally exhausting and it doesn't matter what your religious views are if you consider it about someone having a devout belief in their faith and how doubt creeps in when your faith causes innocent people to suffer.  Really excellent film.

[Nick1Ø66 4,688]

I found this film to be beautiful and moving. I don't quite get the hate for it...it's the kind of film Hollywood used to make but mostly doesn't have the courage to anymore. Only a director of Scorsese's stature could push something like this through.

 

That's to say, it's not perfect. It's got some issues, and it's not as "epic" as I thought it might be. But that aside, I found its thoughtfulness and pace refreshing.

 

And for those who didn't like it, no worries, there's a new Transformers movie right around the corner, which is more suitable to your plebeian tastes.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[Nick1Ø66 4,688]

6 minutes ago, BloodBoal said:

Nick1066, you're worth better than that! I know you are!

 

No I'm not!  I hold my superior, refined and discerning taste in movies over all to love and despair!!!!

 

And BTW, where's your ROTK review?

[BloodBoal 7,538]

Coming in a few days!

[Disco Stu 15,495]

Fascinating, fiercely intelligent response by Scorsese to a review of Silence

 

http://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/public/film-making-martin-scorsese/

 

Reading Scorsese defend cinema as an artform I could do all day.