Filmmakers rarely capture the psychology of religious life, and while Paul Cox’s decorous biopic isn’t in the same league as DIARY OF A COUNTRY PRIEST (1950) or THE NUN’S STORY (1959), it doesn’t strike many false notes.
In the 1800's, leprosy has become such a scourge in Hawaii that Prime Minister Gibson (Sam Neill) banishes the afflicted to the island of Molokai. When Bishop Maigret (Leo McKern) and Father Fouesnel (Derek Jacobi) request a priest for these lost souls, Father Damien (David Wenham) volunteers. Father Damien is in for a rude awakening when he arrives on Molokai: He imagined he'd be consoling the afflicted, not dealing with rampant lawlessnes...
Released:
2000
Rated:
PG
Length:
113 mins