I came across a video calling itself "5 Must-See Catholic Movies" presented by an American Franciscan of some description. At first I was a bit reluctant to investigate further, fearing the praise of sentimental devotional type pictures. But I was pleased to hear him also commenting that that was not what he was going to recommend. Instead, he goes on to present 5 very good films from the last few decades. I have seen four of them, and agree with most of his comments.
The films are:
1. DOUBT Meryl Streep (above) as a nun leads an excellent cast as she clashes with the priest over individual issues which lead to deeper conflicts.
2. THE WAY Martin Sheen leads this one as a dad following in his son's footsteps on the Camino, the pilgrimage way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Watch him and the other pilgrims grow as they walk.
3. OF GODS AND MEN The Trappist monks of Mt Atlas Monastery in Algeria get caught up in civil war. Will they stay or leave? Based on a true story and the monks are up for beatification, I think. The actors lived together for a good while before filming began, to get them really into community life.
4. CALVARY The one I haven't yet seen, about a priest who is told by a penitent that he will kill him in one week. A refreshing look at a good priest, mayb similar to TV's "Broken" - but I'll know when I see it.
5. THE MISSION The presenter's favourite, winner of Cannes' highest award with Jeremy Irons (below) and Robert de Niro. Jesuits caught between Spaniards and Portuguese in South America. Filled with powerful stories, wonderful scenery and cinematography, and now well-known music. It's a stunner.
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