Calvary (2014)

I watched this at home on DVD from my public library. Don't know why I missed seeing it when it came out but I did.Calvary is the place outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. The name has meaning for this movie because the one week we see of Father James' life parallels the life of Jesus, trying to do what is right and teach others a better way to look at life while sin and corruption is all around him. Brendan Gleeson is Father James, a priest in a small Irish community by the sea where everyone knows everyone else. The story starts with Father James in the confessional, an unseen parishioner is not there to gain absolution for his sins, he tells James that he was sexually abused for several years when he was a young boy. The abusive priest is dead now but to clear his conscience the man will kill Father James a week Sunday, in either days. He tells him to meet him on the beach.So part of the mystery throughout the movie is who the intended killer is? We see him interacting with Father James but we don't know who it is at the end.Not a pleasant movie because of the subject but it is a very good character study of Father James, how he can try to deal with this issue and others.

I wasn't expecting much from this Irish drama but was pleasantly surprised at the content and thoroughly enjoyed this movie.The ever-reliable Brendan Gleeson plays Father James a quietly well-meaning priest who is threatened by an unknown during confession. The movie shows the following week as Father James tries to go about his duties whilst having the threat hanging over his head.It is no one-man show and excellent support is given by Game of Thrones actor Aiden Gillen as well as Dylan Moran and the 79 year old M.Emmet Walsh along with a few other familiar faces.The sensitive drama, accompanied by some darkly humour and often thought-provoking situations, is brilliantly acted, beautifully shot and is certainly a hidden gem.You will enjoy this movie and also come away thinking a lot about life.

This is one of the most Christian films I have ever seen. The deepest questions about God and life in this fallen world are explored and often answered, but maybe the most important message of this work of art is the stress on forgiveness of others. When we forgive others of their failings, no matter how heinous, we release ourselves from the fear that we carried--the hatred--concerning them. The priest is brave, full of faith, and even heroic. He also understands that he has failings--he brings a loaded gun to the place where he is to meet the man who has threatened his life. When he gets there, though, and is facing the man, he overcomes his fear and never produces the weapon. Instead, until his death he implores the man to change and give his life to God and to the love of God. Some of the characters are quite rough around the edges, so this one isn't recommended for those who can't handle the reality of the way people typically live or even respond to priests, especially in an environment where Christianity is once again looked upon as being weird, mercenary, and/or unnecessary.

One of those films where the experience in cinemas seemed to be split down the middle. Some loved it. Some thought it overrated. Half the people in the showing I attended in Ireland left during the film. I found it overrated and self-reverential. I had gone to it with high hopes, based on some reviews. I left very disappointed. The acting was competent. The cinematography was very good. But it was nowhere near as good as it clearly thinks it is. It was pompous, ponderous, and pedestrian, despite the good performances. There are far better art house films being made. Would I watch it again? In a word - no.