‘Calvary’
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‘Calvary’ is a beautiful, wise, funny and sad film, set in a picturesque sea-side town in Ireland. This 2014 Irish production is exceptional in that it succeeds to both entertain and challenge our thinking on a number of truly significant contemporary issues. For that reason it is not surprising that John Michael McDonagh has received several best director and best screenplay awards.
This drama/black-comedy focuses on the town’s priest, Father James, a weathered and wild looking man with a heart of gold. The film begins in a confessional where Father James is told that he will be killed on a particular day as revenge for that parishioner’s sexual abuse by another priest. The film covers the events between the confession and the day designated for Father James’ killing.
We are introduced to a number of particularly memorable characters, portrayed by an excellent cast, including Brendan Gleeson, whose flawless portrayal of Father James was recognised through several best actor awards, Kelly Reilly, a renown stage actor described by The Times as “theatrical Viagra”, playing the role of Father James’ daughter, and Aidan Gillen, perhaps best known for his role as Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish in ‘The Game of Thrones’, as the evil Dr Frank Harte.
The film’s title may provide those familiar with the New Testament with some indication of the film’s main theme. Issues tackled by the film include, the sanctity of the confessional, responses by the Catholic church to child sexual abuse by its clergy, suicide, punishment, forgiveness, parent child relationship, faith and belief, infidelity, racism and atonement. A line by Father James that has stayed with me is, “I think there’s too much talk about sins and not enough talk about virtues.”
To those who may be put off by my focus on these serious issues, allow me to reassure you of the film’s entertainment value, excellent acting, clever comedy, action and never a dull moment story line. And don’t miss the poignant scenes woven into the closing credit.
This film may be four years old, but it provided me with the most memorable viewing experience of recent times.
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