Silence

I love the movies in January. Amid the so-terrible- you-can’t- believe-they’re- still-making-these sequels we also get some of the very best, like Martin Scorsese’s newest picture, "Silence". It’s a bold nail-biter that plunges you into the mindset of its characters and contains ideas worth discussing in length.

17th-century Jesuit priests Father Sebastião Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Father Francisco Garupe (Adam Driver) have received word that their mentor, Father Cristóvão Ferreira (Liam Neeson) has renounced his faith after being tortured by Japanese officials. Unable to believe this to be true, the two men follow his trail and continue to spread Christianity on the island.

This is a story about people whose faith – more than that – their identity is being challenged. Picture yourself being tortured because of that one thing you hold dear - tangible or not. You may be able to take it if it's important enough, but what if it wasn’t you being threatened? What if you were given an ultimatum, and you had to give up a piece of yourself to help others? Would you do it? If you think that’s an easy question, it’s only because you haven’t yet sat through "Silence".

The 161-minute running time means you get to know the characters intimately as they struggle with their situation. While the plight of our heroes takes place long ago, many of what they encounter applies to today. I say a government who attempts to squelch religious rights is one that should be opposed, but when it’s just you in front of the inquisitor and his guards, that’s a different thing. Redemption, guilt, fortitude, cowardice, humility, pride, rage, despair are all explored here. There’s so much going on that at times it’s overwhelming, but it’s meant to be. If you walk into "Silence", you better be ready to be challenged. How appropriate considering that’s what Rodrigues and Garupe are going through as well.

There are many moments of brilliance found throughout. In once scene, I was thinking to myself “No Rodrigues, stay strong! They’re the villains, not you! ” and then, it was as if the film had read my mind. It took that thing I was holding onto and then turned it over, transforming me into a tennis ball that’s now flying into the completely opposite direction, shaming for thinking what one second ago I thought was undeniable. Even the title," Silence" is a devastating realization.

All that, and we’ve got a sublimely shot, complete authentic-looking, expertly acted film that never for one second distracts you by being too gory or flashy in a way that pulls you out of its themes and ideas. You’ve got to walk into "Silence" feeling ready but great films are the ones that move you. I think it’s one of 2016’s best films. (Theatrical version on the big screen, January 22, 2017)