I've always had kind of a love hate relationship with Chinese historical BLs. Some are genuinely excellent, but then there are others that cram in so much plot that keeping track of all the layers of betrayal and scheming gets exhausting, and I end up checking out mentally. Part of the issue is also just how much content is out there in this space, so something really has to stand out to keep me hooked. In this case, the production value is genuinely impressive, top tier stuff, but story wise, I just couldn't bring myself to actually care about these characters. There's a ton of political scheming and backstage manipulation running throughout. Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, a hostage ends up falling for his own Prince Charming. The show runs eight episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long. After spending three years guarding the border, Fifth Prince Yin Qi gets called back to the capital because of a secret letter, only to end up walking straight into a deadly...
'Priest' is a complex film, dealing with hard issues of incest and homo-sexuality, but first with the conflict between the priest mission as a moral leader and the Procustian laws of the Catholic church he needs to obeye by. The ideological content may be controversial for many, it was partly for me as well, but I cannot help admiring the well kept balance, the dramatic tension, and the masterful way the excellent team of actors is filling the roles. Father Greg is a young, dedicated, idealistic and yet conservative compared to his colleague, Father Matthew, who has recently arrived in his new parish. He works hard with total faith and devotion. Soon after moving in to Father Matthew's house, he discovers that Father Matthew has been having a relationship with his maid. There is initial friction as the Old and New Worlds collide. Father Matthew dismisses Father Greg's modernistic sermons, while Father Greg frowns upon Father Matthew's casual stance on papal celibacy. Later on, a school girl, Lisa confesses to him that her father has been sexually abusing her, Father Greg faces his inner struggle on whether to reveal the truth to the authority, or remain silent in order not to break his vow. Confused and frustrated, Father Greg goes to a pub and meets Graham at a gay bar and later they have sex. They are to stay in an on-and-off relationship. One stupid mistake leads to their arrest and everyone in the community finds out about them. In this time of struggle, it is Father Matthew who becomes support of Father Greg. Now Father Greg must confront his human desire and his sexuality. How does he deal with Lisa's situation and his own desires make the movie a very incredible watch.
The film was a surprise to me. I fond out later that as expected many churches attacked the film for its content and depiction but i salute the makers for trying out such a bold and good attempt. Mixing religion with a powerful back story of sexuality is not easy and comes with its share of criticism. The acting is superb. Guy playing Father Greg is superb. You see the pain in his face and feel his struggle trying to reconcile his faith with his orientation. The most powerful sequence comes when he breaks down in front of a cross begging God to help him. Father Matthew is believable. Yes, the film is controversial, you may not agree with some of the ideas and it looks sometimes as a cinema manifest, but it is still a good and human film.
It shakes beliefs of the church, but it is a bold, remarkable and emotional film. (7.5/10)
Comments
Can you tell me what was the released year of the movie?
Not that Roache was bad, exactly; he was in over his depth. The real power of the story was far more skillfully presented by the supporting cast. Robert Carlyle, as a casual hook-up, turned scorned lover, was superb. Tom Wilkinson's defrocked (heterosexual) counterpart to Roache's younger, gay version, took advantage of moments to literally act Roache off the screen.
The screenplay, on the other hand, dared go "where angels feared to tread" again for decades.
That said, "Priest" should have been praised for what it was, not ignored for what it wasn't. Also, greatly in its favor, the cast (including Roache) scrupulously avoid stooping to stereotyping. (I do admit to wondering precisely what casting directors have against casting gay actors in sensitive / key gay roles? Admittedly, that's another topic altogether.)
Every few years, I pull out my copy and watch it, usually with friends who'd never seen, or even heard of it. The truth is, it never disappoints. "Priest" has withstood the test of time far better than I'd imagined in 1994.
It is an excellent film. Unfortunately, it could have been great.