Stars Gael Garcia (Amores Perros) as the title character. He's a newly ordained priest sent to workin a small church community in Mexico by the Bishop. He arrives wide eyed and full of optimism hoping to serve God and his parish, however, he quickly butts heads with the elder priest in charge, Father Benito. Benito is known to accept drug money from the local drug lord in order to subsidise the construction of a new hospital and in addition is carrying on an affair with a local woman. To complicate matters, father Amaro soon finds himself in a love affair with the young Sunday school teacher. After a newspaper report, linking the drug lords with the Church, is published, Father Amaro is then trying to cover up and mend the public relations fiasco. Amaro has also been asked by the Bishop to reign in the renegade priest who has affiliations with guerrilla soldiers. Needless to say, moraldilemmas abound and Father Amaro's idealism is put to the test by personal, political and church press
A**R
excellent direction of a superb script
This film has many of the qualities of a well written play or novel. It explores a number of moral dilemmas that humans face. In this case it involves a kind-hearted and selfless priest. At least that is how he starts out. But then he is confronted with a number of temptations: power, ambition, lust, friendship, temptations which he cannot resist. The story is all about how he deals with each, and makes us wonder just each of us would fare under parallel circumstances. Beautifully directed, really brings out the underlying issues, and very nicely acted by all involved.
C**K
True to life, yet contrived.
Beautifully shot, directed, acted.Having been around many clergy for many years, I can attest that this overall character trait of cruel, selfish hypocrisy is the rule, not the exception, in their overall behavior. Those who think that this film is unfair to clergy should be aware of a nationwide support group, with chapters in many cities, for jilted women who have entered into romances with priests who've promised to leave the church and get married, only to back out.In this film, however, it's difficult to believe that this young man, who seems to be ardently sincere, can slowly turn into a spineless, selfish hypocrite. This felt contrived, and prevented this from being a really great film, as it could have been. The script is the one weak link of this film.
N**Y
Great film, it had everything in it
Love, deception, greed, lust, corruption, this film has everything. Is Padre Amaro really a good man, or deep down a selfish charismatic manipulator? Was he really in love? He's such an incredible actor, and I remember his incredible performance in Amores Perros. This was a wonderful film and shows that the church is basically a reflection of society with human beings confronted daily with the same realities that people in the outside world are faced with. Only difference that they are covered up a bit more.
N**.
I was lost in it
I loved the story, cinematography, casting and acting. Funny in some places and heart breaking in other. What a story! This one made to the collection of my favorite movies. A hidden gem!
T**Z
The unpretentiousness of people being human and the pretentiousness of people being inhuman.
Beautiful portrayal of the dichotomy and yet inclusion of the Catholic Church and Mexico. Oralé to the acting and production.
G**Y
Must read. All in Spanish.
Must read. All in Spanish.
E**R
Makes you think
This is really a great movie. It's well paced, intense, and the dialogue is right on the money. After you watch the movie you start to wonder exactly how does a "man" rationalize his own sins and does that man ever consider how God will view his soul and deeds? The final scene where the young priest is content to let his transgressions be blamed on an innocent is really powerful. This film is at it's best when viewed by a group and then discussed after. A great topic is which priest has the greatest sin the one who aides rebels, the one who accepted blood money to build a hospital, the Bishop who takes money to allow others to cleanse themselves of sins, or the young priest who break his vows of celibacy because he views his job as profession?
C**P
The truth shall make you free
An excellent movie which has the unusual qualities of being honest, enlightening and truthful. It is about a people and their practices which usually are covered up or many times just accepted and ignored. His people thought he was a saint and he did do a lot of things, some maybe not understood by everyone. Her problem was being naïve and infatuated by an arrogant and selfish hypocrite. Together they set out on the road to hell. And they made it!
D**R
Strong comment on corruption in the Catholic Church in México
This film caused quite an uproar in México and was only permitted to be distributed several years after completion.It's theme is quite strident and to the uninitiated could be offensive. It tells a story that has elements of truth, especially given the state of the war between the Government and the drug traffickers that is currently taken place in México. It's content could also be unacceptable to Catholics.I found the film "over the top" as it does not represent the México I know and love.Interesting but not very entertaining. Not for the fainthearted!
A**Y
Five Stars
A great film about religious hyprocirsy
M**Z
Five Stars
Love it:)
V**B
very happy, thank you
prompt delivery, very happy, thank you!
"**"
inspired me to learn spanish
of course, i may be biased seeing as the leading actor (who plays father amaro) is the beautiful and talented Gael Garcia Bernal. despite that, this is a powerful and moving story of a handsome young priest who impregnates a sixteen year old girl during their acts of love.with the dark humour and thought provoking ending, this is a must-see-again film. and if thats not enough... watch it just for Gael. it'll leave you breathless
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