“Silence” tells the story of two Jesuit priests who travel to 17th century Japan to locate their mentor after hearing rumors he has rejected God and
Christian faith.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Shūsaku Endō and is directed by Martin Scorsese. Scorsese, who is known for his outrageous and high-energy films such as “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) and “The Departed” (2006), slows his pace and tightens the focus to produce a deliberate and disciplined film with “Silence.”
Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver give career-best performances as Father Rodrigues (Garfield) and Garupe (Driver) Scorsese’s directing is as sharp as ever, but the most compelling point is its plot of “Silence.”
Where most religious films appear like marketing tools for Christianity rather than actual movies, “Silence” takes a real look at Christianity that does not shy away from the messiness and challenges that come with a life devoted to faith.
Rather than creating a neat and simple Christian film, Scorsese chooses to deal with persecution, doubt and the effect they can have on a relationship with God. Any Christian who has questioned faith and wrestled with God may easily relate to this film and find its authenticity to be a breath of fresh air.
“Silence” poses incredibly challenging questions such as: “Why does God allow suffering?,” “Does God still accept those who deny him?” and “Why does God seem silent at times, but does not attempt to answer these questions?” They result in an ending that never resolves and forces viewers to think and determine their own takeaways.
Inevitably, some viewers will be dissatisfied, but with content throughout the film that points to Jesus, the journey is worth
traveling.
“Silence” is nominated in the upcoming Academy Awards for Best Cinematography alongside “La La Land” and “Arrival.”
