Silence
Dir: Martin
Scorsese
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson, Tadanobu Asano, and Ciarán Hinds
What does it mean to have faith? This
question means something different to every person and is categorized and
signified by numerous factors beyond the simple aspect of religious
designation. Director Martin Scorsese has dealt with this concept of
faith and the doubt that comes with it throughout his entire film
career. From the conflict of Jesus in "The Last Temptation of
Christ", the maturation of the Dalai Lama in "Kundun", the
divisiveness of clashing principles in "Gangs of New York", faith
played a prominent role in each of these films. You can even analyze further
the non-verbal imagery that Mr. Scorsese displays in his films and
find aspects of faith throughout; the introduction of convict with a cross
tattooed on his shoulders in "Cape Fear" is an easy example.
Faith can even be found in the ambition of
Mr. Scorsese as a filmmaker, who has waited decades to create the passion
project "Silence" which is adapted from the 1966 novel by Shūsaku Endō. "Silence" is a film about
how one chooses to have faith and the challenges that come with expressing your
faith within the world. It's a film that beautifully and complicatedly displays
this aspect in every frame, a film that in less experienced, talented hands
would not have the evocative power that Mr. Scorsese floods into every moment
of the film.
The premise is simplistic; it's a story
about two Catholic missionaries, Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Garrpe (Adam
Driver), who journey to Japan to find their mentor (Liam Neeson). The priests
have been informed that their respected mentor committed apostasy, a renunciation
of the faith. Christianity has been outlawed during this time in Japan, leading
to violence and persecution against any person practicing the religion.
Rodrigues and Garrpe, fearing for their lives and the lives of the people
worshipping in secrecy, are left in a state of doubt and in a struggle of
faith.


The silence in the film reflects the role
of God to the people that worship Him, call upon His name, and suffer
tremendously for Him within this film, it's an examination of the
concepts associated with having faith in something or someone. The silence also
displays the struggle with doubt and belief, which is always present regardless
of how faithful one may think they are. "Silence” is a complicated
experience, but it’s a worthwhile experience for any cinephile or Martin
Scorsese fan. It’s fascinating filmmaking from one of the best filmmakers of
all time.
Monte’s Rating
4.00 out of 5.00
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