Review: Silence (2016)

Two Jesuit Priests travel to Japan to find a missing colleague, in a country that is brutally cracking down on Christianity...

Silence, based on a novel by Shusaku Endo has been a project that Martin Scorsese has wanted to make for a very long time. There's a theory that some believe, especially in Hollywood, that the some actors and directors will make a film for a major studio and in turn, this gives them the chance to make a film that they've always wanted to make. In the case of Silence however, I wonder if this is more a case of a director needing to make a film because it will be good for the director. 

I mention this, as this is not a film that I think a mainstream audience will embrace. Silence is not an easy film. It's not one you will watch and enjoy like, say La La Land. Silence will have you thinking long after you have seen it, even longer if you are a religious person.

Scorsese is one of the best directors in Hollywood and he brings all of his skill to bear here. Silence is a slowly told story, but one that shows a director in total control. The shots from above, the beautiful, if sparse shots of locations in contrast to the brutality shown to the suffering Christians, along with director of photography Rodrigo Prieto, Scorsese has made one of the most stunning visual films of the year.

But it's not how the film looks that will have audiences talking after. It will be the story. This is a film that asks difficult questions about religion, faith and belief. At one point Father Rodrigues wonders if he is only praying to silence, as he feels God isn't listening to him as he is forced to watch the suffering of Christians. The inquisitor, offers to end their suffering if Rodrigues will renounce his faith, much like Ferreira has. Can Rodrigues allow those suffering for his beliefs or save them by renouncing his?

The film doesn't offer easy answers. And it is certain it will divide those in the audience who are more religious. Personally, while not a religious person, I would have to say it's a difficult one. And this is what I mean about the film being a difficult one. 

The performances are first rate. Andrew Garfield is terrific as Rodrigues, as he struggles to keep his faith. Adam Driver is good too as fellow priest Garrpe. Although it's a brief role, Liam Neeson makes an impact as Ferreira. The scene where Rodrigues and Ferreria finally meet is one of the best acted scenes in the film.

The supporting cast are also very good. Tadanobu Asano plays the interpreter who translates for Rodrigues and is very good in the role. Likewise Yosuke Kubozuka, who plays Kichijiro who although trying to be a Christian, keeps turning from it and then begging Rodrigues to forgive him. The rest of the cast are good too.

The film is often quite brutal and disturbing to watch. The suffering of the Christians, from torture to beheading, to being drowned, the film is unflinching in showing this. In a way, it reminded my to a small degree of the French film Martyrs, which has a final act that is not easy to sit through and Silence has a similar feel to it.

As I said, Silence is not a film for everyone. It is a film that asks difficult questions but doesn't offer easy answers. It is a film that will have you asking questions of yourself and of your own beliefs. 

It's a film I certainly admired, the quality of filmmaking here is at its finest. However, did I enjoy the film? That is a hard question.

And one that audience members will have to ponder themselves.

Rating - 4/5