Review of Black Robe (1991) by David F — 24 Jun 2011

Beautifully filmed but bleak essay on the inevitable and almost irreconcilable clash of cultures in the New World. Set in the colonial Quebec of the 17th century, we follow young Jesuit Bluteau as he treks 1,500 miles inland to bring Christianity to the Huron nation, with disastrous results.

The film deals evenly between the practicality and earthiness of the natives versus the passionate and heavenly ideals of the missionary, refusing to paint either as villains or saints, but confused by each other and forever at cross purposes.

However, director Beresford is not afraid to depict the true failings of each culture - the paternalistic and condescending attitudes of cultural superiority and religious obstinacy of the invading French and the savagery and superstitions of the Iroquois and Huron.

Would have been a better film if we had a better understanding of the origins of Father LaForgue's devotion and how it compels him. Amazing landscapes of the wilderness of the Great Lakes are captured quite well.