Review of Silence (2017) by Chris H — 21 Dec 2017

The story set in the 1700's shows how Christianity who outlawed in Japan and very violent consequences bestowed anyone believing, preaching or supporting Christianity.

Martin Scorsese directs this tale of two young priests who gone on a quest to find out what happened to their Christian mentor Liam Neeson who's apparently denounced God and gone missing in Japan.

The story sounds intriguing and quickly gets into gear. The young priests head into dangerous Japan but the minute they arrive the story slows down to an incredible slow pace to the extent you feel you are now watching a very interesting documentary rather than a Hollywood cinematic outing.

This is no accident as Scorsese purposely reigns in all his direction and refuses to use any of the modern temptations of film making today. Instead he uses extreme simplicity itself to direct this story, almost always using basic coverage in his direction conveying the message loud and clear that the story is the star here.

All the cast give it 100% both in performance and preparation. There is a real feeling here that the cast are aware they are joining the ranks of something very special, the physical transformation in appearance is dedication alone with all involved shifting tremendous weight for authenticity.

The story moves at it's on pace which is a very slow one and at times it will test the dedication of the audience. By it's own integrity it's destined not to be commercial Hollywood box office hit. It's far too heavy for the average cinema goer but terms of telling a story that is deserving of being told it has succeeded.

It remains to be seen whether Scorsese's 25 year passion project will have the success of awards or commercial recuperation but the Director has succeeded in making his most personal film to date of a story that is built on passion and dedication by all involved including pay cuts.

Silence is a rarity in Hollywood.