PRIEST (1994) [IMPORT]

A difficult subject for someone who maybe Catholic however this film is brilliantly acted and not just by the main cast. Priest really is a moving and powerful drama. The finalscenes when Greg comes back to face his congregation and ask for his forgiveness by Lisa will hit you hard it left me tears pure emotion an excellent film great to see it again after all these years thanks Amazon

Like others on Amazon, I fell on extracts of "Priest" on television; in my case twice, in 2002 and 2005. Always during circumstances that prevented me from viewing this movie in full. Nevertheless, many scenes in this movie have stayed withing me, haunting me years after their viewing.Although I could have first bought a copy of the zone 1 DVD Miramax has been selling on Amazon for a long time, I didn't do so because I had heard the US release was censored. Only after buying and watching the uncensored Region 2 release did I decided to get a used copy of Priest (Zone 1) on Amazon Marketplace. And the rumors were right.The US release "is" censored.Nudity shots during beautiful loves scenes are cut and certain scenes are mutilated for dubious reasons. In one instance changing the context of the relationship between Father Greg and Graham. In the Miramax release, the relationship is edited in a way that ends badly while in the original version, present in this DVD, events portray an open ending showing Greg's care and concern for his friend's safety after what happens to him; giving out a positive continuity in their relationship with each other after the ending of the film; especially as during an important scene, Greg admits to his colleague that he loves Graham, meaning their story will continue after the ending. In short, the censorship of the copy Miramax produced in 2002 is shameful and, let's be frank, homophobic; in full contradiction with the values of the film the late Antonia Bird directed under the writing of Jimmy McGovern, creator of the wonderful series "Crackers" with Robbie Coltrane. Ironic this blatant censorship considering the supposed values of Free Speech values the United States and their First Amendment constantly gloats about. Then again, such censorship reflects pretty well the theocratic and lowest common denominator ideologies that intoxicates American medias, especially as Priest caused quite a scandal in the United States and in several countries.For once, we have a movie that does not portray gays as effeminate, drag queens, or promiscuous sluts (like a certain scandal talk show called "the Jenny Jones show" did with a very homophobic episode they shot back in 1995). In this uncensored copy produced by BBC, we have a film that, under Jimmy McGovern's rigorous writing, presents the reality of Greg Pilkington, a new orthodox priest installing himself in Liverpool, who develops a Faith crisis following a disturbing confessional between him and Lisa, a young 14 year old girl, and also after he starts a beautiful relationship with Graham, played by Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Castlevania Lord of Shadows, Crackers, Once Upon A Time, etc.) Accompanied by Tom Wilkinson, Paul Barber and Lesley Sharp (all three present in Full Monty) and other actors, Linus Roache delivers a phenomenal performance that adds beautiful points in this production that won awards at the Berlin, Edinburgh, and Toronto Film Festivals. Prizes that contradict the lukewarm reception the press of the time gave to the film, including the demagogic and hypocritical Roger Ebert or "Poppa Roger" as I like to call him. For indeed, although the press has been hard on "Priest", the public comments on Amazon (France, UK, United States, etc.), on the Internet, and in Film festivals prove that Priest works, that viewers didn't forget Grerg's story, and have applauded its humane treatment of homosexuality. A movie that also exposes the hypocrisies of many religious practitioners and their double standards with the Catholic religion, especially some of its celibacy and chastity laws that are more human than divine.In short, I fully encourage Amazon users to watch Priest, whose finale is successful as it leaves us with the feeling and desire to know more about what will happen to Greg and the other characters in the film. Feeling which is for me one of the most compelling evidence of a film, novel, play, or video game's success.A great moment for cinema and for the rights and dignity of sexual minorities. With moving pictures, story, and music.

When Jimmy McGovern was interviewed recently he said that "Priest" was one of the best pieces of writing he ever did and he was right. It is a sensitive and compassionate work that tells the story of the agonies and dilemas of a young Roman Catholic priest (brilliantly played by Linus Roache) who is torn between what his religion teaches about sexual morality and his own homosexual feelings. Consequently he leads a double life which includes him having a sexual relationship with another man (well played by Robert Carlyle) and has to conceal it from his conservative and traditional congregation who would be deeply shocked and hostile towards him if they knew how their priest behaved in his personal life which was in total contradiction to the teachings of the church.He is befriended by another more liberal priest (superbly played by Tom Wilkinson) and is shocked to discover that he is having an affair with his housekeeper and this leads to conflict between them.The young priest is told in confession by one of his parisioners that she is being sexually abused by her father and in accordance with the policy of his church never to reveal what is said during confession he does not divulge this revalation to the authrorities which leads to disaster for all concerend.When his homosexual behaviour comes to light he is shunned by most of his congregation but is defended by the other priest who asks his congregation for compassion and forgiveness.It an intelligent and absorbing plea for toleration and understanding and the final scene in the film is deeply emotional and memorable.