Who hasn’t had an occasion to question their faith? The romantic side of Catholicism always has the dream of being martyred in some fashion, praising God and not feeling pain. There are multiple testimonies (approved by the Church) that support this. We even see the proto-martyr Stephen stoned to death, forgiving his killers (Acts 7:54- 8:2), one of them happens to be Paul whose conversion shakes the early Church in a big way. This is a noble story, but the painful side is visited briefly and Stephen enters his eternal reward of Heaven.
If this is the story you are looking for, then look elsewhere. Martin Scorcese’s gritty look at 1600s Japan is anything BUT romantic. The Jesuit priests Father Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield- HACKSAW RIDGE, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and Father Garupe (Adam Driver- STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS), who are asked to determine whether or not one of their own Father Ferrera (Liam Neeson- TAKEN) has gone apostate, feel that God has given them this mission. During their trials they question this. Many of the villagers are afraid to be a witness on behalf of their Catholic faith. The villagers even try to have one of the outsiders, die for them. This is Kichijiro, who has continually denied Christ publicly, and has to keep repeatedly going to confession for this same sin.
Kichijiro’s character forms an interesting sub-plot and also addresses the “repeat offense” idea of going to confession. God himself forgives sins, and the priest acts as an “alter Christus” (another Christ). This is why confidentiality and absolution are key to the sacrament of Reconciliation. Rodrigues, when absolving Kichijiro, asks him if he really knows what absolution is. The idea of true repentance is not presented in this character, and he carries guilt with him as a metaphysical side-effect.
Martin Scorcese clearly understands temptation. There in an unholy Trinity of characters: The Inquisitor, his interpreter and the ex-Father Ferrera. They are the constant voice badgering Fr. Rodrigues to renounce his faith. Rodrigues has an excellent exchange with the samurai in terms of political versus religious, offering the idea that the Church is a faithful bride while countries trading with Japan does not provide the country with the same satisfaction (one of the best pieces of dialogue, I thought). Ferrera tempts (and eventually sways) Rodrigues, and interestingly enough, a cock crows when the priest betrays his faith. The movie acknowledges that there is a betrayal, but doesn’t seem to know where to go after this occurs. It is clear that it was a flawed move done with the best of intentions (to save the lives of Christians). One could argue this makes it even worse. Jesus even said “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).
Here’s where it gets tricky. 1) The movie’s pitfall is appearing to have it both ways. SPOILERS. Rodrigues is shown at the end to still have a crucifix he put in his robe, as if he carried it with him for the rest of his life, despite having denied his faith. This raises a question that really undermines one of the major themes presented in the movie. Bishop Barron even brought this up in his review. The idea that remaining quietly “Catholic” in the midst of all the persecutions is almost farcical. It seems to endorse public servants such as Nancy Pelosi, Tim Kaine and Governor Jerry Brown, who profess their “Catholic” faith and yet continually and publicly support a pro-abortion/pro-homosexual “marriage” agenda, when it clearly contradicts the tenets of Catholicism. In light of the martyrs that Europe, the Middle East and North Africa have gained in the recent surge of ISIS beheadings, this movie is almost poignant and awkward simultaneously. Also in light of a recent beaitifcation of a Samurai from a century earlier, it gives the idea that a public renouncement for the sake of comfort is clearly NOT the Catholic/Christian way.
Clearly martyrdom is not noble in the worldly sense; it is ugly and painful. But the believer will understand the beauty behind it; “if the world hates you, remember it hated Me first” (John 15:18). One could argue that it is no joy for the ex-Father Rodrigues once he has renounced his faith and takes a wife. He is still mocked in the village as an apostate (ironically by the same people who are so “welcoming” of his renunciation of the faith). But where is the hope? There are brief allusions to “the blood of martyrs being the seed of the Church,” but this movie does not have much to offer. The more consistently faithful of the two priests is martyred in the second act, under the possible belief that Rodrigues denounced his faith.
2) One of the most interesting aspects of this movie is that Father Rodrigues seems to think that God is silent. But when God speaks, it is subjective, according to what Rodrigues thinks He would say in that situation. God ” wants” Rodrigues to alleviate the suffering of the Catholics who are in pain on his behalf. It is interesting to note that these Christians would suffer anyway due to their faith, but the tactic of the Japanese is to try and blame the priest, as if he is the cause of their suffering. This seems to be one of his weaknesses. It is perfectly relatable, as who wouldn’t think this initally? But the answer also lies in Jesus: “To deny oneself, pick up their cross, and follow me”(Matthew 16:24). In other words, their suffering is not predicated upon one person. Following Jesus means suffering. When Father Rodrigues gives his pain to God, he is able to face whatever trials are presented; he is unable to deal with it if he tries to bear the weight on his own.
3) The movie’s dedication is to “Christians in Japan and their pastors.” I am not against being ecumenical, but considering the subject matter, a) no dedication was necessary or b) just call it Catholic. Many films are distinctly Evangelical in nature (The Song, God is not Dead, The Shack, etc.). This is not one of them.
The movie could have done better with brevity, but I don’t expect that from the maker of THE DEPARTED, GOODFELLAS, GANGS OF NEW YORK, etc. The movie SILENCE challenges the idea of being able to unswervingly testify to the faith amidst the hardship of trials, but are these trials worth it?
We are witnessing many laity falling into error, as well as bishops and priests preaching error from the pulpit. The Church always has turmoil. It is an infallible doctrine executed by fallible mortals. Christ knows our brokenness and tendency to want to give Him up, but this is why He speaks countless times of the rewards of those who have given up everything to follow him. We have many examples of saints who have done just that through all of history. This is nothing new. Neither is the idea of suffering for Christ. He first suffered for us, and did not change his mind when things got worse. As provocative as the movie is, it still falls short.
The sound of SILENCE rings a bit hollow.
5/10. Rated R. extreme violence; scenes of torture, a decapitation, & references to whores.
Parents should bear in mind spiritual maturity if considering showing to teens. This movie requires in-depth discussion.
syllogeist 