Foreverisacastironmess123 Review of Molokai

Molokai (1999)

Inspiring real life story and legend of a very good man.

[7/10 · 5 May 2014]

So touching this movie. To me as far as true movies go this was definitely very good, but I agree that there was room for improvements. I mean my only real complaint about this simple and straightforward, yet profound and involving story was that it was a bit of a slow-going one to be sure, and very noticeably so when it gets to the final act, and it was perhaps also a little dull and some of the actors were more interesting than others, but that's all I can really think of. The best, most important and powerful themes of the story worked, and I think that's all that really matters. And unlike some I never found it depressing, saddening painful and downbeat yes, but at the same time to me, honest and thoughtful and ultimately a very positive experience. I loved the beautiful island setting, the ever-present blue skies and oceans of the location were so peaceful and calming to look at. I was also very impressed with the music score, with the theme that plays over the credits bringing tears the first time I heard it. I found it mildly shocking and disturbing how many of the extras were real life native lepers of the island. They were all very good, their presence added much to the authenticity. It was very well acted by all involved, but most of all the fantastic underplayed performance of David Wenham, who I believe is what makes this drama as effective as it is. The part that I enjoy most is the first half where Damien first arrives on the island and gains the trust of the natives with his kind and compassionate nature and the way he shows that he's not afraid at all to touch and be among them, and how he begins the arduous task of creating a better life for the people he cares for so much... I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I'd actually never heard of Father Damien before this movie. But I certainly have now, and he made quite a big impression on me. His amazing story was so humbling, I was deeply moved by it. Never had I seen such honourable and totally selfless behaviour from a person before. He gave himself over to his cause so completely that he was willing to let himself die for what he believed in. I only wish that I could be half as brave. And even though their deaths were a forgone conclusion, he still gave them hope and dignity in their darkest days, and showed them that they still mattered and were human beings and not forsaken animals. And even though this is a film that has strong running themes of religious faith, I don't think it requires at all that the viewer be religious in order to appreciate the worth of such self-sacrificing behavior. He saw how they were in pain and even though he couldn't save them, he tried his hardest to bring them spiritual consolation and comfort in their hour of need, and that just matters, that's worth something. And it is no gift from any gods, but simply something that comes from deep inside, it's what makes us human, and what's truly the best in all of us... I personally believe that the only heaven and miracles are what people can feel and do for each other, and I think that can be enough most of the time. In the Wikipedia article there's an image of an old photograph of the real Father Damien that was taken shortly before his death, and he's in the full leprosy state and looks horrendous, but also definitely steadfast and I think in fact proud to bear such terrible scars of a life of true faith. He should have been. He was not merely a man, he was a man who possessed great fortitude of will, and whose ideals were beautiful and to this day are something that should be admired and looked up to. If anyone ever deserved to be declared a saint, he did. He was what all men should be. A true inspiration to those who believe in the goodwill of the human spirit. They should have christened him Damien the Hero! Peace, 'God' willing.