Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999)

Director:

Paul Cox

Writers:

John Briley (writer)
Hilde Eynikel (book)

Release Date:

17 March 1999 (Belgium)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot:

The true story of the 19th century priest who volunteered to go to the island of Molokai, to console and care for the lepers. |

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

David Wenham	...	Father Damien
Kate Ceberano	...	Princess Liliuokalani
Jan Decleir	...	Bishop Köckerman
Chris Haywood	...	Clayton Strawn
Derek Jacobi	...	Father Leonor Fouesnel
Keanu Kapuni-Szasz	...	Malulani
Alice Krige	...	Mother Marianne Cope
Kris Kristofferson	...	Rudolph Meyer
Leo McKern	...	Bishop Maigret
Sam Neill	...	Walter Murray Gibson
Peter O'Toole	...	William Williamson
Dirk Roofthooft	...	Father Conrardy
Tom Wilkinson	...	Brother Joseph Dutton
Aden Young	...	Dr. Kalewis
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kate Agnew	...	Sister Leopoldina
Nan Asuncion	...	Mrs. Meyer
Larry Bialock	...	White Gentleman
Charlene Campbell	...	Emma's Mother
Joseph Cariago Jr.	...	Teenage Little Bishop
Curtis Crabbe	...	Amon
Kimo Farm	...	Jimmy
Randy Fyjimori	...	Kaho'ohuli
Thom Hoffman	...	Dr. William Saxe
Keokeokalae Hughes	...	Old Woman
Zachary Kapule	...	Ranch Hand
Swaine Kaui	...	Sailor
Kayla Kawai	...	Elizabeth Meyer
Sylvestor Kepilino	...	Caveman
Jan Kleinejan	...	White Officer
William Lebus	...	Reverend Appleyard
Dorothy Mane	...	Celia
Richard Marks	...	Verger
Murphy Mersburg	...	Amon Cohort
Bill Ogilvie	...	Ship's Officer
George O'Hanlon Jr.	...	Evans (as George O'Hanlon)
Norbert Palea	...	Ute
Michael Pas	...	Dr. Stottard
Michael W. Perry	...	Dr. Trousseau
Kalaiwaa Pilialoha	...	Housekeeper Bishop
Ryan Rumbaugh	...	Little Bishop
George Russell	...	Reporter
Varoa Tiki	...	Old Woman

Also Known As:

Damiaan (Belgium: Flemish title)
Father Damien
Molokai: The Forbidden Island (UK) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements, some violence, brief sensuality and mild language.

Runtime:

Netherlands:109 min | Australia:122 min | USA:113 min

Country:

Belgium | Netherlands | Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Canada:PG (Ontario) | USA:PG | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii, USA

Company:

Era Films

Trivia:

When Father Damien mounts his horse, he says "godverdomme" in Dutch/"Flemish", which is a commonly used profanity addressing God. This is considered rather unsuitable for a priest.

Movie Connections:

Version of The Great Heart (1938)

Soundtrack:

UA HALA KA MAKUA DAMIANO

Can't see the forest through the trees

A stellar supporting cast, rich cinematography and a fine eye for detail all punctuate this near-epic account of the trials and tribulations of the legendary cleric who devoted his life (quite literally) to the care and salvation of a doomed Hawaiian leper colony. Australian David Wenham's most important role to date is set at the turn of the century, when ignorance and greed ruled most levels of secular government. This left the beneficent young priest to suffer alongside his charges while much-needed funding was going to higher-profile healers in richer colonies.

Peter O'Toole is wonderful (in a brief appearance), as are Sam Neill, Leo McKern, Alice Krige, Derek Jacobi and even Kris Kristofferson but, ultimately, it is Wenham's chore to haul this monster ashore. It's evident early on that "Molokai" lacks the heart and conviction of the selfless giant who inspired it.