IMDb user comments for
Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999)

advertisement

Filter:

Best Chronological Prolific Authors Loved It Hated It Hide Spoilers:

Page 1 of 2:

[1] [2]

Index

16 comments in total

---

6 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
Presents the best side of the human species, 7 February 2003
Author: hamtun

This was a magnificent film. I had heard that there were some creative differences between director Paul Cox and other people involved in the film.

But this does not seem to affect the film in total. I found it a very moving uplifting film that presents the best the human species can aspire to. Like Mother Teresa and Gandhi Father Damian was probably a pain in the rear to the authorities civil and religious.

But that is the way of people who are so sure of their beliefs.

David Wenham, who is well known to Australian audiences, showed yet again what a talented actor he is.

The international actors who provided cameo roles were all excellent, particularly Peter O'Toole.

I've enjoyed Paul Cox's films many times over the years. They often win awards but are rarely major box office winners, But he has the ability to present the best of the human experience. He portrays real emotions and real people.

---

7 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
Well worth watching, 21 September 2002

Author: GoldenOldie from NH

This story is quite faithful to the facts of the life of this remarkable Belgian priest who chose to live in a leper colony while still a man in his early 30's even though he knew it to be a permanent assignment and a death sentence.

The horrors of the leper colony were conveyed realistically while still giving a focus that would allow all but very young audiences to view it. The bureaucrats, both civil and religious, are well portrayed. -- (Derek Jacobi gives his usual fine performance in one of these roles.)

This is a "must see" for anyone who has never heard the story of Father Damien or knows little about the leper colony on Molokai.

---

7 out of 8 people found the following comment useful :-
The story supports Molokai as it exits for tourists today., 12 January 2002

Author: vernalp from Kingston, NY

We rented the movie this evening after spending today touring the tip of Molokai, Hawaii where this story took place. The movie is an excellent supplement for the tour. Richard Marks, our tour guide, did not tell us that he appears in many scenes throughout the movie. He is the tall man who has his feet wrapped in cloth in many scenes. He told us that the movie existed and some background stories about the movie.

Anyone wishing to tour this beautiful site should make sure, in advance, that Richard will be their guide. He is an excellent guide and also one of the people who has Hansen's Disease. He is 72 years old (2002) and a dynamic person.

---

5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Good Portrayal of Blessed Damien, 3 August 2000
Author: sistermoon7861 (sistermoon7861@aol.com) from California

I knew nothing of Father Damien until I saw this movie, but after seeing it I immediately sought more information on him. I strongly recommend this movie for those who are curious about the saint or have a special devotion to him.

---

6 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
Sad and slow but very moving, 20 July 2002

Author: ozone from Hamilton, New Zealand

I saw this in a film festival just yesterday. It was not really the sort of film I would go to normally (I'm not really into religious themes in film). I already knew a little of Father Damien's story, and I had a fair idea of how the story would end but I was glad I saw it just the same. I wouldn't say I "enjoyed" it because the subject matter was in many ways depressing but in a way it was an inspiring story. It showed what one man can do to improve the lives of 1000-odd suffering people that the rest of the world has all but forgotten. Damien had a will of iron and he needed it to counter the resistance of the government and his superiors in getting the help he needed.

If this sort of theme appeals to you I'm sure you will appreciate the film, if you definitely don't like religious themes then it's probably better that you don't see it.

---

6 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
An intimate, fascinating study, but strangely structured, 20 June 2001
Author: Standfast from Half Moon Bay, CA

This is a surprisingly intimate look at some of Father Damien's experiences, but the dramatic structure of the film is often frustratingly fragmented.

Scenes of the authorities on O'ahu struggling with how to deal with the amazing man and his demands on behalf of his community seem to have been shot very hastily, and they fit poorly with the more carefully conceived segments from Moloka'i. Even there, the scenes with Peter O'Toole seem poorly integrated into the progression of the story.

Despite the participation of many top-flight actors and actual local victims of Hansen's disease, this film offers only fleeting, tantalizing glimpses of what could have been a tremendously powerful drama of the life of a man who may yet become an actual saint. In isolation, the leading performances are very fine, but the package failed to gel and the film is, finally, only a carefully-drawn series of vignettes.

---

5 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
A story that matters, 23 July 2000

Author: serena.s

This is an unusual film in our present fashion for films to be about a "day in the life" of insignificant people doing insignificant (usually antisocial) things. This is a story told with great compassion and notable expertise. The cast is remarkable for the number of "stars" playing minor roles. Paul Cox's films leave you with a greater understanding of the human spirit and this was is one of his best.

---

1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
Can't see the forest through the trees, 20 March 2000
Author: brude2000 from Newberg, Oregon

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.

---

1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
Well worth seeing this fascinating movie, 21 September 1999
Author: harris-6 from Kaunakakai, Molokai, Hawaii

The fact that this movie was primarily filmed in Kalaupapa on the north shore of our island, does not unduly influence my judgment that this is a very interesting movie. The acting of the "international" cast is quite fine. But so is that of my childhood friend, Keanu Kapuni-Szasz, as a young girl who contracts leprosy and later presents a slight temptation to Father Damien. Many, many "topside" Molokai residents joined with the few remaining Kalaupapa residents (who have Hansen's Disease) in this production. Viewers will be inspired by their beauty and spirit. Aloha.

---

1 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Shows what the human spirit is truly capable of, 5 June 2006

Author: mOVIemAN56

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Molokai is a clear example of how powerful a film can be. The film takes place in the 1870's and follows true life story of Father Damien who traveled to the leper colony of Molokai, an island part of Hawaii, and began to spread Christianity throughout the inhabitants. The film shows how much Damien had to struggle with, from getting adequate funding for the island, to overcoming all dangers of facing leprosy.

David Wenham portrays Damien in a light which he most likely actually was like. A person ought to help those suffering, a liberation theologian and a thorn in the side of the Bristish government. Wenham brings a personality to Damien, makes him to be kind and loving, always trying to spread God's message and trying to improve the lies of all those that are suffering.

Sam Neill comes up as the strong supporting actor in the film. Playing the Minister of Hawaii, he holds a stern mood around him. Neill fits in real well with the story, a lot better than I expected. The other actors hold their own, among them being Tom Wilkinson.

The film Molokai shows what the human spirit and mind is truly capable of. It gives a strong urge for preferential option for the poor and caring for others. It shows a man willing to risk his life to save the spirits of others. This film should not be missed.

3 1/2/5

---

---

Page 1 of 2:

[1] [2]

Add another comment

---

Related Links

Plot synopsis	Amazon.com summary	Ratings
Awards	Newsgroup reviews	External reviews
Official site	Main details	Your user comments
Your vote history