Religion plays a huge role in human life, therefore, remains the subject of heated debate for many centuries. Due to religious contradictions, conflicts occurred and wars broke out. And it is not at all surprising that art has not ignored such a hot topic. Writers and artists have repeatedly addressed issues of faith and the church in their works. Cinema also did not stand aside. We offer the reader films about the church, which have created a lot of discussion and disagreement around them.
Psychological thriller
The Oscar-winning film "The Exorcist" of 1973, shot by the talented director William Fridkin, is still considered one of the best in its genre. The film captivates the viewer not only with special effects, verisimilitude and high psychological stress, but also with a deep philosophical meaning that touches on the issue of human relations with God. Which is not surprising, since the director’s consultant was Priest John Nicola, who had experience in exorcism.
The film was praised by critics. She was even called the biggest religion advertisement. However, the worshipers themselves did not share the enthusiasm of the public. And Rev. Bill Greim said that such films about the church are satanic.
Horror
The directors working in this genre often choose the church as the scene of their paintings.
The 1987 Prince of Darkness, directed by John Carpenter, was praised by critics as an example of a classic in the horror genre. Special effects, psychological stress and the mystical component were maintained at a high level. The film takes place in an ancient temple, whose ministers for many years guarded a terrible secret. It is a substance that can lead the devil into the world of people. Scientists who deployed their laboratory in the church almost contributed to this. However, thanks to the self-sacrifice of one of the heroines, they managed to restrain the evil and not release it into our world.
Despite the praise of critics, this film, like other films about the church, is strongly condemned by clergymen who see it as propaganda for the fascination with the occult.
Mystic
The film "Cathedral" in 1989, Italian director Michele Soavi, is also devoted to the problems of obsession. However, unlike The Exorcist, whose events are supposedly based on what was happening in reality, the plot of this film is fantastic.
Under the temple there are evil forces who want to take over the world, but there is a hero who opposes them. The film received negative reviews from film critics. And lovers of the mystic genre called her a feeble attempt to play on the feelings of believers.
Drama
Quality films about the church, shot in this genre, have always been popular with the public and critics.
The real event in the cinema was the picture of John Patrick Shanley "Doubt" in 2009. Since it touches on a sore topic for the Catholic Church - pedophilia. Due to the recognition by the high Catholic clergy of the shameful facts that took place, many parishioners doubted the church. Therefore, at a difficult time for her, such films about the Catholic Church are very timely.
The plot of the picture takes the viewer to the sixties. The abbess of the Bronx church school suspects the priest of pedophilia. And since he can’t find evidence, he comes up with them. Such actions forced Father Flynn to leave the place of his ministry, despite the love of the parishioners, and almost broke his life. But the most amazing thing is that the abbess is not sure of her innocence and with this doubt she will have to live on.
The film "Andrei Rublev", shot in 1966 by Andrei Tarkovsky, rightfully refers to the world’s masterpieces of cinema. The picture received a lot of positive reviews and awards. Similar Russian films about the church and faith are always interesting to watch. The Tarkovsky film is still on the list of the most popular to this day.
From the plot of the picture, viewers will learn a lot about the famous icon painter Andrei Rublev. And also about the traditions and laws of survival in medieval Russia. But the main line in the picture is the spiritual growth of the protagonist. Through his experiences and feelings, the director raises the deep theme of faith, which has always been a pillar of the Russian people. For the period in which the film was shot, this approach was the greatest breakthrough.
The 2006 film "Island", which was shot by Pavel Lungin, was a real discovery in Russian cinema. It is dedicated to the spiritual rebirth of the protagonist. The viewer is offered the story of the hermit Anatoly, who, having repented of his sin, dedicated his life to atonement. The picture was very highly appreciated by critics and received many prizes.
Comedy
Comedy films about the church, clergy and higher powers stand apart. It can be treated in different ways. However, if you do not go too far into the moral aspects, you can learn from them something interesting. One example of such films is the 1999 Dogma film directed by Kevin Smith.
She tells of fallen angels who found weaknesses in church dogma. They want to use this circumstance to regain their place in heaven. In the course of events, a lot of comic situations arise.
Despite the success of the public, the film caused sharp criticism and anger from the Catholic Church.