As with the last, this film by Bruce Beresford didn't have great commercial appeal here in the United States. It's length and heavy historical presence would have made most audiences shy away. However, this is precisely what drew me to it. Being a bit of a nut for history anything that can combine two of my favorite pastimes into one is perfect! This is a shining example of what I would consider a 'good' historical film for several reasons. First, they were remarkably accurate. Second, they used actors of the correct ethnicity and third they snuck all this learning into a neat, entertaining pocket.
BUT whew.......all the education can't detract from the fact that it was a very dark film. Not that this is in anyway a bad thing but the heaviness which was conveyed throughout would leave most viewers with a profound sense of weight about them. The long shots of canoes in the wild, his deep longing, and fight with his own faith left also had a feeling of solitude that had an effect on me to be sure.
This all left me thinking about what it means to be alone, abandoned, or banished. Which best describes the good Father? What do those words really mean to the emotion of loneliness, and wanting? The only true thing I could think about was this...... In any relationship (with God, a friend, or a lover) you can only feel abandoned if you can't survive on your own. 'Wanting' to be with someone and 'needing' to be with them are two entirely different things. It is up to you, but the best relationships are built by wanting to stand next to a person not needing to.
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