Touches You

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Simply A Masterpiece

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

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.

I have heard of Father Damien, and even think I saw part of a biography on him. He was the "Mother Teresa" of his time.The performances were excellent and the cast was basically all star with actors such as Sam Neill, Alice Krige and so many others that set the tone of this movie. A practically unfamiliar actor of the time, David Wenham, played Father Damien with the strength, kindness and determination that for a while during the movie, you actually believed he was the real Father Damien. His performance was nothing short of excellent as he showed how Father Damien advocated for his people and struggled at time with his faith during a time when Lepers were in some circles thought to be not only diseased, but sinful. Never asking for anything for himself, David Wenham's performance as Father Damien is very true and honest making this movie a must see.I would highly recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. In my eye, David Wenham will always be Father Damien.

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.

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.