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Back to rave on this movie I caught two days back!! Amazing film that touches on the Jesuits in Japan back in the 17th century. Learnt the historical narrative of this context a few semesters back, but my mind never further questioned how the Christians in Japan actually led their lives under the rule where Christianity was outlawed. This film really opened up what I never further questioned and thought about, which really impressed and left a mark in me.
Really wanted to catch this.. Hacksaw Ridge, Alone in Berlin, Rangoon.. but I decided on this eventually because of the interesting and very often overlooked aspect of history. (which I'm glad I did) It's a rather unconventional film - unlike other movies with the intro-climax-end kind of story, but one that really stirs and leaves you in deep thoughts at the end of it.
Throughout the film, I was feeling so much pain for those who experienced the brutality.. and I just couldn't help but keep thinking that it's really so unfortunate for them to be born at that place and time where they couldn't practice their faith freely. Maybe that's why it made their faith appear so much more precious.. their overflowing desire to stay in faith despite all odds and to risk their lives for the Lord was just too beautiful. :')
"Would I do the same as they do?" I kept thinking as well, especially at the times when they were forced to make the decision to renounce their faith (through stepping on a picture of Jesus/Mother Mary) if not face death under the hands of the Japanese authorities.
One line that Andrew Garfield (who was acting as a priest) said in the film really left a mark in me as well, "I pray but I’m lost. Am I just praying to Silence?"
He said this when he was going through one of the roughest patch in the film, which really came as a reminder of myself when I feel the same way.. when trials come and God doesn't seem to answer our prayers. It reminded me that I'm not alone in feeling like such, and that we should not waver simply over those little difficulties we're facing. God has always reminded us that our faith only needs to be the size of a mustard seed and He can make all things possible through that :-)
Looking at the unwavering and strong faith of the Japanese Christians really made me reflect on myself as well. If they could withstand such cruel and tough conditions just to hold on to their faith in the Lord, what more me? Even until this day, there are still Christians in different parts of the world facing suppression and restrictions to practice their faith. All the more, I should never take for granted how I can praise God anytime, anyday and anywhere. It is not something that comes naturally, but something that God has given to me and blessed me with.
There are just too many things to talk about in this film.. on both my religion as well as the historical context. Simply too amazing and I thank God for His plan in allowing me to catch this film that left me in a state of reflection of my walk with Him as well as what I've been learning thus far. :-)
