Educational Media Reviews Online

A priest. A con artist. Secrets. Sanctuary. This fictional drama offers complex characters and themes, as it explores the lives of people in conflict. Anthony, a gentle priest in a small parish, his assistant and adversary Stephen, and the seductive grifter Lil are caught up in turmoil when Stephen assaults Lil as she tries to seduce him (she has a thing for celibates). Anthony decides to take in Lil, who eventually discovers a secret about him. At first she appears to have the power over him, but gradually it turns. Finally, when she is caught by police, Anthony again comes to her rescue.

Woven among all these happenings are Anthony’s golf lessons with his coach-friend. The golfing scenes provide metaphor and relief from the main thread of the story. The characters, even minor ones such as the golf coach, are well-developed. The interaction between characters, especially Anthony and Lil, is taut and anything but transparent.

The technical aspects of this production are very good. Filmed in California, the movie is beautifully rendered and contains scenes outside and inside a gorgeous old church. The music, religious and secular, is very appropriate to the action.

The themes of secrecy, sin, redemption, and forgiveness would provide much discussion material for classes and groups. Because of nudity and adult themes, it is best for mature students, probably college age and older. Church groups may also be interested.

This is a fascinating movie, with no easy answers or clear ending. A welcome relief from shallow blockbusters, this is one to savor and explore, to talk about and wonder, to question and discuss.

Awards

• Best Feature, Buffalo Niagara Film Festival 2007
• Best Director, Boston International Film Festival 2007
• Best Feature, 41st Brooklyn Arts Council Int. Film &Video Festival
• Best Actor, Actress, Screenplay, and Cinematography, Brooklyn Arts
• Screenwriting, Newport Beach Film Festival 2007