Rating of
3.5/4
"Calvary" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 11/18/14
A good man who found solace in the priesthood after the death of his wife is visited in confession by a child abuse victim who states that he is going to kill him in seven days. From the very first line of the film, it was obvious that Calvary was not going to pull its punches. The fact that the story involves the aftermath of child abuse, domestic violence and a suicide attempt sounds like you should be bracing yourself for an onslaught of bleakness of Mike Leigh proportions, but the fact is that Calvary has a gentle wit and perception that transcends the grim subject matter to create a movingly bitter sweet portrait of a decent man shouldering the burden of guilt for the evils of others. The story does not shy away from the hypocrisy of the historical position of the Catholic church and how a priest who takes seriously his job of helping others can find himself compromised by the hostility and derision that is the product of organized religion in modern society. Brendan Gleeson is outstanding as always and is supported by an excellent ensemble cast including Chris O'Dowd, Dylan Moran, Aidan Gillen and M. Emmett Walsh who provide an array of quirky characters that make for some very funny scenes. Those expecting another foray into broad humour in the style of The Guard or In Bruges may be disappointed, but I found Calvary's more subtle and introspective approach both amusing and thought provoking in a fresh and original way.
