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Black Robe, while not a movie for all tastes, is an absolute masterpiece. It follows Father LaForgue, a Jesuit missionary, accompanied by a small group of Algonquin Indians, as they travel from Quebec to the land of the Huron Indians in 1634 Canada. LaForgue believes his mission in life is to show Native Americans the way to "Paradise", and he plans to station himself in a mission located in the Huron country 1500 miles from Quebec.
Along the way the Native culture and values are shown as well as those of the French and especially Father Laforgue. There are some similarities (both cultures play music and dance as a prelude to a trip), and many differences (Father Laforgue wants to save his tobacco for future trade value while the Algonquins don't understand not using something they want now. They also share everything they have and they are angry at Laforgue for not sharing). The native culture, while seeming to be impractical sometimes, nevertheless often helps them cope with a very harsh existence. The Jesuit beliefs sometimes seem totally inappropriate and not at all applicable to the natives. In other words both cultures are sometimes a bit "crazy" and both can be useful at times. Also it is clear that neither side really tries to understand the other.
Black Robe is realistic and uncompromising unlike any other movie. It does not paint any of the characters or cultures as superior or inferior to the other. They are what they are.
Ultimately the movie is a unique, realistic view into life in the 1600s in upper Canada. Every scene is an absolute gift to a movie viewer with at least some passing interest in early North American times. A slight caution is in order. As in real life, there is some gruesome violence, cruelty, and sexuality portrayed here.
Black Robe is truly a great achievement and one of the best movies ever made.
score 10/10
dmacnab-01154 18 January 2017
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3622401/ |
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16-12-2020 22:03:08