I found this film to be one of the most incredibly well-acted films I have viewed in a long time. Linus Roache is a revelation as Father Greg Pilkington, who finds his sexual orientation conflicting with his religious faith. The film raises many issues, making the question of celibacy only one of many points. There is also hypocrisy, homophobia, shame, incest...it runs the gamut of emotions. Tom Wilkinson is also brilliant as the parish rector who is having an affair with his housemaid (Cathy Tyson). The deep-seeded condemnation of Father Greg, who truly wants to practice his religious faith but is shamed into a failed suicide attempt, is maddening. The first stone is cast repeatedly, and there are no easy conclusions. The film ends with a beautiful example of forgiveness and empathy. This is an excellent film.
