this story, one supposes, had to be told. The depiction here is historically accurate and quite factual.
There are many who would look upon the work of Father Damien and his associates as most courageous and heroic. Others would scoff and label him slightly deranged to take on a project working intimately with dying lepers.
The story here does seem a bit one-sided. True, there are some higher ups that would like to curtail Damien's enthusiasm. Yet no one ever challenges him on the philosophical premise that sacrifice and suffering are prerequisites to salvation and grace.
For myself, these concepts are merely something to buy into, having no validity in truth. As for Damien's ultimate demise, I say, when one lies down with dogs, the chance of getting fleas is increased.
Damien was merely a man who made choices for reasons he thought important. Since we are what we do, he bonded and became one with his lepers.
The acting is quite good, and the production values adequate. There's not all that much dramatic conflict here, which gives a slow pace to the story.
There are many who would look upon the work of Father Damien and his associates as most courageous and heroic. Others would scoff and label him slightly deranged to take on a project working intimately with dying lepers.
The story here does seem a bit one-sided. True, there are some higher ups that would like to curtail Damien's enthusiasm. Yet no one ever challenges him on the philosophical premise that sacrifice and suffering are prerequisites to salvation and grace.
For myself, these concepts are merely something to buy into, having no validity in truth. As for Damien's ultimate demise, I say, when one lies down with dogs, the chance of getting fleas is increased.
Damien was merely a man who made choices for reasons he thought important. Since we are what we do, he bonded and became one with his lepers.
The acting is quite good, and the production values adequate. There's not all that much dramatic conflict here, which gives a slow pace to the story.