The impoverish inhabitants of a rural village in Crete, after WWII, have to leave their town in order to look for a more agreeable place in which to live. Unknown to them, the poor villagers are seen as a menace by the people in a prosperous settlement they decide to make their new home. Led by the local priest, Fotis, the migrant peasants decide to go to the nearby hills to try to make a living after Grigoris, the hateful head of the church sees a menace in them.
Pope Grigoris, prior to the arrival of the unwanted invasion, decided to cast the Passion Play his village celebrated every seven years. The main role of Christ is given to a shepherd, Manolios. In the pivotal role of Mary Magdalen, the local prostitute, Katherina, is asked to portray it. The son of the riches merchant of the place, Patriarcheas, is assigned to enact John, who was the favorite of Christ.
The Cretan village was under Turkish rule with its commander, Agha, in charge of the invading army. The Agha looks the other way to the town can stage the play. Led in the hatred toward the invaders by Grigoris, Patriarcheas, the rich man, does not accept that Manolios, and his own son Michelis, take food to feed the starving villagers. Grigoris set the Agha against what he sees as an invasion to their well being by asking his help to repel Manolios and his friends to do any kind of help. The army proves its might against the poor invaders, thus protecting the interest of the evil priest Grigoris.
Jules Dassin, having gone to exile in France, decided to bring Nikos Kazantzakis novel "The Greek Passion" to the screen. Mr. Dassin adapted the original material with Ben Barzman and Andre Obey. This is a powerful film that examines hypocrisy in an institution like the Orthodox church that shows a cruelty beyond belief, thus betraying the doctrine it tries to impose on its followers. The priest Grigoris is one of the most evil characters in literature. Mr. Dassin's must have been bitter after what he experienced in his own country, so the narrative and Kazantzakis' own take on religion offered the director fresh material in which to set this parable that resulted in one of the best films of all times.
There are strong performances in the film. Jean Servais, who had worked with Mr. Dassin in "Rififi" is seen as Fotis, in an inspired performance. Fernand Ledoux, as Gregoris, is a study in malevolence. We were impressed by Pierre Vaneck's take on Manolios, the man selected for the Christ of the enactment of the play. Melina Mercuri is also effective as Katherina, the town's prostitute abused by all the men that wanted her for their enjoyment. Gret Froebe, Maurice Ronet, Nicole Berger, and the rest of the supporting cast do amazing work for the director.
"He Who Must Die" deserves to be seen by discerning movie fans thanks to Jules Dassin, a genius in his own right.
Pope Grigoris, prior to the arrival of the unwanted invasion, decided to cast the Passion Play his village celebrated every seven years. The main role of Christ is given to a shepherd, Manolios. In the pivotal role of Mary Magdalen, the local prostitute, Katherina, is asked to portray it. The son of the riches merchant of the place, Patriarcheas, is assigned to enact John, who was the favorite of Christ.
The Cretan village was under Turkish rule with its commander, Agha, in charge of the invading army. The Agha looks the other way to the town can stage the play. Led in the hatred toward the invaders by Grigoris, Patriarcheas, the rich man, does not accept that Manolios, and his own son Michelis, take food to feed the starving villagers. Grigoris set the Agha against what he sees as an invasion to their well being by asking his help to repel Manolios and his friends to do any kind of help. The army proves its might against the poor invaders, thus protecting the interest of the evil priest Grigoris.
Jules Dassin, having gone to exile in France, decided to bring Nikos Kazantzakis novel "The Greek Passion" to the screen. Mr. Dassin adapted the original material with Ben Barzman and Andre Obey. This is a powerful film that examines hypocrisy in an institution like the Orthodox church that shows a cruelty beyond belief, thus betraying the doctrine it tries to impose on its followers. The priest Grigoris is one of the most evil characters in literature. Mr. Dassin's must have been bitter after what he experienced in his own country, so the narrative and Kazantzakis' own take on religion offered the director fresh material in which to set this parable that resulted in one of the best films of all times.
There are strong performances in the film. Jean Servais, who had worked with Mr. Dassin in "Rififi" is seen as Fotis, in an inspired performance. Fernand Ledoux, as Gregoris, is a study in malevolence. We were impressed by Pierre Vaneck's take on Manolios, the man selected for the Christ of the enactment of the play. Melina Mercuri is also effective as Katherina, the town's prostitute abused by all the men that wanted her for their enjoyment. Gret Froebe, Maurice Ronet, Nicole Berger, and the rest of the supporting cast do amazing work for the director.
"He Who Must Die" deserves to be seen by discerning movie fans thanks to Jules Dassin, a genius in his own right.