Chinmoku

The 2016 film follows this very closely in plot. Save yourself the trouble of not seeing both, stick with the new one.

A powerful and slow burning Japanese film which tackles a period where Christianity was prohibited in Japan in the most devastating way possible. It would not be a surprise if Martin Scorsese still wanted to remake this or readapt the novel it was based on.

The way Europeans and Christianity are represented in this film lends an interesting tonal inflection (I guess that's the European, othered!). Quite powerful in its dissection of competing viewpoints, which covers compelling philosophical, political and theological grounds. In hindsight I may have been too harsh in assessing Scorcese's version of this story. I would need to see it again, but I'm certain this film is superior.

https://letterboxd.com/ladyspiggott/film/silence-1971/

+fantastiskt foto -värdelös huvudkaraktär och skådis -lite oraffinerad klippning och story

Forceful & uncompromising examination of the fierce conflicts within & about christian faith & proselytism. A layered story that's gruelingly direct & honest with deep unanswered questions. The clunky opening exposition & strange pacing seem to initially erase all narrative thrust, instead emphasizing cultural/psychological disorientation followed by intense ordeals of rationalisation. Pointedly sparse writing, imposing composition, brooding palette, strong acting, bold sound, presice editing.

The point in time when west met east, with all the spiritual / cultural / political strife this caused, is an era I find fascinating. There are scenes of some technical interest, but not exactly of the level I expected when you have both Miyagawa & Shinoda behind the camera. My major concerns are with a disjointed pace and a lead actor who comes up incredibly short.