Corpus Christi * * * * ½

 

Father Daniel gives thanks for my review

This is an excellent drama.  I don't know much about the director or anyone in it. But I know its from Poland and Poles seem to like all things Catholic. They also like a bit of angst in their drama, and this film delivers plenty of both. 

A young man is released from a youth detention center and sent to a pre-arranged job at a timber mill to commence his re-integration into society.  But what Daniel really wants is to become a priest. However, he has already been told that due to his criminal past his ambition is untenable. (the church can't possibly be that forgiving!)

Through a series of opportunities that God seems to put in front of him, he becomes a priest anyway in a remote village that is burdened with grief from a recent event. They don't know he's an unqualified imposter and he's not about to let on. Everyone is happy.  After a clumsy and unorthodox beginning he gets better and better in the role.  Soon the village become delighted with his pastoral guidance as he leads them out of their misery. 

Then the authorities discover the truth about "Father Daniel" and set out to demonstrate that reformation and rehabilitation and pastoral care can only be done their way.  Sometimes brutal, sometimes very funny, often tender Corpus Christi is a beautiful film with a strong message.