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Molokai: The Story Of Father Damien
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9781563647147
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
ISBN: 1563647141
Label: Vision Video
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled),
Manufacturer: Vision Video
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Vision Video
Release Date: February 14, 2008
Running Time: 112 minutes
Studio: Vision Video
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Editorial Review:
This biography of Father Damien, the Catholic priest who in 1873 volunteered for service on the eponymous Hawaiian leper colony, doesn't hesitate to idolize its subject, and why should it? For 15 years Damien ministered almost single-handedly to the quarantined community, supplying what medication he could procure while struggling against the red tape from organizations (religious and governmental) that would rather have forgotten all about the hundreds of people slowly dying in primitive conditions. He won some battles and lost others, finally succumbing to the disease himself in 1888. The film can't overcome the inherent weaknesses of projects such as this: high officials given to improbable speeches recapping the relevant historical events for us, a certain formlessness generated by skipping through the years and only hitting the high points, stock bureaucratic villains whose motives are never fairly explored. On the other hand, screenwriter John Briley has an Oscar on his shelf for Gandhi, so he knows how to string the lessons together and make them go down smoothly.
The earnestness of the project no doubt led to the who's-who supporting cast (Sam Neill, Derek Jacobi, Peter O'Toole, Leo McKern) (oh yes, and Kris Kristofferson), but it is David Wenham who must carry the film as Damien, which he does well enough--not spectacularly but with a touching humility not above a tetchy self-righteousness. Director Paul Cox was an inspired choice, however, bringing to the project his patient fascination with emotions at their most subtle and restrained; as a result, Molokai's low-key sense of conflict, often a fatal flaw in similar movies, becomes the film's saving grace, a manifestation of its subject's quiet, persistent faith. --Bruce Reid
To deal with the leprosy problem in the Hawaiian Islands in 1872, sufferers were relentlessly exiled to Molokai, a barren isle off the coast. There they lived in miserable surroundings, abandoned by the outside world. To alleviate their fate, Father Damien was the first priest to go to Molokai. His bishop's last words were that "he must not touch anyone."
Little by little, Damien earned the trust of the lepers, and eventually, his appeals for nuns and supplies resonated throughout the world, much to the displeasure of his superiors.
Even when Damien got sick himself, his energy did not abate, and he carried on working for the well-being of his "fellow lepers" to the end. When he crumbled during Mass, he was taken to his own hospital to die. All the residents gathered at the entrance to pray for their Father...
DVD FEATURES:
Languages: English
Subtitles: English **NO SPANISH AVAILABLE**
Viewing Format: Fullscreen
Sound:
Bonus Material:
Chapter titles for easy scene access
-Theatrical trailer and "The Making of Molokai"
-Biographical information on leading actors
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Do what your heart tells you to do...
"Molokai" is not so much about Father Damian, as it is about the importance of compassion towards those, who find themselves as "unfortunates" through no fault of their own. That Father Damian defied his superiors in defense of the lepers sent to the then remote island colony on Molokai, says volumes about the man's convictions on their account. He spent years among them, improving their standard of living (which was best described as "squalor", before his arrival), and bringing many into the fold ... Read More
Rating: - Very inspirational and edifying
This movie on Blessed Damien is very inspirational and edifying. What I liked most is that they revealed Father Damien to be really "down to earth", that is it makes his holiness "reachable" to the average person, unlike the portrayals of some saints who seem more like angels not touching the ground, rather than human.
Therefore I highly recommend this excellent movie.
Glenn Dallaire
Rating:  - A great man, but an extremely embarassing film
I am well acquainted with the mission of Father Damien and the leper colonies that existed in Hawaii, as I was a Missionary myself at one time. I was really primed to see a good film.Alas, despite the subject matter and star names, as a film,"Molokai" is a real dud,I repeat, a real dud.The acting and the screenplay simply do no justice to such a towering figure as Father Damien.The acting is disastrous as a matter of fact.This film never touched the hem of his garment.Not at all recommended.
Rating: - Molokai: The Story Of Father Damien
Quite an incredible movie about an incredible man. Anyone wanting to experience one of the greatest tragedys in humanity and try to understand it, this movie will definetly open your eyes. To think that there are actual suvivors of this horrific time and place is amazing enough but when you realize what this man gave up to help the helpless is just pure divinity. He practiced what he preached and went where even the highest order of regligious icons dared not tread to put order, perspective and ... Read More
Rating: - Side Splitting
Cosi is one of the funniest Austrailian movies. I love this movie i could watch it over again and still laugh my a-- off. I would recommend this movie to anyony with either English or AUSTRAILIAN TYPE OF HUMOR. Set in a Mental Hospital they are going to put on a musical cosi fan tuti.
Daivd Wenham,Toni Collett,Rachel Griffins, Barry Otto are in it.
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