The story takes place in the 17th century, during the time when Christianity was banned in Japan. Two Jesuit missionaries, Father Sebastião Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Father Francisco Garupe (Adam Driver), travel to Japan to search for their mentor Father Cristóvão Ferreira (Liam Neeson). They must navigate through a dangerous mission as they go in search of their mentor, who is said to have apostatized.
The primary focus of the movie is on the struggle and persecution faced by the Japanese Christians during the height of persecution in the 17th century. The movie portrays Japanese authorities as being hostile towards Christianity, which was seen as a foreign religion that challenged their traditions and beliefs. During this time, many Christians were tortured, with their faith and devotion tested to the limits. Despite the harsh punishment, the Japanese Christians continued to follow Christianity, and Silence shows the strength and courage of these people.
The film also raises questions about faith, devotion, and the nature of God. The missionaries in Silence are faced with the dilemma of choosing between denying their faith and saving the lives of their converts or staying true to their beliefs and risking their lives and the lives of those they love. The movie explores how the human psyche can cope with the conflict between one’s religious beliefs and the harsh reality of the physical world.
The movie is visually stunning, with Scorsese capturing the beauty of the Japanese countryside while also showcasing the brutal realities of torture and death. The film’s score is also excellent, adding depth and texture to the movie’s themes and emotions.
The performances of the cast are exceptional, with Andrew Garfield delivering an outstanding performance as Father Rodrigues. Garfield’s character is the film’s protagonist, and he brings depth and complexity to his character as he grapples with the conflict between his faith and the harsh reality of his surroundings. Adam Driver also delivers a powerful performance as Father Garupe, who is unwavering in his faith and devotion to Christianity.
Silence is a thought-provoking and insightful movie that explores the themes of faith, devotion, and human suffering. Scorsese’s film is a masterpiece that offers a glimpse into a time when Christianity was banned and persecuted in Japan, and presents the harsh realities that many Christians had to face. The movie is beautifully shot, with excellent performances from the cast, and a magnificent score that brings the story to life. Overall, Silence is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and is one of Martin Scorsese’s best works.