The Keys of the Kingdom
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Movie Reviews of The Keys of the Kingdom
Movie Review: Excellent film for the whole Catholic family
Summary: 5 Stars
An excellent movie for a Catholic family. Gregory Peck's "unorthodox beliefs" are petty issues, not having to do with Church dogma, etc... and it's basically pitting a humble, Saintly man against Church leaders who are only interested in "numbers" of converts and their own rise to power. So I think a more accurate description would be that THEY were unorthodox, not this lovely, humble priest.
It's the story of a priest who has a really hard time with the people he has come to convert and help: How hard it is to be accepted by them, and the way that God works through him and them to change the hearts of the people, the people who become so dear to this wonderful priest in the end. A really uplifting, wonderful story that I highly recommend.
Some notes for parents: there are obvious cultural issues in China that are dealt with, nothing major, but there is a difference in religions. Some classic war scenes, nothing obnoxious or obvious but they are there, and during one the priest actually joins in to defend. There are lower Church officials shown in a negative way, although there are plenty shown positively too, so I would say that's a fair depiction. There is a mention of the story of a young lady who makes the wrong choices in life and has a child out of it, who then passes away. Those are the things I can think of off the top of my head. All of these are minor things and I suggest that you watch the movie with the entire family. Like many classic films, even when dealing with some harsh issues they don't elaborate on them; and the little ones don't quite catch them.
Movie Review: Compelling Film About Serving God and Man
Summary: 5 Stars
Along with "The Nun's Story" this has to be the best film made about religious faith and service. The film covers the life of Father Francis Chisholm (Gregory Peck), a Scottish priest, who by his own account is imperfect. By acknowleding his own imperfections he is willing to accept his differences with his fellow man. This mindset serves him well in his assignment as the head of a mission in China at the end of the 19th century. The Chinese are naturally suspicious of Westerners with their strange customs and religions and Father Chisholm's nature serves him well. Father Chisholm does not see his role as priest to erect large edifices or register converts. Rather, he sees his calling as to serve humanity as Christ did. In a way this film is light years ahead of it's time in it's promotion of ecumenism. Father Chisholm's work in China is a precedent for the work Mother Teresa did in Calcutta. In his film debut, Peck delivers probably the best work of his career. The role requires that he assay sixty years of a man's life and he does so remarkably. It's all the more impressive when you consider he was 28 at the time. Good supporting turns by Edmund Gwenn as Chisholm's kindly bishop, Thomas Mitchell as Chisholm's atheistic doctor friend, and Vincent Price as Chisholm's polar opposite in the priesthood.Movie Review: Complete Failure
Summary: 5 Stars
In the eyes of the Catholic Church and the world, the priest this story is built around is a total failure and embarrassment. He arrives in China and finds that the mission he has been assigned is a total disaster and yet it sounded wonderful on paper. He refuses to hire rice Christians, as other missions do, and so his work is with those who truly need help and that come to believe without being paid to do so. This man puts everyone before himself, and the viewer comes to realize that he is more Christ-like than the highest office holders of the Church, those who are judging him. The beauty of his humility is that he nevers knows that he is the greatest success in heavenly terms rather than in the estimations of man and this world.
The novel by A.J. Cronin is wonderful, too, and this film will make you cry your eyes out. Be sure to have the tissues close at hand! Despite it saying that it is in color in the description, this is really the original black and white, so not to worry.
You will enjoy the story and enjoy one of the first appearances of Gregory Peck on film. Both are superb! I am so thrilled to receive my new DVD today! Thank you, Amazon!
Movie Review: "Up Pops The Devil!" ~ Overcoming Prejudice And Vanity In The Mission Field
Summary: 5 Stars
'The Keys of the Kingdom' released in '44 is one of the great film classics from the "Golden Age" of Hollywood. This is a deeply spiritual and wonderfully inspiring movie that you're sure to respond emotionally to, so be sure to have a full box of kleenex on hand.
Gregory Peck is absolutely perfect in the starring role as Father Chisum, a humble, devote but highly unorthodox Catholic priest who can't seem to do anything right until he finally finds his calling in remote China. It is his honest nature and authentic love for the Chinese, not empty sermonizing, that little by little earns the love and trust of the community.
Director John M. Stahl's masterpiece contains some of the most expertly crafted black and white cinematograhy you'll ever see. Every landscape, every angle is a visual portrait of exquiste beauty. Also boasting a stellar cast of stars and a marvelous script, you'll certainly want to add this film to your DVD collection.
Movie Review: Spirituality vs. the Letter of the Law
Summary: 5 Stars
Keys of the Kingdom by A.J. Cronin is very dear to my heart as my first life lessons on tolerance were quoted from it to me by my dear grandmother.
EVERY TIME she came to visit she quoted the passage "there are many rooms in my mansion" to make the point that no one religion has a monopoly on Heaven. The movie is especially touching as were many movies made in the 1940s. The focus is actually on life and basic human values instead of superficiality, violence and vulgar sexual content. One walks away feeling uplifted with a new or revisited insight focused on spirituality rather than the "letter of the law". Gregory Peck is believable and engaging as the humble, sweet-spirited Father Chisholm. It is difficult to believe that this was his debut film. Everyone struggling with issues of faith in today's world should view this film to get in touch with what is truly important.