The Keys of the Kingdom
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Movie Reviews of The Keys of the Kingdom
Movie Review: Wishing
Summary: 4 Stars
Gregory Peck, the supposedly inept priest becomes the kindly Christ-like spiritual shepherd to a group of Chinese peasants and is finally recognized for what he is in the last reel. It's a familiar formula, one Ingrid Bergman did with a larger screen, and color to boot, in "Inn of the Sixth Happiness." They are wholesome, they are touching, they even bring a tear to the eye. But unfortunately they are so predictable. Hollywood has always gone for the wholesome and the touching and the spiritually uplifting, knowing perhaps that audiences wouldn't buy any other product. I, for one, would like to see a little more tension in the story, a little more ambiguity, a priest who isn't quite so sure of himself, a congregation that maintains a healthy skepticism about its shepherd, even as it hungers for the real article so rarely encountered, and too often punished and destroyed when discovered. I remember one such film: Humphrey Bogart playing a bogus priest on the lam in China, forced to enact the real thing in spite of himself. "The Left Hand of God" peaked my curiosity and left an impression. But that was so many years ago, memory may be deceiving me. I just wish it was available on DVD for me to see again. It may be no better than the rest, but it's nice to think about the possibility.
Meanwhile, if you like wholesome and uplifting and the story of a good man who manages not only to stay good but helps a whole bunch of people who obviously need helping, "The Keys of the Kingdom" is a safe bet. You'll like it. I did. But I still wish.....
Movie Review: "Keys" not Peck's best, but the story carries him anyway.
Summary: 4 Stars
It is obvious that this is Gregory Peck's first film, in that he does not yet have that air that the great actors have. To see him at his best, check out his scene with the Town Judge as he accepts the job as defense attorney, Atticus Finch, in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
A lot of the Roman Catholic religion is toned down in this piece for the sake of palatability. Having done so, the movie makers have made a touching human drama out of missionary work in the Far East. It deals with some of the cultural differences from an ignorant 1950's Western point of view, but somehow this does not end up spoiling the film.
In the end, the shortcomings of the church are not glossed over, while the good actions of good men within the obviously flawed institution are highlighted to good effect. It is a story of Godly love overcoming all weaknesses in the heart of a "failure" of the priesthood. While others within the church go on to personal fame and glory--like his close boyhood friend, played by Vincent Price--our hero soldiers on in anonymity where the "missionary rubber meets the road", so to speak.
Overall, this movie does not deny the shortcomings of many in the church, while simultaneously revealing the work of those who do Christ proud. This is a must-see for missionaries of all denominations. Four Stars.
For all those who love tear-jerker movies, my wife rates this as a "one-cry" movie.
Movie Review: A must to have
Summary: 4 Stars
I first read the book many years ago, and I read it again in 2006 which led me to find out about the movie. For my surprise, it had been edited in DVD format. I always remember my mother talking about how great this movie was. I have to acknowledge that. However, it is frustrating for me the gap between the original stories and movies. I am aware of how hard it is to adapt a book to make a movie. But why changing the story itself? Why not making a reduced version of the original story instead of altering it? This is the case with Keys of the Kingdom, Lord of the Rings, and countless others.
On the other hand, Gregory Peck performs great and transmits the spirit of the noble character that A. J. Cronin describes in his book. The story is a real example of Christianity, with no sectarianism, with an open mind and the desire to serve God beyond any partisanship. Also shows us the reality that often the real disciples of Christ are unnoticed, and exposes the irony of the fact that all those who are experts in the art of diplomacy and falseness are the ones who often reach privileged positions in the organisations.
With his mastery, A. J. Cronin give us a lesson that we should recall nowadays, and the movie succeeds transmitting the message.
Movie Review: 'Keys' to Inspiration
Summary: 4 Stars
Truly inspiring, the film's merits are mostly propelled by an early and acclaimed performance by Gregory Peck who plays a hapless Scottish priest going to China as a missionary. Facing scorn, revolution, and poverty, Fr. Francis Chisholm leads his new flock by gentle wisdom and perseverence. Overlong even with some heartwarming and important episodic developments, the film remains a substantative viewing experience. (Includes Vincent Price and a young Roddy McDowell as the boy Francis Chisholm. Also a winner of several Oscars and nominations.)Movie Review: For Gregory Peck fans
Summary: 4 Stars
Keys to the Kingdom is a good offering for fans of Gregory Peck. This movie trace the life of a man that becomes a missionary after suffering much personal tragedy. The movie is a little on the long side, but is worth the time. Look for a great supporting cast that includes Thomas Mitchell, Vincent Price, Roddy McDowell and Edmund Gwenn. A good story and a good cast combine for a good movie.