Ceticultsot Beautiful, moving film.

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Aiden Melton The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Lela The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

tbald1980-1 I have wanted to write a review for this film for years. Now that I realize that God loves everyone unconditionally, I have even more respect for the film. Now, I wasn't raised Catholic but I have spoken with friends who are. I will say from what I understand, it's a very conservative religion and hard to live up to it's standards. I like this film for many reasons-one: I'm gay myself and still firmly believe in God. 2: the acting is incredible and very plausible-Linus Roache should have been Oscar nominated in my opinion, the rest of the main cast is amazing too. 3: the script though obviously not original is written with dignity and a sense of humor. The storyline centers around conservative priest Father Greg who has his secrets and his teamwork with Father Matthew. At first they're practically at each others throats due to different morales, but before long, his tone begins to change-he picks up a man at a gay bar, seduces him and then hears about child abuse from a girl at the hands of her unrepentant father. This revelation makes him question everything he knows. I will agree that the ending is a tear-jerker I came close to crying too. Check it out!

paul2001sw-1 You can leave the church of England; Catholics lapse; you're always a Jew. Of course I generalise, but religions differ in their ability to define the individual; perhaps its for this reason that the best dramas about Catholicism are written by Catholics. The Catholic church is ripe for attack; yet an attack made without understanding will not provide insight. In 'Priest', Jimmy McGovern has written a thoughtful, impassioned and above all else sympathetic account of the struggle of two priests to deal with their own imperfections, the trials and faith and the demands of the secular world. It's a strong drama; but it's also interesting to look at the world it portrays, an impoverished working class Liverpool with its roots in Ireland. But even in Ireland today, the church is on the retreat; and while it's been involved in plenty of scandals (with some resemblance to some of the issues touched upon in this film), those scandals have played their own part in its eclipse from the central role it once held in many people's lives. 'Priest' reflects that process, but critically, it was made at a time when the process was less advanced, and the church more powerful, than it is today. It's still powerful stuff, and recommended viewing.

moonspinner55 Linus Roache plays a young British priest conflicted over his vocation, by the Catholic rules governing him, and by his sexual orientation (he picks up a lad for sex in a gay pub, and we are to assume this isn't his first time at the rodeo). Beginning with a bit of religious anarchy (which is muted, and then forgotten about), this well-meaning melodrama indicates to us that it intends to be shocking and unsettling. Unfortunately, screenwriter Jimmy McGovern is much too interested in being sympathetic to our hero, resulting in a film that seesaws its way through a number of dispiriting episodes. Some of McGovern's dialogue regarding sex, celibacy, homosexuality, and the church is thought-provoking, but his central character is a dullard. Roache, with his round, empty eyes and gray pallor, hasn't an ounce of charisma. The sparkle that was so needed here is provided by Tom Wilkinson in the smaller role of the older, seasoned priest who is in love with his housekeeper. The movie isn't very well edited or directed, though there are some strong scenes as well as plenty of ludicrous ones. ** from ****

pogostiks For all those who think this film is just an anti-Church tirade - you have obviously missed something here ... it is called "humanity". The main problem of the Catholic Church today is that it is too obsessed with maintaining power and inflicting dogma - and completely forgetting the human element in its midst. The AIDS crisis would be a perfect analogy for this: which is more important, saving people's lives or NOT using a condom? Not only does the Catholic Church preach against using condoms EVEN between husband and wife if one is HIV positive - it actually disseminates lies all throughout Africa by pretending that condoms are not viable in stopping infection.That said, this film NEVER forgets the human element, even when - SPOILER - the father of the girl is explaining that it is NORMAL for a father to be sexually attracted to his daughter. His arguments, as well as many others in this film, continually point out the dilemma of allowing dogma to run our lives rather than compassion and understanding. The theory is one thing; putting it into practice is another. The most obvious problem is the one of a relatively conservative Catholic priest who, despite all his prayers and faith, still cannot stop himself from acting on his homosexual urges.Some people in other posts here just say "How absurd - he took a vow - too bad for him blah blah blah". Yes, well, that's the RULES - but what about life? The whole point of the Catholic idea of Communion is based on the idea that ALL men are sinners - and they all must be absolved of their guilt. This should also include the priests for they were men BEFORE they were priests, and sometimes hormones are stronger than any man-made law.The real problem for any person, and especially a priest, is trying to live according to Church doctrines. In one way or another - they will ALL at some point have to be hypocritical in what they say or do, because the Church demands total obedience and perfection, whereas human life is messy and complicated. I know a gay priest who HAS remained more or less celibate since his ordination... yet he still masturbates and then finds himself in the ironic position of having to tell his teenage flock that they SHOULDN'T masturbate. Well, even if he is not capable of following the teachings of the Church himself - he still feels it is his obligation to tell the kids that they must strive not to masturbate themselves. Once he has passed on the Church's teachings, he has fulfilled his job - and it is up to each individual to decide whether or not he (she) will or CAN follow the rules precisely.Which is why this film is so good. It deals with all the complications of dogma, but never forgets the human element and the complications coming out of such dogma. The actors are excellent , the script is honest and vibrant, and there is a building tension throughout the film that is beautifully handled by the director. What more can one ask for?