Missionary Father LaForgue travels to the New World in hopes of converting Algonquin Indians to Catholicism. Accepted, though warily, by the Indians, LaForgue travels with the Indians using his strict Catholic rules and ideals to try and impose his religion.
Cinematography
Quebec wilderness shot like hostile cathedral.
Direction
Beresford refuses easy colonial redemption.
Acting
Bluteau's priest crumbles with devastating restraint.
Director
Bruce Beresford
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot in Quebec with indigenous consultants; Beresford insisted on authentic Algonquin and Iroquois languages throughout.
Based on Brian Moore's novel, itself drawn from 17th-century Jesuit Relations—actual missionary letters that documented (and sensationalized) indigenous life for European readers.
CA
