Watch Father Rupert Mayer

Father Rupert Mayer is a 2014 biographical drama film directed by Damian Chapa, who also stars in the film alongside Oliver Gruber and Stacy Keach. The film explores the life of Father Rupert Mayer, a German Jesuit priest who lived during the 20th century and was known for his devotion to God, his unwavering faith in the face of adversity, and his fearless activism against the Nazi regime.

The film follows Father Mayer from his early days as a young seminarian, through his ordination as a priest, and onto his active service in World War I as a chaplain to the German army. Despite being severely wounded in the war and losing his eyesight, Father Mayer continued to serve others, challenging the limits of his own physical disability and inspiring those around him with his courage and determination.

Through his work as a priest, Father Mayer became an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime and a vocal opponent of their policies towards minority groups, including Jews, the disabled, and those with different political beliefs. Despite facing persecution and harassment from the authorities, Father Mayer refused to back down and continued to preach his message of love, tolerance, and compassion to all who would listen.

Central to the film is the relationship between Father Mayer and his close friend and fellow priest, Father Bernhard Lichtenberg (played by Oliver Gruber). Both men shared a deep commitment to their faith and a sense of responsibility to speak out against injustice, but their approaches to activism were very different. While Father Mayer was known for his fiery sermons and public demonstrations, Father Lichtenberg preferred to work quietly behind the scenes, using his position as a cathedral dean to help those in need and to secretly shelter Jews from the Nazis.

The film also portrays the wider context of wartime Germany, with scenes of rallies, propaganda, and military parades. However, the focus is always on Father Mayer and his inner struggle to reconcile his love for his country and his church with his duty to oppose the atrocities being committed under the Nazi regime.

The performances in the film are strong, with Damian Chapa delivering a compelling portrayal of Father Mayer as a man torn between his faith and his activism. Oliver Gruber is also excellent as Father Lichtenberg, conveying a sense of quiet strength and conviction. Stacy Keach appears in a smaller role as a high-ranking Nazi, bringing a sinister and menacing presence to the screen.

The cinematography and production design of the film are impressive, with detailed recreations of historical settings and events. The use of black and white footage in certain parts of the film also adds to the feeling of authenticity.

Overall, Father Rupert Mayer is a moving and thought-provoking film that offers a powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It serves as a tribute to a remarkable man who used his faith to inspire change and make a difference in the world.

Father Rupert Mayer is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.