Watch Molokai: The Story Of Father Damien

Molokai: The Story of Father Damien is a 1999 biographical drama film directed by Paul Cox. It is based on the true story of Father Damien, a Belgian priest who volunteered to take care of the leper colony in Molokai, Hawaii. The film stars David Wenham as Father Damien, Kate Ceberano as Sister Marianne, and Jan Decleir as Bishop Maigret.

The film is set in the 19th century when leprosy was a feared and misunderstood disease. The Hawaiian government, in an attempt to contain the disease, banished all those who were infected with it to the island of Molokai. Father Damien volunteers to go to Molokai to help the lepers and to spread the message of God's love and compassion.

When Father Damien arrives, he finds the lepers living in squalor and without any medical care. The colony is run by a cruel and corrupt government agent who takes advantage of the lepers and their families. Father Damien is undeterred, and he slowly builds a community on Molokai. He builds houses, sets up a school, and provides medical care for the sick.

As he works, he discovers that leprosy is not the contagious curse that people believe it to be. The disease is only transmitted through close contact and can be treated effectively with modern medicine. Father Damien is determined to change the public's perception of leprosy and to help the lepers live normal, fulfilling lives.

The film portrays Father Damien as a man of great faith and courage. He is unafraid of the disease, and he is willing to put himself in harm's way to help others. He befriends the lepers and becomes a father figure to the children of the colony.

The film also explores the relationship between Father Damien and his fellow missionaries, particularly his contentious relationship with Bishop Maigret. Bishop Maigret is suspicious of Father Damien's methods and beliefs, and he is critical of his efforts to build a community on Molokai. However, as the film progresses, Bishop Maigret comes to appreciate the selflessness and devotion of Father Damien.

One of the key themes of the film is the power of love and compassion. Father Damien teaches the lepers that they are not unclean or cursed, but beloved children of God. He shows them the power of community and how it can bring healing and hope to those who are suffering.

Molokai: The Story of Father Damien is a well-crafted and moving film. The performances are strong, particularly David Wenham as Father Damien. The cinematography captures the beauty and ruggedness of the island of Molokai, and the music by Frans Lammersen and Jan A.P. Kaczmarek is haunting and powerful.

The film is not without its flaws, however. Some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped, and the script can be overly sentimental at times. Still, Molokai: The Story of Father Damien is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of love in the face of suffering. It is a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to helping others and who embodied the best of the Christian faith.

Molokai: The Story Of Father Damien is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.