Watch St. Patrick: The Irish Legend

St. Patrick: The Irish Legend is a movie from 2000 that recounts the story of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. The movie stars Patrick Bergin as the protagonist, St. Patrick, while Luke Griffin and Alan Bates portray other significant characters. The film starts with a young boy, Patrick, being kidnapped by raiders and taken from his home in Britain to Ireland. There, he is sold as a slave to a chieftain named Milchu. The movie portrays Patrick's enslavement, his struggle to survive in foreign land, and his eventual escape.

During a storm, Patrick experiences a vision from God, which inspires him to turn to Christianity. He manages to escape from his captors and returns home, where he starts his journey to priesthood. However, he is plagued by guilt over the Irish people who he left behind, so he decides to return to Ireland to introduce Christianity to the people there.

The movie depicts St. Patrick's journey of faith, his struggles, and eventual triumphs as he tries to spread the word of God to the pagan Irish people. He initially faces a lot of opposition, but his unwavering faith and commitment eventually win over the people. Some of the more iconic scenes include Patrick defeating Druids in a battle of miracles and his famous use of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity.

One of the most significant relationships depicted in the movie is between St. Patrick and King Leary of Tara, played by Bates. There is tension between the two initially, as the King is skeptical of this new religion that Patrick is trying to introduce to his people. However, Patrick's unwavering faith and commitment to his cause eventually convinces the King, leading to the eventual conversion of Ireland to Christianity.

St. Patrick's journey is not just about spreading his faith; it is also about forgiveness and reconciliation. Throughout the movie, he is haunted by his past and the guilt he feels at having deserted his former captors. However, he manages to find healing through the power of forgiveness and compassion.

The movie is well-paced, and the plot is engaging, with a good mix of action, drama, and spirituality. Bergin gives a strong performance as St. Patrick and captures the essence of the saint's resolve, dedication, and deep faith. The supporting cast is also solid, with Luke Griffin putting in an excellent performance as the young Patrick and Alan Bates providing a nuanced portrayal of the skeptical King Leary.

Overall, St. Patrick: The Irish Legend is an inspiring tale of faith, forgiveness, and human resilience. The movie manages to capture the spirit of the patron saint, and his story is told in a way that is both entertaining and respectful. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in religious history, and for those who simply appreciate a good story.

St. Patrick: The Irish Legend is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.