Watch The Father Kino Story

The Father Kino Story, released in 1976, is a historical drama film that portrays the life and times of Father Eusebio Kino, a Jesuit missionary who lived in the 17th century. The character of Father Kino was played by Richard Egan, who masterfully portrayed the role with great dignity and conviction. The story of Father Kino is an intriguing one, as he is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the colonial history of the American Southwest. He was born in Italy, and he trained as a Jesuit priest before coming to America in 1681. He spent most of his life in the Spanish colonies of what is now Mexico, working to convert indigenous peoples to Catholicism and establish missions throughout the region.

The movie focuses on Father Kino's work in the Piman Indian villages that he established, and it shows how he worked tirelessly to build a relationship of trust and respect with the Piman people. It also depicts how he navigated the delicate political landscape of the Spanish colonies, working with various factions to ensure that his missions were able to thrive.

Throughout the movie, we see Father Kino battling against various obstacles, including droughts, famine, and conflicts with neighboring tribes. We also see him working to build community infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, and establishing sustainable agriculture and water management practices.

One of the key themes of the movie is the tension between the colonial powers and the indigenous peoples of the region. Father Kino was often caught in the middle of this conflict, as he worked with the Spanish government to establish missions, but also sought to protect the interests of the Piman people.

The movie was filmed on location in Mexico, and it features stunning landscapes and beautiful cinematography. The performances of the supporting cast are also excellent, particularly Ricardo Montalban, who plays Father Kino's friend and fellow Jesuit missionary, and John Ireland, who plays the cunning Governor of Sonora.

Overall, The Father Kino Story is a compelling and thought-provoking movie that does an excellent job of portraying the life and work of one of America's most influential Jesuit missionaries. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the colonial history of the American Southwest, as well as for those interested in the religious, social, and political forces that shaped the region during this pivotal period of history.

The Father Kino Story is a 2009 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.