More Anti Catholic sentiment

Erhm, just saying, "the Church" has a long history of corruption, especially during the late middle ages. A priest sleeping around isn't that hard to fathom, when we knew it was somewhat commonplace for bishops to have sons. I thought this film ended up more anti-feudal (lords) and staunchily against the politics-religion combo than anything else... but yeah, it is annoying when Hollywood types bash "the Church", but really, there are some 'classics' and fairly recent films that explores Catholicism (albeit the mysterious/magical ritual side) in a pretty good light.

I think the movie very much did Nathaniel justice - despite his severe flaws he had a good soul and fought for justice. Speaking as a Catholic myself, I had no problem with the movie's portrayal of the Church.

I'd much rather see a clergyman portrayed as a real, flawed human being than some sort of pristine deity.

And in any case, a flatly virtuous and upright priest would make a pretty boring lead protagonist.

[deleted]

[deleted]

QUOTE:
"Does Denise do any moaning and groaning cuz otherwise I won't waste my time watching the movie. Any sexual things. at all?" -ruckerruler-1
(From the IMDB message board for the movie Valentine)

Yeah, I really wanna listen to you talk about religion and morals.... cause you're SUCH a pious, pure individual....

Idiot.

I'm not an expert in Medieval studies, but I have done a lot of research and, the fact is, the Church wasn't the bastion of purity it portrayed itself to be. Bishops often inherited their posts, celibacy wasn't always upheld, and some priests were pedophiles. And, don't even get me started on the Inquisitions and Crusades. Mass murder, anyone?

Really, this isn't a terribly inaccurate portrayal of the state of religion during this time. People are fallable, and the Church is run by people. Power can corrupt those in any walk of life, after all, and the Church had a huge amount of power.

What kind of "loose living ideals" are those? To earn an honest living acting? And I can't believe you are talking about Mel Gibson and religion and morals. Isn't this the wrong website for proselytizing (except about the many historical inaccuracies in his work?)

Go back to the religious channel if you find the rest of the world too fallible (which it truly is).

"Nobody's perfect."

I don't think you actually got the point of the whole story. Nicolas' guilt for what he did (which, by the way, had him banished. He didn't decide to leave at his own free will.) is what leads him throughout the film to search for redemption, which he does so in solving the murder case. Nicolas isn't a character meant to mock the Church, as he clearly loves his religion, but he's constantly torn between his faith and his desire.

I wouldn't call Martin's lifestyle "loose" either as it hasn't been proven that he does much else but drink at the pub, a common outing, when he isn't acting. Nicolas didn't support the change of play much either, but Martin connected the case with morality and they decided for it. Bear also in mind that this is set in Medieval times when people went to see executions for entertainment, so a play about a murder was just the thing to see.

Historically speaking, as well, people have used the church as a cover up for murder since the beginning. Bloody Mary Tudor in particular comes to mind. If you think it's Hollywood's doing, look at literature. Victor Hugo wrote Notre Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and wrote the character of Frollo as the "villain" (though he's more of a Byronic hero, technically speaking). He didn't make a mockery of religion, though, because he used faith, dogma and redemption as the main themes of the book and shows redemption in the sanctuary of the church.

My point is that this method of showing both the good and bad sides of religion has been around for ages, long before Hollywood movies even existed.

Also, before you try to criticise a film, whichever way you chose, please check your spelling and grammar.

---
I can't help being a gorgeous fiend. It's just the card I draw!-Lestat