MovieChat Forums > Der neunte Tag (2004) Discussion > the Catholic Church´s role

the Catholic Church´s role

posted 18 years ago by ciguapita
3 replies | jump to latest

this non pretentious film truly touched me in many ways. with a
performance full of inspiration and a well guided direction, it takes
us to the tortuous path of a priest and his reflection on which choice
was the right choice to make. at the same time this movie opens an
interrogation in the way the catholic church took part (or didn't) in
the Nazi era, and it makes me wonder how many Cristians could've died
because of those actions or how many Jewish could've been saved as
well...it's up to you

[–] jiri-severa 17 years ago

You are right...it is an open question, and I do not think the film is particularly concerned in elaborating it. It's primary purpose is to examine the value of individual conscience in a time of crisis, in facing real evil.

The movie obviously has a fictional dimension, and makes no pretension of a historical overview. There were Nazi collaborators in the Church and there were those who detested Nazism as anti-Christian doctrine and practice. The movie simply asks: do we know what evil is, and do we have the courage to face it ? What I like very much about the Ninth Day is that while it adressess itself to everyone, it does not pretend to have answers for everyone. It assumes we all have conscience and will figure it out ourselves.

[–] mikiedodeitz 16 years ago

While I have yet to have the privelege of viewing this film, I have read the book to which the film was based. The book, "Priestblock 25487" by Father Jean Bernard is a portrait of his survivial in a German concentration camp.

Should one take the time needed to study a particular time in history more in depth, one would find that during any period there will be people(s) who "could" have done more, "should" have done more, or "needed" to do more. During the Holocaust, it is true that the Roman Catholic Church, like many other groups "should" have done more to make a stand against Hitler. However, it would be incorrect in saying that they didn't "do anything". Many priests, bishops, and others in the hierarchy of the Church stood tall against Hitler. As did many other groups of people and governments.

If you would like a more "accurate" perspective of Father Jean Bernard's story, please take the time to read his Memoir of Dachau. It too will open your eyes to a time of history that should not be forgotten.

[–] chrissso 8 years ago

The role of the Catholic Church ... and the Pope ... during Hitler's ascension to power and war and disaster is one of the great debates of WW2. This film put that front and center as much as any. More so the total disrespect the Nazis had for the clergy ... or even the non-Aryan religious that they spoke of ... should never be forgotten. This film courageously deals with those issues in a very unique way! BRAVO!!!