Priest [1994]

Father Greg Pilkington (Linus Roache) has to struggle with his own conflicting emotions about being gay AND being a priest, whilst dealing with the day-to-day reality of what his 'job' as a priest entails. And when he is confronted with the awful situation of a young girl who reveals to him that she is being sexually abused by her father, his faith is shaken to it's core. Pilkington (although bound by the confidentiality of the confessional), attempts to confront the father, who sneers in his face and flatly refuses to accept that his actions are wrong. With a deep feeling of powerlessness against such an evil, coupled with his denial of his own love for his partner (played brilliantly by Robert Carlyle), Father Pilkington finds himself in turmoil. Things are brought to a head when he is caught 'in flagrante' with his lover by the police, leading to consternation within his parish, and his (temporary) removal from the church whilst he does his pennance. But the friendship and support of another priest, Father Thomas (Tom Wilkinson, also of Full Monty fame) brings him back from the brink. Only Father Thomas' ability to challenge his own narrow-mindedness by accepting Pilkington's homosexuality (and hence realising his ultimately good and loving nature), is able to pull Plikington back from turning away from the priesthood completely.

Although at times harrowing and serious, "Priest" also has some great moments that are brilliantly funny, like when Pilkington asks a stone-faced woman with a neck-brace if she has hurt her neck, to which she replies "No, I'm a dedicated follower of fashion." Also, Tony Booth (Tony Blair's father-in-law!) makes a hilarious (albeit serious) cameo as he angrily objects to Pilkington's reinstatement, and shouts "No! This is NOT ON! Have you got Jeremy Beadle stashed somewhere or what?"

The scenes where Pilkington is together with his partner (Carlyle) are both sensual and exhilirating, and do not flinch from portraying their homosexual relationship as erotically and candidly as should be done alot more in modern day cinema. Another excellent touch is the use of location-specific music. Set in Liverpool, an amazing rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' brings the film to an emotional and powerful climax. Infact, the lyrics of that song express succinctly what this film is all about.

Maybe not for the narrow-minded, "Priest" is no more of an insult to Catholic people as is the price of cheese. If anything, it seeks only to challenge those who run and use the Church for their own ends, at the expense of those who seek to serve the People. Ultimately, this film is a hopeful message that, despite differences of lifestyle, opinions, and beliefs, people may live together in happiness through friendship, love and understanding.


Wonderful! Gripping! Funny! Emotional! Buy it!   August 24, 2001
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I am SO glad that I bought this video. It is a film that can....and will be watched over and over again. You can't help feeling involved in the story. I had my expectations that the story was going to be solely about the sexuality of the priest, but it's not. Yes it plays a large part of the film, but a lot of it is struggle with the morals and ethics of being a priest, and his being accepted by the community, when he is "outed".

I urge you to buy this video.


A ground breaking, shocking piece of cinematography   May 29, 2001
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

If ever a film should have won awards, then it is this one. Every scene has meaning, with plot and sub plot intermingling to keep the audience glued to the screen. Never before (except with Ken Loach's films) has grittiness been so well mixed with romance and clear cynicism. Linus Roache gives a superb portrayal of a man, plagued by guilt borne out of unrealistic societal expectation of modern day priests. Faced with the constraints and traditionalism of the Catholic church, he crumbles under his own desires and self-loathing. The dilemmas facing modern day priesthood are explored without patronising any of the characters involved. This is a must see film.


A film that the Roman Catholic Church attempted to ban   November 15, 2000
11 out of 13 found this review helpful

A film that the Roman Catholic Church attempted to ban for its portrayal of a priest in love (and with anothe gay man). Attempting to show the twistedness of faith, the priest must come to terms with why God is cruel, how can he love a man and how can he remain faithful to his God and church. Robert Carlyle (best known as Begbie in Trainspotting) gives an outstanding performance as the lover of the priest.