Im Namen des...

I saw this film as part of the official Competition section of the Berlinale 2013. The theme at hand is very relevant in the context of child abuse as came to light in recent years, but there is more to it than that in this film. While the "children" in this film are nearly old enough to count as consensual adults, there is always the relationship between teacher and pupil to block any sort of romantic involvement. And there is the issue of celibacy for Roman Catholic priests. And if that is not enough, any intimacy between men and boys (whatever their age) is frowned upon by not only the church but also not accepted by the average man/woman in the street. The scenario contains elements of all these issues, mixed together in a believable story line.

As a bonus we see also the dilemmas that the church has to face when becoming aware that things are deviating from the official path. Our main character, priest Adam, has a proved track record of having a positive influence at all locations where he worked before. Nevertheless, there was always something going on, allegedly or not, that the church could not approve. And even when proving untrue rumors after all, it could have repercussions on their charitable work by the sheer suggestion alone. A transfer to a different place with the proverbial clean slate is then the next best thing the clerical hierarchy can do in their context, since dismissing him would be a loss for the social work that the church wants to continue at any price.

All of the above issues are intermixed in this film. That is done in such a way that one has difficulties to choose for either side, even for or against the church who is often maneuvered in a difficult position. And there is always some form of collateral damage due to suddenly broken relationships, deserving our pity as well. The perfect casting and superb acting carry this film and make into a believable piece of work. Having lived devoid of religious beliefs for the greater part of my life, I cannot follow in the footsteps of most of the characters in this film. And we should not forget this this happens in Poland, but even being from The Netherlands where I live, we know that their actions and beliefs are not extreme or otherwise unbelievable.

it can be beautiful, strange or ambiguous. courageous or to close by blasphemy. in fact, it is only impressive. cold and bitter, gray and strange, it is not exactly a love story but image of a self definition fight. the theme makes difference not for the story itself but for the status of ingredient in a Polish movie. and the most important virtue , in this case, is the performance who sustain not only the story but the intentions of director. it is not easy to say if it is a good or bad film. because, after its end, important remains only the feeling. a kind of emotion who makes the film to be part of your memories. and image of an isle in which nothing can be clear, nothing has solution or roots. a film about solitude of choices. and that is all.

I think I've picked this film to watch several years apart. I found it very heart felt and interesting. A priest struggling with his sexuality. Boys struggling with theirs.

The film is a bit slow, with less action and even less dialogue ... However, it is a great film because it manages to evoke the maximum frustration that a Catholic priest has to face, leaving aside the work he does, unfolds is also a MAN and that every man needs to love and feel loved, to hug and be hugged in turn, to communicate about his joys, needs, feelings and pains ... From what I understand, life is a nightmare for these Catholic priests, because they are forbidden to lead a normal life.

Great acting The scenes are done nicely Camera is just above average Sounds are nicely done The story is well told, like the script above average quality Clearly see the conflict between someone that is raised in the big city and going to a more outskirt place.

A movie about community, getting respect and ranks Importance of the community what is being valued and therefore feared and will listen As he forfill a duty with the community and hold his norms and value all the time, especially in public.

Still, he is a human and need to know how to fit in the community and interact with them to keep his position and respect.

He got tested so many times and almost all the time it is hard to keep it straight and having the right answer for it. Everybody is looking at him as a release, escape and know it all, but he is none to release his. Makes it unbearable Especially the new guy challenge him, the difficulty is that the new guy got good integrated.

When looking for help he notices he was always for the people he needed to be but when he needed help from those, he should be able to rely on he did not get anything.

Very well done on meeting the higher supervisor, as it feels like how the church is running a company and do not want to lose someone over a small incident that could help them to make much.

The end is just a closure, where the one ends and the other begins.

Would like to have more clarity and more action, so it is more pleasant to watch even if it is not really bored, but it is just relaxing.