What a strange film.
I’m still trying to deduce what I’m supposed to get out of it. I know some people have found it to be a wonderful uplifting film, I on the other hand find it really creepy.
The film begins with a priest visiting a young girl who is sick in bed. Everyone is going to a feast and she is sick in bed. He decides to tell her the story of Marcelino over her parents objections.(I’m not sure why they object other than it’s a weird story)
The story of Marcelino takes place in the wake of war. Much of the area was ravaged and is now being rebuilt. There is a fort like area that was destroyed but left in ruins. Some monks ask to be allowed to build a monastery on the site, and permission is granted. After the monastery is built a baby is left on the door step. The monks fall in love with the baby, which they name marcelino. However they know he can’t stay and they try to find the baby a good home but there are no takers. Realizing that there is no other choice they decide to raise the child themselves, more so when the richest man in the area, and a foe of the monks ask for the child. Five years on the Marcelino goes through life around the monks. There is still antagonism with the rich guy, but mostly things go on.
One day after recovering from a scorpion sting Marcelino ends up going into the attic where he becomes fascinated with a large life size Christ on a cross. One day he offers it bread and watcher and it comes down and takes it.
Things get weirder from there, with an ending that is really creepy.
Far be it for me to make judgments but I wouldn’t want anyone telling my kid this story, it’s one of scarier films I’ve seen all year and it’s not a horror film. In all honesty I can’t see what many people see in the film, nor could I understand the chatter on some message boards of people looking for this film. What is it that they click with?
For most of the film as Marcelino goes through life things are fine, it’s once he starts talking to Jesus that things go sideways. Sure Jesus is a sweet guy but his solution for bring on the mother and child reunion is well… not right.
I don’t know what to say.
If you want to see one of the stranger things I’ve seen in 2011 see this film, just be prepared for weirdness.
I saw this movie as a child. It was on TV and my parents were going out for the evening, but allowed my brothers and sisters and I to stay up late to watch it.
ReplyDeleteIt moved me so deeply that I have thought about it from time to time, for almost 50 years.
There is certainly nothing wierd about it, it is sad to think anyone would not want their children to see such a movie, but alas, todays children are treated like little princes and princesses. Seeing a film in black and white, about love, lonliness, faith, Jesus and the intense desire to be loved and cherished by a mother doesn't meet the needs of kids brought up in our Godless society.
You want to talk about scary? Listen to the news, read the papers and get online. The realities of today are scary, almost as scary as a parent not wanting their child to see such a beautiful movie.
You are so right my friend i myself lived in wars almost all my life killing bombing you name it. And i realy respect the writer of this artical but nothing and NOTHING will be grater than talking to the lord him self and i do that all the time and you know what some times when i'm sad and in need when i look and the picture of Jesus i see him crrying with me and i teach my kids allways go to Him and that what he told us to do
Deletevery touching movie for all normal human beings i must suppose. i watched it years ago and it still brings tears to my eyes. was so sad to just read that in real life the little boy who played Marcelino died 13 years ago! for me it is the greatest movie i have ever watched. thank you wonderful counselor, mighty God.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the films that I had the privilege of seeing, which left in me such a deep positive impact about our supposed relationship with God. Indeed, it is a film that helped to build up and improve my spiritual life; and helped me so effectively to value a daily visit to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. For those who love God, there is absolutely nothing weird in that film but rather a rich source of deep spiritual life. What can be more weird than films in which guns and matchets and all sorts of bloody weapons play themselves out as if human life has no more values, yet we watch them and even allow our children to see them. That one is not weird right? But then, a film that truly and veritably edifies everybody is termed "weird". I guess this is a view more of an antichrist!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most prided films that have not only left such a deep positive impression on me, but have also contributed to shaping so radically my spiritual life. This is because, if today, I have such a blazing deep-running ardent devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist (a practice which has so much changed my life for best), it is thanks to this film. I cant really over-emphasize the importance of such a film as this in the life of those who want to love God more through daily adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament (the Holy Eucharist). Indeed, there is absolutely nothing weird or wrong about it. For the godly people, it is rather a film for spiritual upliftment.
ReplyDeleteWhat can be more weird than today's movies in which guns and bombs, matchets and all sorts of deadly weapons play themselves out as if the human life has no more value than that of an animal. Yet, we see these films and even encourage and allow our children to see them! That one is not weird right? Yet, we turn around to call a film that has built up the spiritual lives of millions across generations "weird" just because of a paranoid bias. Indeed, I see that opinion as more of that of an antichrist.
this movie is really a must watch one, and i encourage every parent to get a copy of it for their children instead of buying other films without value.
ReplyDeleteI saw this movie as a first grader. Our class in catholic school went to the theater as a group and watched it. I remember parts of it til this day so vividly. I was so moved and affected by it. I think of it at times. Now I am 62 years old, and have been fighting advanced stage 4 cancer for more than three years. After being diagnosed, I had a deep desire to see it again. I have struggled with the idea of it though, wondering if my memories of it should be left as they are and not disturbed. When the end of your life becomes imminent, and you have to evaluate your life and your relationship with God, questions become clearer and your yearning for peace becomes urgent. I was deeply impacted by the movie as it made the person of Christ real and tangible. The loneliness of Marcelino, his innocence, and his vulnerability made him a very compelling presence. It is difficult for me to understand why anyone would object to showing this precious movie to children. Anyone who views the film as frightening may want to examine their motives and fears. The only frightening aspect of the movie is that it forces one to evaluate his or her faith, relationship and understanding of God, and his or her view of Christ as a person.
ReplyDeleteWe also went as a class in first grade Catholic school, St. Peter's in Haverstraw, NY.
DeleteLet the little children come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Marcellino saw with a child's faith of innocence and kindness and compassion. Adults too often lose the simplicity and the heart-felt message of Christ.
Praying for you in your cancer.
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