Insight "Molokai" is a film of grand and epic proportions. First there is the cast. David Wenham [The Bank, Russian Doll], Kris Kristofferson [Planet of the Apes], Tom Wikinson [In The Bedroom, The Patriot], Sam Neill [Jurasic Park 3, The Piano], Peter O'Toole [Global Heresy, The Manor], Leo McKern [Travelling North, Ladyhawke], Derek Jacobi [Gosford Park], Chris Haywood [One Night The Moon, Monkey Mask], Kate Agnew [Lillian's Story] and Aden Young [Serenades, Under Heaven]. Of course a great cast must have a screenplay to support them and excellent direction to mould and direct their talents. This comes first from writer John Briley [Ghandi, The Medussa Touch, Cry Freedom, Tai-Pan] whose career dates back to the 1961 film "Invasion Quartet". Direction comes from Paul Cox [Man of Flowers, Cactus, Vincent, Innocence, The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky] who shows he has a gift for films in this special genre. "Molokai" lives little to the imagination in this true story of the Belgium priest Father Damien who left the safety of the mainland to take care of the lepers on Molokai. It is a story of true sacrifice, of unwavering faith, hope and spiritual love beyond belief. The settings, scenery and images of those souls left to a terrible fate are vivid and hauntingly beautiful. "Molokai" may move you to say a little prayer thanking God for allowing us to live in an age where this disease can be controlled and in developed countries doesn't exist as a threat to the lives of us and our children." The Story Father Damian [David Wenham] moves to the island of Molokai, a leper colony, to live with and tend the souls of its hapless inhabitants. It is a grave risk, for to live amongst the lepers he will surely face the same fate as those he wants to care for the most. It is a struggle against the degeneration of those who are resigned to their fate, but Father Damien battles on against all odds. Support gathers around the world when they hear of his marvellous work and his undying passion, devotion and love for the lepers. "Molokai" is no fable! "Molokai" is the true story of a hero of the 19th century who sacrificed his all in the name of God and compassion. The Verdict "A moving tale of human tragedy so full of emotion that at times it can become soul destroying. "Molokai" has all the ingredients needed to make this a true epic. The right cast, wonderful images and a real life hero Father Damien, played with remarkable sensitivity by David Wenham. Director Paul Cox, writer John Briley and Cinematographer Nino Martinetti have ensured that "Molokai" is a true memorial to such a great human being." The Critics "Molokai boasts a strong cast of recognizable veteran actors in supporting roles: Peter O’Toole, Derek Jacobi, Kris Kristofferson and Sam Neill. Wenham is also very capable in the lead role, making you believe in the trials and the plight of the compassionate zealot. The inspiring story of Father Damien is set in an interesting period of history: Hawaii had been colonized but not yet annexed by America. Science was starting to work wonders but ancient plagues like leprosy persisted."
Mike DeWolf APOLLO REVIEWS
"Surely no director in the history of film has shown greater interest in human suffering than Paul Cox. Hawaii has never looked more lush or gorgeous. And the film is uniformly well-acted."
Stephen Cole NATIONAL POST
"Father Damien is wonderfully portrayed in this film by Australian actor David Wenham. Kris Kristofferson, Peter O'Toole, Derek Jacobi, Sam Neill, Alice Krige, Aden Young, Leo McKern and Tom Wilkinson are also in the superb cast. the reminder that there was a time when heroic action, charity and spiritual thought were as much a part of everyday consciousness.."
Liz Braun TORONTO SUN
"Wenham is magnificent ... a stirring and humbling film that you will never forget"
Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE
"A riveting portrait in which acting is invisible ... a gem."
Andrew L Urban URBAN CINEFILE
"A moving and epic tribute to a sacrificial life ... a powerful story."
Richard Leonard CATHOLIC FILM OFFICE The Cast

David Wenham Sam Neill Leo McKern Kris Kristofferson Peter O'Toole Derek Jacobi Tom Wilkinson Kate Agnew Nan Asuncion Larry Bialock Charlene Campbell Joseph Cariago Jr Kate Ceberano Curtis Crabbe Jan Decleir Kimo Farm Randy Fyjimori Chris Haywood Thom Hoffman Aden Young

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Father Damien Walter Murray Gibson Bishop Maigret Rudolph Meyer William Williamson Father Leonor Fouesnel Joseph Dutton Sister Leopoldina Mrs Meyer White Gentleman Emma's Mother Teenage Little Bishop Princess Liliuokalani Amon Bishop Köckerman Jimmy Kaho'ohuli Clayton Strawn Dr William Saxe Dr Kalewis

Directed by Paul Cox Written by by John Briley Cinematographer Nino Martinetti Run Time 122 minutes RATED PG [AUST] ©2002 - Sharmill Films - All Rights Reserved ©2002 - The Movie Pages - All Rights Reserved