Scorese to tackle film about persecuted Christians
- Posted by jasondaye on February 17th, 2009 filed in books, entertainment, faith, film
I feel this is some potentially exciting news in the world of entertainment. Apparently the Academy-Award winning screenwriter, director and producer is going to be making a film based upon the 1966 novel Chinmoku (which translates as Silence) by Shusaku Endo.
The novel traces the adventures of a 17th century Jesuit missionary from Portugal as he ministers in Japan and the ensuing persecution Christ-followers experienced.
As many as 30,000 Japanese are believed to have been persecuted for their Christian faith, which was introduced by Spanish Jesuit Francis Xavier in 1549 but banned for centuries. The Roman Catholic Church last year beatified 188 Japanese martyrs, mostly laypeople who were tortured to death. Christians came out of hiding when Japan ended its policy of self-imposed seclusion in the 1860s.
Source: AFP
I look forward to seeing how Scorsese captures and portrays the plight of Christ-followers in Japan in this film, which is supposed to reach theaters sometime in 2010. Although I have not read Endo’s novel yet I would love to hear from anyone who has. Please take a moment and comment below and let us know your thoughts! Thanks…
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February 17th, 2009 at 10:18 am
This would be around the time of the Amakusa uprising, and the seige of Hara Castle. It was a nasty time, and a lot to consider.
The Tokugawa Shogunate had their reasons for what they did, and given the age they’d brought Japan out of, the Warring States Era, those reasons make sense. They’d finally united Japan after a long, difficult period of civil strife, and they wanted to rebuild a united Japan. Add to that, this was around the time that the Church had a policy of forcing whole nations to convert, see the native populations of both North and South America. They didn’t want that kind of trouble.
The nature of the response was excessive and inhuman, with Christians being crucified in some cases, and burned to death in a macabre dance in others. They would tie a person’s hands, then throw a poncho of dried grass on them and light it on fire. This was done at night to make a better show.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Ivy, thanks for the information regarding this time in history. I agree that the response was excessive… however I am struggling with one statement you made:
“The Tokugawa Shogunate had their reasons for what they did, and given the age they’d brought Japan out of, the Warring States Era, those reasons make sense.”
I want to give you an opportunity to clarify. Personally I do not see how the “reasons” for persecuting any people group can “make sense” as you say.
Your thoughts?
Thanks. Peace.