You won't find this film on the Vatican's Top 100 list, but it should be part of every serious gay video library. It speaks volumes to the Catholic church about it's archaic stand on celibacy and all sexuality not just homosexuality.

This is the story of a young curate, Father Greg, sent to a parish in an English town where he is faced with a number of moral issues. First, the Parish Priest is involved in an affair with the housekeeper. Second, a young girl confesses of her father's incestuous activities with her. Finally, he must contend with his own sexuality as he ventures out in search of gay companionship. When he confronts his associate, he is quite effectively argued down by both the priest and the mistress. As far as the young girl's father is concerned, his bond to the secrecy of the confessional prevents him from directly taking any action since the girl refuses to give him permission to speak to her father. And, when he meets a young man that he is interested in, that relationship is complicated by his theological convictions.

The ensuing story is a powerful drama that takes the church, it's policies and teachings to task. It does it quite boldly as the pastor and curate develop a true friendship, each looking out for the other, caring and helping when one is in need. When young Father Greg is 'found out', the pastor sticks by him and makes an 'in your face' issue of the incompassionate and hateful responses from the parishoners and the bishop.

Priest is a very compelling film, filled with conflict and controversy. It aims it's arrow with point-blank accuracy at church policies that are both counter-productive and destructive to both the church as a whole and to individuals who are bound by it's doctrines. The characters in this piece are very real and the performances worthy of acclaim. This is a solid work; well acted and perfectly produced and directed.

BESTBOY'S RATING:

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