Most will find this movie boring!! So its for those interested in psychology of faith.

Rating: 7/10 (28 January 2017)

Most people will find this movie incessantly boring. And to the average movie going public it will be.
The story starts with Liam Neeson. As a Priest he is stuck under arrest in Japan witnessing the torture of many newly converted native Japanese Christians. This then cuts to two young catholic priests: Andrew Garfield (Spiderman) & Adam Driver (Star Wars) discussing with a senior member of the church on a attempted rescue missions of Priest Neeson (or as he is known Father Ferriera). This is because word got back via a letter after some years that he had rescinded on his christians beliefs. The two younger Padres simply cannot believe this - as he was the man who brought them to their faith. They want to save him - not just physically but for his soul too. Therein their adventure ..or more misadventure ..begins. For the next 2 hours they trek to Japan to find him.
I would say this movie is only really for those who are interested in the psychology of faith or have a view about it. They will maybe find some interest in the examples and questions it raises.
This is a story about the prostelyzing Western Christianity pitted against 17th century Japanese Bhuddism. The Japanese are very hostile to it and want to hunt down & purge this "alien faith" out of their shores. (However, it could easily be a story of any dominant belief system pitted against a minority one)
This movie has some connotations to todays religious devotees. Most current in the news being Islam. Certain sects are fanatically faithful to their ways and interpretations of Islam. I am Muslim - so I can relate to some of the tests these Christians face in this movie.
The basic test asked by the Japanese Bhuddist is: "step on this image of Christ if u don't want to get executed" - to the average laymen its probably laughable. But you would have to imagine what if you were imprisoned and asked to spit on and shred something scared to you. ie your last ever picture of your family.
Apostasy and blasphemy isn't much of an issue in Christian communities anymore but its very much prevalent in certain muslim communities. This would be a viable test of faith to apply to a Muslim stepping on the pages of the quran for example. A devotee would be hard pressed to do it.
In the movie those who can't do it are brutalised to death. Those who can, let go as an example to others. This, the two western priests, have to witness being done to their new Japanese converts at great personal anguish and pain. It's a test even to their own faith.
I won't talk anymore about what occurs further into the movie. You will have to watch to find out if they find Father Ferreira. And what happens to them.
The movie seems to be an amalgam of themes from Last Temptation of Christ (the trials of Jesus), Bridge over the River Kwai (the beat down by Japanese militia) and Apocalypse Now (important figurehead goes astray and somebody must find him)
The movie I think asks the question: Is religious faith a good and powerful thing or is it all a bunch of hogwash when put to the test?
Are people falsely imbued with a sense of faith in a heavenly paradise when it gives them nothing but pain?
I am not sure from which angle Scorscece is aiming at faith here. He is either admiring it or proclaiming those who have it are brainwashed fools. You will have to watch the film to make your own mind up.
But Scorscece no doubt finds religion fascinating. If you do then you will get something out of it. If you don't - give it a wide berth and perhaps catch it when its on TV.