Why so much hype?

Sadly Over-hyped

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Black Robe, while not a movie for all tastes, is an absolute masterpiece. It follows Father LaForgue, a Jesuit missionary, accompanied by a small group of Algonquin Indians, as they travel from Quebec to the land of the Huron Indians in 1634 Canada. LaForgue believes his mission in life is to show Native Americans the way to "Paradise", and he plans to station himself in a mission located in the Huron country 1500 miles from Quebec.Along the way the Native culture and values are shown as well as those of the French and especially Father Laforgue. There are some similarities (both cultures play music and dance as a prelude to a trip), and many differences (Father Laforgue wants to save his tobacco for future trade value while the Algonquins don't understand not using something they want now. They also share everything they have and they are angry at Laforgue for not sharing). The native culture, while seeming to be impractical sometimes, nevertheless often helps them cope with a very harsh existence. The Jesuit beliefs sometimes seem totally inappropriate and not at all applicable to the natives. In other words both cultures are sometimes a bit "crazy" and both can be useful at times. Also it is clear that neither side really tries to understand the other.Black Robe is realistic and uncompromising unlike any other movie. It does not paint any of the characters or cultures as superior or inferior to the other. They are what they are.Ultimately the movie is a unique, realistic view into life in the 1600s in upper Canada. Every scene is an absolute gift to a movie viewer with at least some passing interest in early North American times. A slight caution is in order. As in real life, there is some gruesome violence, cruelty, and sexuality portrayed here.Black Robe is truly a great achievement and one of the best movies ever made.

It's 1634 Quebec. LaForgue (Lothaire Bluteau) is a Jesuit which the natives call Black Robe. He and young Daniel (Aden Young) are sent on a dangerous journey by Champlain to the distant mission with the Hurons. They are guided by a group of Algonquin Indians led by Chomina (August Schellenberg). Daniel falls for Chomina's daughter Annuka (Sandrine Holt). Simple things like a clock and writing seems to be magic for the natives and they suspect Black Robe is a demon.There is great realism in this movie. The characters are human and complex. There is confusion and lots of misunderstandings. It's a no nonsense take on the grim early interactions. Both sides are doing what they perceive to be right but the clash of cultures is too much. The acting is superb especially from August Schellenberg. The locations are grand and they have a brooding danger about them. The wilderness takes the movie and never lets it go.

Interesting drama, set in 17th century Canada. Plot is solid, though takes a while to develop. After a point, however, it becomes a good adventure/survival story. Obviously many of the points the director Bruce Beresford and writer of the book and screenplay, Brian Moore, wanted to make with the movie are the effects of religion, and its messengers, on the unconverted masses it comes into contact with. This is done reasonably well, and some of the reactions of the natives are quite interesting, and very plausible. However, the ultimate conclusion is a bit unsatisfactory, and overly simplistic.Decent performances, though none stand out.

Gorgeous movie. My only real problem is the screen at the end claiming that the Indians got wiped out after they converted. They did, ... but there was also this little thing called the French and Indian War.And in that war, these Indians happened to side with the French. The F&I War was pretty dang big, cost enough money to cause the American Revolution a few years later, and ended in a gargantuan battle where the British won because the kill ratio was 3 dead French/allies for every 2 British/allies.So yeah, the movie's a little disingenuous there.Also, what's with this stupid 10-line minimum?