The Father Damien Story - An Uncommon Kindness
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Actor: Robin WilliamsBrand: ALLUMINATION FILM WORKS LLC
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 60 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-07-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Allumination
DVD Reviews of The Father Damien Story - An Uncommon Kindness
DVD Review: An 1800s Male Mother Theresa
Summary: 4 Stars
In the 1800s, a Belgian priest helped abandoned Polynesian lepers and died from the disease while assisting them. He did this work despite laypeople, Protestant clergy, and Catholic clergy that tried to sabotage his efforts.
I had the mistaken belief that the Hawaiian leper colony was a helpful thing where all Anglophone lepers could seek assistance. "The Simpsons" episode on the topic further clouded my view. This documentary shows that this is all lies and that thankfully a cure for the illness was found in the 1940s.
The documentary may remind one of AIDS activists, both living and deceased, especially those who had or have the virus themselves. Hearing of Father Damien also reminded me of my admiration for Father Desmond Tutu. In a time when the Catholic Church is receiving bad press due to abuse accusations, this film may remind many of valiant clergy members of the past.
This film lacked the cheesy reenactments of most modern documentaries. Instead, it showed the many paintings of the Father and his flock. Some may find it hard to hear Robin Williams play a part in a serious subject. I admit that this work made my eyes water and I think it is purposely meant to be a tearjerker.
The film begins with Belgians repatriating the Father's coffin to Europe. Before this, I had only known of Native Americans asking the American government for their deceased and South Africans asking the French government for the remain of Sarah Bartmann/the Hottentot Venus. In short, I've heard of people of color asking white leaders from remains. Here it happens the other way around. In the end, we learn that his remains are in both Belgium and Hawaii.
I only have two critiques of this work. First, I am worried that it may rely upon "great white hope" ideas, the same that work in movies about white teachers in mostly-minority schools. Yes, the Father deserves much praise. However, colonialism and imperialism is to blame for the spread of leprosy among these indigenous peoples. Native Hawaiians didn't want to abandon their sick relatives; white settlers demanded it. Damien was helpful, but it would be nice if we didn't have an oppressive and white-supremacist past that allowed a tragedy like this to happen. Secondly, all the academics interviewed were white. I imagine that in the Hawaiian Islands there are several scholars of color who could have said profound things about the Father and the epidemic. I would have liked to have heard their voices and seen their faces.
This documentary will be powerful for many: Catholics, indigenous people, progressives, public health advocates, history buffs, and many others. I am pleased to have learned about this important and selfless man.
Description of The Father Damien Story - An Uncommon Kindness
This program tells the story of Father Damien a priest whose modest beginnings gave way to eventual greatness. Narrated by Robin Williams AN UNCOMMON KINDNESS explores Damien's work with the sufferers of leprosy quarantined to islands off Hawaii in 1872.System Requirements:Running Time 60 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 783722737422 Manufacturer No: AFW27374Bestsellers in DVD
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