Lovesusti The Worst Film Ever

VividSimon Simply Perfect

CommentsXp Best movie ever!

Caryl 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.

sydneyswesternsuburbs Director Brendan Muldowney has created a gem in Pilgrimage.Starring Tom Holland.Also starring Richard Armitage who has been in another classic flick, Into the Storm 2014 plus the classic TV Series Strike Back 2010-2017.Also starring Jon Bernthal who has been in other classic flicks, Wind River 2017, Sicario 2015, Fury 2014 and the classic TV Series The Walking Dead 2010-2018 and the classic TV Mini-Series The Pacific 2010.I enjoyed the violence.If you enjoyed this as much as I did then check out other classic religious flicks, Made in France 2015, Deliver us From Evil 2014, The Devil's Candy 2015, Rebirth 2016 and Cleanskin 2012.

Mark Turner Originality in films is rare. Most are based on several well used formats with little or no changes from one to the next. So when a movie comes along that uses a plot device that you've not seen used prior it makes you curious. In some cases the result is bad, others perplexing and, as in the case of PILGRIMAGE quite nice.The year is 1209 and on a small island in Ireland a group of monks protects a sacred relic from the outside world. Then an emissary from the Pope arrives to tell them his holiness requires that the relic be transferred to Italy immediately. The monks are hesitant but follow the instructions sent by the Pope.So begins a journey to bring the relic back to the home of the Church. Among the group of monks is a young novice named Brother Diarmuid (Tom Holland), a wide eyed innocent who has not yet been exposed to the brutality of the world. By his side is a man known only as The Mute (Jon Bernthal), a man with a past having already fought in one Crusade or another. His silence is in part due to his penance for acts that occurred there. Also along are a few of the other monks as well as Brother Geraldus, the man sent by the Pope.There journey begins uneventful but as they travel they are intercepted by a group of knights, Normans the leader of which pays his respects and offers them safe passage in return for two items. First, he would like to see what the relic looks like. Second, absolution for the deaths he and his men have inflicted over the years.Both wishes are granted and the relic is revealed as an item touched by the hand of Matthias, the disciple chosen to replace Judas after his fall. It is said that the relic is blessed with that touch leaving it one of the holiest of items to be found. That the Pope wants it brought to Italy says it all.But there is betrayal to be found here as the son of this nobleman wants the relic for himself. Rather than aid the group in their travels he sends them into a trap only to catch up with those he employed later. With a few of the group uncaptured they try and reclaim the relic and continue on their journey. But this will not be an easy task. In the end the young Diarmuid must grow up and the Mute must put his faith on display by returning to old methods he'd chosen to leave behind. And just who is worthy of possession of the relic will be revealed.The first thing that makes this film different than most is the location and how it is displayed on screen. This is not the hilly Ireland full of lush green vegetation that we've grown accustomed to in films like THE QUIET MAN. Certainly there is plenty of green in the forest but the landscape is a bleak one displaying the problems that would have been faced not only in living off the land but in traversing it as well.The combination of not knowing exactly who the good guys and bad guys are also makes the film interesting. One is never quite sure just what and how valuable the relic is at first and once revealed the motivations of all involved in the handling of that relic come into question. So much so that the result of what happens with it shows that one considered worthy might actually have been the most destructive presence on the trip.The acting here is well done with much of the film spoken in several languages that make the subtitles a must have. Gaelic and French as well as English are spoken and each of the actors does a fine job switching from one to another. Holland, mostly known now for his role as Spider-man, shows a naivety that's required for the role. But it is Bernthal who stands out. He's made a name for himself over the past few years starring first in THE WALKING DEAD and racking up numerous credits since then. His silence here speaks volumes and his berserker skills make him a formidable combatant. But it is the display of faith through his actions and expressions that cause one to pay attention when he is on screen.This is not your average every day movie but that shouldn't stop you from seeking it out. The story is compelling and the acting, as stated, make it worth watching.

areatw While 'Pilgrimage' is much better than expected in many areas, especially for a low-budget medieval drama, it falls short in two of the most crucial aspects of any film - the development of the storyline and characters. The story just isn't up to the standard needed for a film. It's too generic and completely forgettable. The action scenes are few and far between and, while they are well produced, they don't make up for the many lulls and dull patches the film goes through.It's a similar story with the characters. They are bland and uninteresting, with next to no character development. If the characters aren't intended to be the focus of the film, then the plot should at least be good enough to make up for it. Unfortunately it isn't and the film just ends up being boring. The best thing about 'Pilgrimage' is the cinematography and overall production value - it feels like a much more expensive production than it actually is.

lipjam As a student of theology I am always drawn to movies like this. However, I am often left disappointed, and somewhat frustrated. This one is no exception but overall it is definitely worth a watch. As a movie it is a good yarn with a story line that moves along quite nicely. As far as performances go they are very strong. Tom Holland is a great young actor who is more than up to his role. He walks the line of young naive man faced with difficult theological choices and as such earns the viewer's sympathy and admiration. I am a fan of Jon Bernthal ever since his appearance in The Walking Dead and will watch anything with him in it. He carries off the role of mute with a commanding and menacing presence. A task not easy to accomplish with very limited dialogue. Richard Armitage also does a fine job Although I cannot comment on the accuracy of his French accent :). Stanley Weber, John Lynch and the whole supporting cast are all very capable and believable. The director Brendan Muldowney does a fine job and I will watch with interest for his future work. I also really like the use of many languages which always adds an interesting ingredient to any movie. If I were to sum this story up I would in the following: "A story of faith and ambition and how one can be usurped by the other."As a story about a relic and what it inspires, it is a fine one. The power of faith is a fascinating aspect of humanity. We all need to believe in something whether it is the big bang theory or creationism. Faith, if strong enough, can motivate us to wondrous achievements or diabolical destruction. Powerful faith and the symbols of it also attract the ambitious. Ambition is also in us all and its draw is impossible to deny. When faith meets ambition a battle is imminent. This story is nuanced and faceted with elements such as loyalty, betrayal, friendship and revenge but which all flow from the primary motivators: faith and ambition. For the average viewer it may be too much so and as such the attention to detail may be lost. However, that does not take away from the performances which are very strong, the story which is engrossing and the cinematography which is magnificent. I love to see the beautiful Irish landscape portrayed on the big screen.My only caveat was the ending. I found it unsatisfying. I will say no more than it lacked any positive conclusion. The banality of the human struggle. We live, we struggle and we die. HEY: They don't all die in the end. I am not saying that in case you think I just spoiled the ending. Well they don't but I found it just rang too much of the initial cynicism of Ecclesiastics: Vanity of vanities; all is vanity. However, even the writer of Ecclesiastes realised that there are things bigger than ourselves and there is purpose to it all that only God knows. So we trust in God and do the best we can. It could be argued that this message was in the movie but I did not find it apparent in the ending. There were certainly elements displayed, particularly when they follow the bell in the bog. However, it just seemed to unravel at the end. I am an optimist and I like happy endings, especially in the movies I watch. Failing that I settle for resolution. I got neither. I watch movies to be entertained, not to be depressed or frustrated. If I want that i just go out my front door. Thank you very much.Having said all that I realise it is only a movie and as such it a right good one. Overall, a recommended watch.