Black Robe (1991)

Black Robe is a historical drama film that deals with the interaction between the French and the Indians. The film was directed by Bruce Beresford and is based on Brian Moore's novel of the same name. The film takes place in the early 17th century in the region of Québec that was discovered and colonized by the French monk Samuel de Champlain.

The main character of the movie is Father Laforgue (Lothaire Bluteau), a French Jesuit priest. Laforgue is one of the priests serving in Quebec and a person who led the efforts of French missionaries to spread Christianity to the native Native American people. Laforgue and a group of missionaries set out for the interior to spread Christianity to the Native American Indians.

However, the journey will be difficult and dangerous. Laforgue and his friends are forced to traverse a region filled with deep forests and steep mountains. On the way, they encounter various obstacles and dangers. Laforgue's learning of the indigenous language and his attempts to communicate with local leaders drew the backlash of some tribes.

Laforgue and his friends finally reach an area inhabited by the Algonkin tribes. The Algonquian tribes consider the French and Christianity a threat to Native American culture, and Laforgue's efforts to spread the Christian faith are not welcome among the tribes.

Later in the movie, Laforgue begins to question his own beliefs and judgments. He considers whether the Indians respect their own beliefs and traditions, and whether it is right to impose a different faith such as Christianity. Laforgue also believes that the French, who are accused of disturbing the natural life of the Indians, should in fact criticize themselves.

"Black Robe" is a historical drama film dealing with the interaction between the French and the Indians. The film deals with issues such as intercultural differences, conflict of beliefs, missionary, exploration and prejudice.

• The movie is based on Brian Moore's novel of the same name.
• The film's director, Bruce Beresford, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director in 1989 for his work on "Mississippi Burning."
• Filming took place in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
• The costumes and locations of the movie are realistically designed. In particular, the Indians' clothing, accessories, and the depiction of the wilderness were prepared in accordance with natural and historical details.
• Influenced by the then-popular "New Age" music genre for the naturally played flutes of Native American figures, the filmmakers provided the soundtrack for the film.
• The film caused many misunderstandings and controversial issues in the history of Native American culture and French explorers in North America. Some critics noted that the film portrays Indians in a stereotypical way and departs from historical facts.

Director : Bruce Beresford
Writers : Brian Moore
Director of Photography : Peter James

Music : Georges Delerue
Production : 1991 - Australia, Canada, USA - 101 m.
Genre : Adventure / Drama / War

CAST :

Lothaire Bluteau

Aden Young

Sandrine Holt

August Schellenberg

Tantoo Cardinal

Billy Two Rivers