Silence, a horror movie released in 2016, directed by Martin Scorsese is a masterpiece that takes the audience on an eerie and atmospheric journey. The movie is based on the novel “Silence” written by Shusaku Endo.
It portrays the story of two Portuguese Jesuit priests who travel to Japan in 1633 to find their mentor, Father Ferreira, who has gone missing. The movie’s theme revolves around faith, suffering, and sacrifice.
The Silence Movie Plot
The Silence movie follows the story of Father Rodrigues (played by Andrew Garfield) and Father Garupe (played by Adam Driver), who travel to feudal Japan in search of their mentor, Father Ferreira (played by Liam Neeson). They soon discover that Christianity is banned in Japan and anyone caught practicing it will face persecution or death.
The two priests have to keep their mission hidden and rely on the help of underground Christians. As they travel through the country, they witness unimaginable horrors as Japanese officials torture those suspected of practicing Christianity.
Their journey brings them face-to-face with Kichijiro (played by Yosuke Kubozuka), a Japanese Christian who confesses his faith but repeatedly renounces it when faced with persecution. The priests struggle with their faith as they witness the torture of fellow Christians and are forced to make difficult choices.
As the story progresses, Father Rodrigues finally meets his mentor but discovers that he has renounced his faith and embraced Buddhism. Father Rodrigues is then faced with a difficult choice: renounce his faith in Christ or watch as fellow Christians are tortured and killed.
Scary Elements
Silence may not be your typical horror movie with jump scares and ghosts; however, it has its own set of scary elements that make it eerie and unsettling.
One element that makes this movie scary is its portrayal of violence. The movie depicts gruesome torture scenes that are difficult to watch, such as the victims being scalded with boiling water or hung upside down over a pit of excrement. The violence is not just physical but also psychological as the priests are forced to witness the torture of their fellow Christians.
Another scary element is the movie’s use of silence. The movie’s title is quite literal as there are several scenes with no dialogue or background music, which creates a sense of unease and tension. The silence builds up suspense, creating an atmosphere that makes the audience feel like something terrible is about to happen.
Conclusion
Silence is not your typical horror movie; however, it still manages to be terrifying in its own way. The movie’s themes of faith and sacrifice make it a thought-provoking watch, while its portrayal of violence and use of silence create an atmosphere that will leave you feeling uneasy long after the credits roll.
If you’re looking for a horror movie that will scare you in a unique way, Silence is definitely worth checking out. Just be warned: it’s not for the faint-hearted!