Revisado por RMurray847

I'm going to spoil the first 10 minutes or so of the movie for you in this paragraph. I think that's okay, but if you really want to see it without ANY idea of what it's about, don't read further. I knew going into it what the premise was, and did not find my enjoyment spoiled. ALSO, this film is in POLISH with subtitles. If you don't like subtitles (and I'm amazed at the people who will give poor reviews simply because a film dared to not be in English); don't bother. This film focuses on a young man who is a convict about to be "paroled" work in a factory in a small town. Although certainly a sinful man (and it's never in doubt that he is, in fact, sinful), he's also got a religious fervor and interest. So much so, he's applied to allowed into theology school in order to become a priest. That's denied, and he's sent off to the factory. He can't bring himself to show up, and quickly finds himself taken in by the household of the town priest...they think he's a visiting priest and next thing you know, he's on the pulpit serving mass!

This is not a comedy, and despite one or two light moments, it's a pretty heavy film. The townspeople are still recovering from a local tragedy and there's lots of blame and accusation flying around. Everyone is weighted down and held back by anger, hate, fear, remorse, and more. The young "priest" takes his own approach to breaking down the misery of this town.

The movie asks some deep questions about the "work" this priest is doing. Can it be legitimate? He takes confession...but can he provide absolution? He provides words of wisdom or comfort on the pulpit; but what does it mean when the town becomes wiser and takes comfort? How are we, the viewer, supposed to feel about all this? The town needs healing, no doubt. If he's bringing it, can it be wrong? But if he's found out, what will THAT cause?

The movie also explores the faith of this very flawed young man. I found it to be one of the most rewarding looks at how faith can work in the soul of a troubled person: how it heals and how it sometimes FAILS to heal. And how faith can give you some answers, but certainly not all. I found some of the broad themes similar to what Ethan Hawke's minister grapples with in FIRST REFORMED, but CORPUS CHRISTI, in my opinion, cuts deeper and asks far more challenging questions in a more entertaining way.

The film IS entertaining. Hugely so, to me. I felt drawn in by the story and characters and by wondering how it would all end up. You grow to care about many of the characters, and even though you see that it cannot possible end well...you yearn for a Hollywood ending!

The ending of the film moves from the realm of worldly drama to become allegory. The final scenes are tough to watch and even a little difficult to understand. Certainly you'll leave the theater or hit the "stop" button with lots to talk about. It's intellectually stimulating, very human and emotional and star Bartosz Bielenia is riveting. When the religious fervor strikes him, I am reminded (I almost feel sinful saying it) of Maria Falconetti in the startling silent film THE PASSION OF JOAN. It's a great performance that elevates this film from really good to nearly great.

I'm not trying to be condescending here, but this film is not for casual viewing. It's not a "oh, well, there's nothing else on" kind of thing. Go in with your mind open (and your heart), ready to be challenged to think about how the movie makes you feel and WHY. It's not an experience I need every day when I watch movies...but boy, when I'm ready to engage at this level, CORPUS CHRISTI really fits the bill. HIGHLY recommended.