I didn't expect much of this movie but saw Paul Sorvino's name so I gave it a try. Glad I did!
The plot was not totally far fetched. A crazed priest believing God gave him permission to assassinate corrupt people, brings young boys under his wing and has them train as hit men. No different than the Mafioso, but added religious validation into the mix. We already know corrupt priests with the abuse in the Catholic church rampant for many years, so this take on a abusive priest is realistic to many. The sickest most demented part is this priest (Sorvino) brings up boys to believe it's all for God, the executions, and loyalty to him.
The ending is both sad and relieving, but I won't spoil it.
Sorvino is excellent as expected, but the young man he takes in as his son and hitman is equally as good. The little boy co-starring is equally gifted and believable.
I found the writing extraordinary and as a writer, I don't say that often. Direction very good with a few quirks in the fighting scenes..a little too staged, but most fighting scenes appear the same.
The writer, director and editor are one in the same, a daunting job for anyone. I don't know of this person but he did an excellent job at all of the above. The acting was good by most characters, but the child stood out above the rest; hope to see much more of this small boy with a genuine gifted skill, as well as the hit-and-run who saves him and takes him in. I truly enjoyed this unknown sleeper which in 2017, never heard of it nor the director/writer/editor/producer.
The movie had undertones of redemption and clearly showed how religion can convince a person to do terrible things in the name of God/ Allah or any other belief system.
I believe the saying.."A child shall lead them" is appropriate in this movie and in reality. It takes a child's innocence to enlighten one to truth..as it did here.
Don't miss this one...I watched it on Tubi..so far, free to stream movies, TV shows and more. And please, be mindful of how religion can influence your thoughts, actions and loyalty.