Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999)

Director:

Paul Cox

Writers:

John Briley (writer)
Hilde Eynikel (book)

Release Date:

17 March 1999 (Belgium)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot:

The true story of the 19th century priest who volunteered to go to the island of Molokai, to console and care for the lepers. |

Plot Keywords:

19th Century | Priest | Compassion | Leprosy | 1870s

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

David Wenham	...	Father Damien
Kate Ceberano	...	Princess Liliuokalani
Jan Decleir	...	Bishop Köckerman
Chris Haywood	...	Clayton Strawn
Derek Jacobi	...	Father Leonor Fouesnel
Keanu Kapuni-Szasz	...	Malulani
Alice Krige	...	Mother Marianne Cope
Kris Kristofferson	...	Rudolph Meyer
Leo McKern	...	Bishop Maigret
Sam Neill	...	Walter Murray Gibson
Peter O'Toole	...	William Williamson
Dirk Roofthooft	...	Father Conrardy
Tom Wilkinson	...	Brother Joseph Dutton
Aden Young	...	Dr. Kalewis
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kate Agnew	...	Sister Leopoldina
Nan Asuncion	...	Mrs. Meyer
Larry Bialock	...	White Gentleman
Charlene Campbell	...	Emma's Mother
Joseph Cariago Jr.	...	Teenage Little Bishop
Curtis Crabbe	...	Amon
Kimo Farm	...	Jimmy
Randy Fyjimori	...	Kaho'ohuli
Thom Hoffman	...	Dr. William Saxe
Keokeokalae Hughes	...	Old Woman
Zachary Kapule	...	Ranch Hand
Swaine Kaui	...	Sailor
Kayla Kawai	...	Elizabeth Meyer
Sylvestor Kepilino	...	Caveman
Jan Kleinejan	...	White Officer
William Lebus	...	Reverend Appleyard
Dorothy Mane	...	Celia
Richard Marks	...	Verger
Murphy Mersburg	...	Amon Cohort
Bill Ogilvie	...	Ship's Officer
George O'Hanlon Jr.	...	Evans (as George O'Hanlon)
Norbert Palea	...	Ute
Michael Pas	...	Dr. Stottard
Michael W. Perry	...	Dr. Trousseau
Kalaiwaa Pilialoha	...	Housekeeper Bishop
Ryan Rumbaugh	...	Little Bishop
George Russell	...	Reporter
Varoa Tiki	...	Old Woman

Also Known As:

Damiaan (Belgium: Flemish title)
Father Damien
Molokai: The Forbidden Island (UK) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements, some violence, brief sensuality and mild language.

Runtime:

Netherlands:109 min | Australia:122 min | USA:113 min

Country:

Belgium | Netherlands | Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Canada:PG (Ontario) | Iceland:12 | USA:PG | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii, USA

Company:

Era Films

Trivia:

Leo McKern's final film.

Movie Connections:

Version of Father Damien: The Leper Priest (1980) (TV)

Soundtrack:

HE PULE HO'OLA

Presents the best side of the human species

This was a magnificent film. I had heard that there were some creative differences between director Paul Cox and other people involved in the film.

But this does not seem to affect the film in total. I found it a very moving uplifting film that presents the best the human species can aspire to. Like Mother Teresa and Gandhi Father Damian was probably a pain in the rear to the authorities civil and religious.

But that is the way of people who are so sure of their beliefs.

David Wenham, who is well known to Australian audiences, showed yet again what a talented actor he is.

The international actors who provided cameo roles were all excellent, particularly Peter O'Toole.

I've enjoyed Paul Cox's films many times over the years. They often win awards but are rarely major box office winners, But he has the ability to present the best of the human experience. He portrays real emotions and real people.