Molokai (1999)

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

Director:

Paul Cox

Writers:

John Briley, Hilde Eynikel (book)

Stars:

David Wenham, Kate Ceberano, Jan Decleir

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Wenham	...	Father Damien
Kate Ceberano	...	Princess Liliuokalani
Jan Decleir	...	Bishop Köckerman
Chris Haywood	...	Clayton Strawn
Derek Jacobi	...	Father Leonor Fousnel
Keanu Kapuni-Szasz	...	Malulani
Alice Krige	...	Mother Marianne
Kris Kristofferson	...	Rudolph Meyer
Leo McKern	...	Bishop Maigret
Peter O'Toole	...	William Williamson
Sam Neill	...	Prime Minister Gibson
Dirk Roofthooft	...	Father Conrardy
Tom Wilkinson	...	Brother Dutton
Aden Young	...	Dr. Kalewis
Jan Kleinejan	...	White Officer

Storyline

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

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Plot Keywords:

priest | leper colony | saint | missionary | leprosy | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Leo McKern's final credited movie role. He makes an uncredited appearance in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001).

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Quotes

Rudolph Meyer: Only the grim reaper is going to help your flock, father.
Father Damien: Well, we differ.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits play over a scene of men on horseback with dogs searching a native village for lepers who have been hidden away by their families.

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Connections

Referenced in Kaluapapa Heavan (2007)

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Soundtracks

GLORIA DEI PATRIS
Performed by Kalawao Choir and Band

User Reviews

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.

Details

Official Sites:

Vine International Pictures Ltd.

Country:

Belgium Netherlands Australia

Language:

English Latin Hawaiian French

Release Date:

17 March 1999 (Belgium)

Also Known As:

Molokai

Filming Locations:

Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii, USA

Box Office

Budget:

EUR7,436,800 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$182,695

Company Credits

Production Co:

Era Films, Jos Stelling Filmprodukties BV, Kinepolis Film Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1