By the Grace of God (2018)

The three men, friends of childhood, will cross, compare their personal experiences and question their life of couple, family and professional.

Director:

François Ozon

Writer:

François Ozon

Stars:

Melvil Poupaud, Denis Ménochet, Swann Arlaud

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Melvil Poupaud	...	Alexandre Guérin
Denis Ménochet	...	François Debord
Swann Arlaud	...	Emmanuel Thomassin
Éric Caravaca	...	Gilles Perret
François Marthouret	...	Cardinal Barbarin
Bernard Verley	...	Bernard Preynat
Josiane Balasko	...	Irène
Martine Erhel	...	Régine Maire
Hélène Vincent	...	Odile Debord
François Chattot	...	Pierre Debord
Frédéric Pierrot	...	Le capitaine Courteau
Aurélia Petit	...	Marie Guérin
Julie Duclos	...	Aline Debord
Jeanne Rosa	...	Dominique Perret
Amélie Daure	...	Jennifer

Storyline

Francois Ozon's gripping drama follows three men who band together to dismantle the code of silence that continues to protect a priest who abused them decades ago. Based on events from the 2019 conviction of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon for concealing the conduct of Father Bernard Preynat, BY THE GRACE OF GOD compassionately illustrates the varying effects of trauma on survivors and their families in this urgent portrait of resistance, the power of mobilization, and the mysteries of faith.

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Plot Keywords:

pedophilia | lyon france | year 2014 | based on true story | husband wife relationship | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

France Belgium

Language:

French

Release Date:

18 October 2019 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alexandre

Filming Locations:

Paris, France

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$7,449,444

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mandarin Films, FOZ, Mars Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

137 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The title of this movie is the translation of the French phrase "Grâce à Dieu", which is commonly used like "Thank God" is in English. It is a direct quote of an unfortunate phrase by ex-Archbishop Cardinal Barbarin in an interview: "Grâce à Dieu ces faits sont prescrits" ("Thank God these events are subject to the statute of limitation"), which was widely understood as expressing his relief that the perpetrator could no longer be prosecuted.

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Connections

References Reservoir Dogs (1992)

User Reviews

Competently crafted, but clinically cold

On the surface, this is an impressive movie. It is meticulously scripted and covers much ground with regard to the case of French Catholic priest accused of child sexual abuse. Writer-director Francois Ozon also manages to assemble a competent cast of actors for the various roles like Josiane Balasko as Irene, mother of one of the victims. My problem with this film is its very clinical approach, which may have its strengths; however, i did not find myself moved, touched or feeling sympathy for the characters when i should have been experiencing those emotions while watching the movie. By the end, instead of feeling emotionally walloped, i was left cold. And while the film is stylishly done, nothing stands out other than the shocking expose of the Catholic church which however is nothing new for anyone who has followed the news. For its various merits, this film deserves praise while from this disappointed viewer, the film receives grace.