Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: October 12, 2006
DVD Release Date: May 8, 2007
Plot 411: A documentary that takes an honest look at the abuses that have occurred and are occurring in the Roman Catholic Church and the church's attempt to cover them up.
Review: This was difficult to watch as the subject matter is not one that most people want to know about. It's horrific and shocking, but this is why I watched it and why others should force themselves to do so as well. This doc takes a close look at the abuse done by members of the Catholic clergy to minors. It interviews one of the clergyman - Father Oliver O'Grady - and several of his victims. The psychological and emotional damage that the victims (and their families) continue to face every day is undoubtedly even more painful than it is portrayed. But from their interviews, it is evident that this has deeply affected their ability to trust and relate to people. What seems even more devastating is that not only were they failed by someone they trusted, they were openly denied any acknowledgment or apology from the church as an institution. None of the clergymen in power admit to having known these sexual abuses, molestations and rapes were happening even though O'Grady's file was filled with complaints. Instead of dealing with the problem, they transferred him to another parish where he would just start up again. You can only wonder how many other incidents weren't reported and how many other priests there are out there who abuse children under the church's blind eye. Father O'Grady's comments in his interviews do not seem to be apologetic for either his actions or those of the church. He is insincere. At times he seems flippant and glib despite the serious nature of the discussion. I can only imagine the betrayal his victims (which could easily be in the hundreds) feel. O'Grady did serve time in prison but was released early and deported to his native Ireland where he is a free man. The documentary also reveals that O'Grady was abused as a child by both his family member as well as a member of the church. The psychological and emotional implications of this shed some light on his behavior (although in no way excuses it) but does not explain how the church can condone it.
Movie Release Date: October 12, 2006
DVD Release Date: May 8, 2007
Plot 411: A documentary that takes an honest look at the abuses that have occurred and are occurring in the Roman Catholic Church and the church's attempt to cover them up.
Review: This was difficult to watch as the subject matter is not one that most people want to know about. It's horrific and shocking, but this is why I watched it and why others should force themselves to do so as well. This doc takes a close look at the abuse done by members of the Catholic clergy to minors. It interviews one of the clergyman - Father Oliver O'Grady - and several of his victims. The psychological and emotional damage that the victims (and their families) continue to face every day is undoubtedly even more painful than it is portrayed. But from their interviews, it is evident that this has deeply affected their ability to trust and relate to people. What seems even more devastating is that not only were they failed by someone they trusted, they were openly denied any acknowledgment or apology from the church as an institution. None of the clergymen in power admit to having known these sexual abuses, molestations and rapes were happening even though O'Grady's file was filled with complaints. Instead of dealing with the problem, they transferred him to another parish where he would just start up again. You can only wonder how many other incidents weren't reported and how many other priests there are out there who abuse children under the church's blind eye. Father O'Grady's comments in his interviews do not seem to be apologetic for either his actions or those of the church. He is insincere. At times he seems flippant and glib despite the serious nature of the discussion. I can only imagine the betrayal his victims (which could easily be in the hundreds) feel. O'Grady did serve time in prison but was released early and deported to his native Ireland where he is a free man. The documentary also reveals that O'Grady was abused as a child by both his family member as well as a member of the church. The psychological and emotional implications of this shed some light on his behavior (although in no way excuses it) but does not explain how the church can condone it.
Watch It: For a really hard-hitting documentary that'll shift your worldly views.
Skip It: Do not skip this one.
