Die Stadt, deren König ein Kind ist

THE FIRE THAT BURNS may seem like an odd title for this French film originally titled LE VILLE Don't LE PRINCE EST UN Infant ("The Land Where the King is a Child") - until the final scene. But such idiosyncrasies abound in this story set in Paris and at times the blend of surrealism, nascent passion, mysticism, philosophy, and ecclesiastic order makes this film feel like visual and cerebral flights of fancy. The trip is worth it! Abbot de Pradts (Christophe Melavoy, who also directs) is a handsome, sensitive priest in a Catholic boys school in Paris, a school whose boys live both on-campus or at home. de Pradts has taken under his wing a poor, beautiful young boy Souplier (Clement van der Bergh) whose studies suffer and who is somewhat of a behavior problem. Souplier thrives on the attention paid him by de Pradts, but is more focused on another older student Sevrais (Nael Marandin) with whom he spends time skipping classes, exploring, and actually loving: the very pure and lovely love affair between these two lads is beautifully captured by both the actors and the director. It is not long before de Pradts feels jealousy for the influence of Sevrais on Souplier, and eventually de Pradts finds a way to remove Servais from the school. This of course results in his demanding that Souplier forsake Sevrais and the results of this demand constitute the finale of the film best saved for the viewer to discover. Though the suggestion of de Pradts' physical attraction to Souplier is sub rosa, the head of the school Father Superior (Michel Aumont) observes the dynamics and in a visceral confrontation between the two priests probes the meaning of sacred vs. profane love. The sublime intelligence of this duet is some of the best writing ever for film on this difficult subject and both Malavoy and Aumont give performances of great power and depth."The Fire That Burns" is that passion within the soul that can lead to evil if not sublimated. de Pradts has fallen victim to that fire and allowed 'the child to be the king of his land'. This is a powerful movie, graced with stunning sets and photography, and a score that is based on Gounod's music ('Kyrie eleison') throughout. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, November 2004

When it comes to an overall impression of this film, amid an organized story and compellingly emotional performances, it is still not absolutely satisfying, for it loses its grip when the film ends.

The story mainly depicts the relationships of two friends of quite an age difference and a priest in a strictly-run boarding school. It is a movie that takes the subtle approach when tackling sensitive topics. The film uses characters of difficult purposes and thoughts to discuss "love", and the difference between a healthy friendship and a improper one.

The subtlety sets in when ideas are sometimes expressed vaguely through the kind of talk you would expect from priests. The religious overtone veils the story as the plot nears its end, with relatively lengthy scenes of half-debate and half-reflection, bringing to movie to a closure. The ending is quite abrupt, though I account it challenging to end it any other way.

"The Fire that Burns" is along the lines of relationships and forbidden feelings, with religious overtones and philosophical as well as moral concerns. It is a simple story, but with an incredible depth of sentimental strength.

This is one of those badly made films that pretends to be about something (what, I don't know), but ends up being a tedious, bloated boor. In fact, the last 20 minutes of the 'film' are taken up by a dialog between 2 priests in which neither says anything of any interest to anyone. Yes, the central story is about a gay 'friendship' between 2 boys, but with no explanation as to why there is any attraction between the two. Yes there is a kiss between the two, but that's the only bit of physical contact. And of course, all the priests are pedophiles (not gay) which is the only realistic thing about this film and pseudo-sadists. And there is, mercifully, no mention of god or Christ or religion, even though this is a film about a Catiolic boys' school. And, unfortunately the two adult actors are quite poor. All in all this is a scattered, nihilistic, extremely dull mess of a film with little, if anything to recommend it. Don't waste your time.

First virtue - the trace of Montherlant work. the second - the performances. not the less - the delicacy. a story who could be not comfortable at first sigh. but who propose more than one of many obscure secrets in a Catholic college. it is an exploration of limits. for love, faith, decisions and facts. and, maybe, this is the basic motif to not ignore it. for a sort of portrait of a time more than portrait of characters.

This is a small, slow-paced, poised, beautiful movie only the French can make. Of course, the old buildings, paint-flaking doors, and the sounds of the French language help to set the tone.

It is about childhood and priesthood, friendship and love, honesty and lack of malice, and how a religious, heterosexist culture can mess them up. It is worth watching even if you don't buy the whole catholic/theological argumentation (I don't).

It also alludes to the oft-pointed fact that the Church - while despising same-sex love/sex - has been a safe haven for those God-fearing individuals who cannot act/feel otherwise.

Enjoy!