The Least of These

I had no idea what I was in store for when Virgil (my partner) brought home this DVD... Virgil had fallen asleep so I settled down with a bag of Lay's chips and a glass of Dr. Pepper to watch "The Least of These" starring Isaiah Washington...needless to say I am writing this review as I was riveted to this story and fell uncontrollably into simple yet acute adoration for all, even Jason, in this cast. I have two sons of my own, and a grandson so I am a bit biased...but please know this story really touched me in a way I have not felt in a long, long time...Thank you to the producers and the cast as well as all the souls who brought this project to completion - God bless and keep each one of you and your families and friends.

Seattle's Coletha ;-}

I saw it as teacher , recognizing in the portrait of father of father James some gesture and thoughts defining myself.

I saw it for the fascination of a Greek Orthodox about Romano Catholic univers.

And, not last, for Robert Loggia,Bob Gunton and Isaiah Washington, not ignoring John Billingsley.. Conclusion - a fair explore of sensitive themes, a well crafted atmosphere , not so surprising twist , nice define of students reactions and some drops of a sort of soap opera. Nothing bad, some pathetic or forced in few scenes but realistic in essence.

So, a film suggesting questions and a not bad perspective, sure, too polite, about religious school.

You wont find any surprises in the plot. It's a story that's been done many times over, some successfully, most not so much. But, what makes this one stand out as successful is the excellent acting by the recognizable older faces, as well as the young actors. Shot, scored, and directed very simply, the locations and music add perfect compliment to the casually paced yet not slow story progression. Job well done by the director, composer and cinematographer, for not letting their own visions overshadow a movie that rightfully is about the characters. This is by no means a happy movie, but despite the heavy storyline, you will find yourself with a smile as the credits begin to roll, a smile that feels organic, not forced. Fine movie making.

The least of these is a drama-thriller about mysteries, secrets and religion. Without telling too much, this has a story which is like so many others. Still this story as more layers than you'd expect.

A colored priest comes as a teacher to a Catholic boys' school. In fact the same school he attended as a youngster. As he arrives, he gets told that "The first thing a priest learns is how to keep a secret". However, there's more secrets here, and the new priest has some secrets of his own.

This film attacks the secrecy of which we've heard much about around the catholic church for the latter years. This film treats it good, but perhaps not as good as we've seen others have done it. Still it hits the mark well enough to grip you, and to keep your attention.

The film is also packed with good acting from great actors. Maybe from time to time instructed a tiny bit naive, which also adds to the film's lesser credits. Director Nathan Scoggins, also the writer of this script, here made his second feature, after previously being more known as a writer. He uses a slow approach to the storytelling as well as the solving of the mystery. However both Isaiah Washington, as the colored priest, Robert Loggia, Bob Gunton and John Billingsley as the other priests are doing great in their roles. So are many of the teenage boys.

The film was made on a low budget, but production values are good. The marketing budget of course was also too small for this film to get a wide enough distribution, so this film would be considered as a gem by many of those linking this kind of stories. It good enough to be deserved to be watched by a larger audience.

This film thematically resembles films like there, of which not all of them are base on Catholicism or religion, but more also about child abuse. Sleepers, Priest, The Magdalena Sisters, Deliver us from evil, King of Devil's Island, Twist of faith, Troubled waters, Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the house of God, The Boys from St. Vincents, Hands of God, Calvary, Sex crimes of the Vatican and the forthcoming The spotlight team.