Ainsi soient-ils

I have been ordained a Catholic priest for almost 50 years and spent many years in seminary studies. This powerful drama is as authentic as it can be in the world of today!

I am writing here a review for season one only. I have read about the series in French newspapers and I found the theme original and interesting so I decided to buy the DVDs' of the first season. I was not disappointed. The acting is good and the topics treated deal with major issues of life choices and moral dilemmas that befall most people in modern society. The characters of the young seminarians, for the series has as heroes young people training for the Roman Catholic priesthood in contemporary Paris, are all singular in the sense that are all characters with particular problems instead of adhering to an average mundane grey conformity. Each of them has a particular personal drama to overcome in his path to Christian formation. Their superiors in the Seminary or in the Vatican are also colorful personalities. They are all subject to normal human temptations to which they often succumb. The production is relatively rich. If you are interested in moral dilemmas in a modern setting and not very touchy in your religious sensibilities you must watch Ainsi soient-ils.

one of admirable contemporary series. for the honest manner to present the not comfortable life of five young seminarians. for the precise exam of challenges who defines the activity of Catholic Church in new century. and, sure, for the clash between Vatican and French clergy. it is a sensitive story who presents temptations and errors and regrets, courage and the admirable beauty of vocation and life of Church. it is a subtle fresco of the meet between tradition and present, the right reflection about the need of love, certitude, faith and the perception of world, the other and yourself through the lens of religious faith. the air of each season is the most precious thing. and the basic motif to see a series with impeccable construct of characters and story, proposing questions , proposing sketches of solutions and examining the role of the Church in a high provocative context.

I rarely watch a show that can grip me with real, human situations. The Churchmen is subtle, fair and personal. It doesn't pull any punches, but it also has its fair share of heartfelt and funny moments.

The world of the Church is painted with the richness of a living character, not unlike the Wire did for Baltimore. The writing is excellent, not a character is wasted, and with a superb ensemble cast you're in for a treat of just good storytelling.

It's fascinating to watch the behind the scenes politicking of progressives and conservatives battling for control of the Church's future in a world that has almost left it behind. But the real accomplishment of the Churchmen isn't in laying out the problems of the Church. It's in the glimpses of individual courage that show how the Church could become something truly beautiful again.