Response to Movie: Black Robe

Anna Hemphill

The movie Black Robe did a really good job articulating the relationship between the Algonquins and the Jesuits who were coming into their territory and trying to convert them. I always have a difficult time with stories about this - Christians spreading the Gospel to tribal peoples in order to save them, and the bloodshed and hatred that ensues. I personally believe that Jesus is the Savior, but there tends to be so much ignorance and blindness when people convert others to Christianity. I guess I just don't think anyone should impose beliefs on anyone else. God works in mysterioius ways, and who are we to say what is truth and who is saved? God is the Father of all - He created a world of different cultures and religions. Movies like Black Robe are enlightening because the artistry of the camera depicts both sides of the schism. As an audience we are equally aware of both perspectives, and despite my personal beliefs I am always frustrated with the Christian Western perspective because they relate to the Native Americans with such disrespect and ignorance. As I watched this movie, I got actively frustrated at the denial of human dignity with which the Jesuits treated the Algonquins.

Throughout the movie the Algonquins and the Jesuits wee occupying the same space, but they were in different places. Each side was blind to the perspective of the others. This was depicted in the movie through several montages, like when the priest and the Algonquin leader were getting dressed for their respective rituals. There was a dichotomy of music as we panned from one to the other. They each had a different use of fire. But there were similarities to everything they did - they each had the same reverence, same purpose, but they acted out in different ways. There was also the scene were the trees reflected the vaulted ceiling of the cathedral. This scene captured the sense that God can exist anywhere, and though things may be foreign or different, our purpose is the same.

Finally, the priest in the end tells the Huron that he does love them. The act of baptizing them marks a spiritual compromise between the two sides; there finally exists the trust and faith that they can work together and love each other. But what is love? What is the peace the Jesuits promise the Algonquins in Heaven? In our literate society, we experience the sacred in an abstract way. But the Algonquins live the sacred. I think there very well can be coexistence between these two approaches to religion. It's just a matter of surrendering oneself over to the powers of the spirit.