Feb 06, 2007 11:24 PM
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(Updated Mar 05, 2007 02:38 AM)
The movie was released sometime in early 80s. And oh yes! This is not the same movie that featured Mel Gibson. This one was directed by David Drury and does not feature any big actors.
Once upon a time there was a kid who was quite different than the others of his age group. He idolized the priest of a local church. Now, this priest himself is kind of different than others. He is young and smart and has this lonely expression on his face. He is too young and seemingly too desirable to be a priest. The priest is an excellent guitar player and can enthrall people with his melodious songs. The kid loves him dearly to the extent of being possessive! The priest is giving him guitar lessons. And what troubles the single mother of the kid is that he too wants to be a priest when he grows up!
On the eve of New Year, all have gathered at the local church. The priest has kept everyone entertained with his music/ guitar. After a while he starts a competition of sorts by playing tunes of old songs and asking people to guess them. There comes a point when no one is able to guess the songs. And then the young priest gets the shock of life. There is a voice from somewhere in the room which deciphers all the tunes and that too correctly!
The priest regains his composure and introduces the stranger to all. People learn that the two were the closest of friends in college and were planning to start a music band of their own. And yes both were heartthrobs during those days. So what really jeopardized their plans?
On a request by people both agree to play something for them, something which none have heard before - some music, some song that they made during their old days. The friend needs a guitar and who else will give it to him but that kid? And you make out that the kid has taken immediate disliking for this fellow. So, which is the song they play? "If you love me and don't leave me". Well yes it is a beautiful song really(which many may not have heard).
The kid's mom has taken instant liking to the friend and his flamboyant manners. You can make out that priest is not too happy. Remember I said he is too young to be a priest. She asks them both as to why did they part ways and not work on their music band? There is no answer forthcoming.
The friend pesters the priest more on the same question. He wants to know why did priest leave all of a sudden and why has he taken up priesthood here in this remote God-forsaken town? The priest is mum. Some stories are always better kept in wraps. You can hide, you can run. Still all the answers will come one by one. Don't they?
The friend is trying to make the priest realize that he should give up his preaching job and become a family man. He notices the soft corner that priest has for the kid's single mother. Really what a game? That he is hiding all his cards is something you come to know, later(and it is too late when priest comes to know). Once he kind of convinces the priest, the true reason behind his coming in search of the long lost friend emerges! The truth shall prevail. It will shed light and tear apart all you believe in.
The movie as per me has an excellent story. It is one of those stories which have the potential to really surprise you with their ending. It will make you think. I believe that the movie was well made and delivered its punch well. It has a tendency to get slow at times, but the sequences of the movie make you watch it closely. Everyone(including the child actor) has delivered well. **My pick of the lot as well as the role would be that of priest's friend.
You will have trouble answering this question after the movie - **The greatest power of mind is the power to believe, or the greatest power of mind is the power to deceive?
The theme of the movie, and probably that of our lives too, is summed up very well by the OST song - "If you love me and don't leave me then we'll stay forever young"
