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Another movie that is relevant to our study of the Hidden Christians and freely available on YouTube. "The Mission" is a 1986 release that deals with slavery and the resistance to foreign domination by a Jesuit priest and former slave trader (played by Robert DeNiro).

The setting was 17th century expansion by Portugal and Spain into South America & elsewhere (including Japan) and the caste mentality that kept the black peoples in chains and under domination by traders and corrupt officials (including the Papacy) that sought to profit from such injustices.

"The Mission" uncovers the dark side of colonialism and also the purity of motive of those priests who fought alongside the indigenous people for their freedom and right to independence.

The Mission 1986 Movie | Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons | De Niro Movies

You can focus on this dialogue that occurs about an hour and a half into the movie between two priests in the Jesuit order.

DeNiro : “I want to renounce my vows of obedience”

Irons: “Get out. I won’t listen to you.”

Irons: “Just you?”

DeNiro: “No, it’s Ralph and John too.”

Irons: “What do you want Captain, an honourable death?”

DeNiro: “They want to live, Father. They say that God has left, He’s deserted them. Has He?”

Irons: “You should never have become a priest”

DeNiro: “But I am a priest and they need me.”

Irons: “Then help them as a priest! If you die with blood on your hands you betray everything we’ve done. You’ve promised your life to God. And God is love!”

Sakoku: Seclusion edict

The Nagasaki Magistrate's Office

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