Silence (2016)
August 2, 2025
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Movie Review: Silence (2016)
In the face of faith, silence speaks louder than words.
Silence (2016) is a monumental work of cinematic art — a film that resonates with the weight of history, culture, and faith. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this hauntingly quiet adaptation of Shusaku Endo’s novel is a meditation on belief, suffering, and the complex relationship between faith and survival in a hostile world.
The film follows two 17th-century Portuguese Jesuit missionaries, Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Garupe (Adam Driver), as they journey to Japan to locate their mentor Ferreira (Liam Neeson), who is rumored to have renounced his faith under intense persecution. The film’s stark beauty is paired with its profound exploration of the inner turmoil that comes with the struggle to maintain one’s beliefs in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Scorsese’s direction is masterful, with every frame imbued with the oppressive tension of the missionaries’ plight. The landscapes of Japan, from the lush, unforgiving forests to the isolated coastal villages, are presented not just as a setting, but as active participants in the narrative. The silence of these surroundings speaks volumes, amplifying the isolation and spiritual desolation that Rodrigues and his companions face.
Andrew Garfield delivers a transformative performance as Rodrigues, capturing the character’s internal conflict with heartbreaking subtlety. The film’s emotional core lies in his journey, as he moves from a zealous, idealistic missionary to a man grappling with the fragility of his faith. Driver’s portrayal of Garupe is equally compelling, bringing depth to the questioning disciple who grapples with the cost of belief.
Silence is an exercise in patience — it is slow and deliberate, reflecting the philosophical themes of the film. But it is not without its explosive moments of tension, especially in the latter half, where the suffering of the Japanese Christians is depicted in raw, unflinching detail. The film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about faith, guilt, and the nature of sacrifice.
The score, by composer Kim Allen Kluge, is sparse, almost absent at times, which adds to the feeling of desolation. In a film where every word and every action matters, the lack of sound in key moments makes the silence not just an absence, but an overwhelming presence.
⭐ Rating: 9.2/10 — A profound, haunting meditation on faith, sacrifice, and the human condition. Silence is a masterpiece of spiritual cinema, uncompromising in its exploration of belief’s darkest corners.