The Black Robe
Bruce Beresford does a wonderful job in captivating the cultural differences between the Algonquin Indians and the French Jesuits in the 1991 motion picture "Black Robe." The movie is an extremely realistic representation of the clash between the two conflicting cultures and can be viewed for critical analysis; a trait not many motion pictures can boast. The movie takes place in the rugged 17th century in the beautiful Canadian wilderness, in which a Jesuit priest, Father Laforgue, accepts an assignment to travel to a mission that has been built the village of the Huron Indians and assist in spreading the word of God. In the beginning of the picture Laforgue is headstrong and unfaltering in his beliefs that he can help the native people; he is also anxious and ready to confront any adversity that might cross his path. In the opening scenes Father Laforgue is steadfast in his ultimate belief in his God and his superiority over the "savages." As the movie progresses it is possible to see the differences in the French Jesuit culture compared to that of the Algonquin. Mishaps and problems arise because of the contrasting beliefs and values in the two different cultures. As the movie continues another Indian tribe tak
The Jesuits were supposed to help the tribes and yet they broke down their beliefs, subsequently destroying their culture. The cry is seen as a weakness and results in death. Laforgue appears to be involved in an internal battle over his beliefs that were learned in France and the beliefs he witnesses the Algonquin people exhibit. However, after traveling with the Algonquin the Father's beliefs begin to waver. It also betters his chances on convincing the Natives to accept the word of God, which is his ultimate mission. Without religion the Jesuits would not have been in the Algonquin territory. One of the main aspects of the Iroquois that the viewer is able to pick up on is the staple of violence in their society. The Algonquin people posses a verbal language by which they are able to communicate with one another. When he enters the village he finds another Jesuit priest literally on his deathbed. The prisoners are forced to run a gauntlet while being brutally beaten by the Iroquois. According to Webster's Dictionary culture is defined as the totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought. While being put through physical and mental torture a man is forbidden to cry out. The movie The "Black Robe" confronts the many cultural disparities that occurred during the "conversions" of the Native American people and the consequences that transpired. Both the French and the Indian have extravagant parties, in which both dance and party into the night. He adorns his face in tribal paint and wears what seems to be ceremonial dress.
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