LikeShogun, Silencetakes place in Japan during the 17th century and centers on the perspective of Europeans.
What Is the Historical Context of Martin Scorseses Silence?
Silencedrops you into the middle of history without providing much context.
In the 17th century, two Portuguese Jesuit priests travel to Japan in an attempt to locate their mentor, who is rumored to have committed apostasy, and to propagate Catholicism.
Ferreira was a real person, and the scene depicts eventsthat occurred.
Over these images, we hear a letter from Ferreira in voiceover: “1633…
The film jumps ahead to introduce young Jesuit priests Sebastiao Rodrigues and Francisco Garupe (Andrew GarfieldandAdam Driver).
Many of the peasant farmers in the uprising were Catholic, and the Portuguese were suspected of helping them.
Portuguese merchants were expelled from the country, and persecution of Catholics intensified.
This is accomplished by forcing them to commit sacrilege by stepping on afumi-e, a carved image of Christ.
Renounce, or allow the execution of Japanese Christians to continue?
It isn’t easy to empathize with Rodrigues.
You wouldn’t want to cross him.
How Do the Events of Shogun Lead to Those in Silence?
Mariko also becomesromantically entangledwith Blackthorne, though she’s also Catholic, and he’s a fanatic Protestant.
What Led to the Persecution of Christians Under the Tokugawa Shogunate?
The increased violent repression of Christians during the 17th century is too complex to simplify to a single cause.
In a way, this theme unites the tonally differentShogunandSilenceinto a single story with multiple authors.
Shogundepicts a Japanriddled with Portuguese influence, whereCatholicism has taken root with powerful officials and commoners alike.
Image via Paramount Pictures
Then it becomes as if the two ambitious allies speak directly, without any interpretation.
Silenceis available to rent on Prime Video in the U.S.
Watch on Prime Video
Image via FX
Image via FX
Image via Paramount Pictures
