source: The Keys of the Kingdom

Trailer—The Keys of the Kingdom

The Keys of the Kingdom

The Keys of the Kingdom

In Gregory Peck's second film, he earned an Oscar nod for his role as a devoted but struggling priest. He's sent to China to convert/educate the natives, but he encounters a number of obstacles and has to find inner strength to guide him through. If it wasn't for Gregory Peck, The Keys of the Kingdom would probably be forgotten about. There have been many movies with a similar theme, and there really isn't much to distinguish its plot from its competitors, but there is Gregory Peck. He was twenty-eight at the time, and in this role, he aged decades more than his years. It really is a remarkable breakthrough performance. If you like Greg (really, who doesn't?) then you'll want to check this movie out. And if you like these kinds of stories where a strong, likable, pious person has a variety of friends and challenges throughout his life, you'll probably like it.

This is an interesting story about a priest Father Francis Chisholm(Gregory Peck), who went to China to establish a parish. He never wanted to get money easily, for him was much more important to get more people really devoted to catholicism than to get funds from any people, and for this he made all efforts serving even as a doctor in the community. Another important aspect shown although not deep, was the difference among the priests. Some are humble like the hero of the film but others are arrogant and look more for the wealth of the church instead of looking for the wealth of poor people. Catholicism have lost many areas because of the lack of sacrifice of many of its priests otherwise it would reign nearly everywhere in the world. Priests like Father Chisholm would have been the salvation.

An earnestness which is not commonly seen today is the hallmark of many of the greatest films of the golden age of cinema. The Keys Of The Kingdom is a humbling expression of stirring earnestness. Father Chisholm is not shown as perfect, but the one constant is his humility and devotion to his calling. This theme has never been expressed more wondrously. This earnestness is also seen in the figures who intersect Father Chisholm's life: Willie, Angus (if you have to look closely at times to see it), the delightful Father McNabb, Reverend Doctor Fiske, Joseph, Mr. Chia, the wonderful Reverend Mother, and even in the end, the most triumphant and stirring realization of all, the at first dubious Monsignor. These parts are all played by fine actors doing some of their best work. The synthesis of wondrous story and inspired acting is ageless, and results in an experience much beloved by just about every viewer.

I first saw this movie some 35 years ago. It is a brilliant move that goes to the heart of showing the difference between a spiritual relationship and religion. It covers clearly so many ethical issues of life. While the name of the movie may not in itself draw a person to watching it, it is nevertheless well worth watching. The entire cast of this movie was so well chosen that once seen in these roles it is hard to imagine them as playing any other part. Gregory Peck in the role of Father Francis Chisholm, Thomas Mitchell as Dr. Willie Tullock and Vincent Price as he Rev. Angus Mealey are a few examples of the excellent casting. A movie that promotes great introspection and a lot of tears

I've always loved this movie. My mother introduced me to it and its remained one of my favorites over the years. I find the character of Father Chisholm to be my ideal of what a priest should be. Kind, loving, humble and unpretentious. I don't think Peck ever surpassed himself. He is tremendous in the part. Ably written and directed, I think it is a superb film

This is the story of a man who has to try twice as hard to be half as good as others in college. After he becomes a priest, he butts heads with the mainstream, stuck-up parishioners. His bishop has the idea: send him to China, set up a mission, and doctor their bodies and souls. This spans his 40 years in the mission field. Things do not go well, though at times they do. He stays true to his values, and does not sell out to the vulgar rich, or the vulgar greedy. This is the gleaming quality: keep trying to do the right thing. He does. I have watched this one at least 12 times over the years. It still holds up well.