Molokai (1999) - full transcript
The true story of the nineteenth century priest who volunteered to go to the island of Molokai, to console and care for the lepers.
Go to the priest
Father, Father...
Here it is. Here...
- Hello Father
- Father, where is the girl?
Here, we are working
She has been declared a leper.
I have a warrant for her.
You would be tested again in
Honolulu
If she is clean,
she will be released
Here? Half the time they call
it leprosy
but it is not leprosy at all!
When she is first
examined.
She had a spot on the
right thigh
yellowish purple...
It's not there now.
How long has this spot
on your back been there?
Well, she has got all the
symptoms.
Spots come and they go.
She is losing
feelings in her toes
This one goes to Molokai.
Next.
More native have died
of smallpox and typhus.
This disease...
no one knows
how it is transmitted,
there is no cure...
It is communicated by
sexual contact.
And it is God's retribution
for the licentiousness of their ways.
Exactly.
I have been listening to confessions
for 20 years,
I have been shocked,
breathlessness
when I heard what an 18 year
old boy had said.
If it is communicated
by sexual contact,
how is it children
become afflicted?
Well, they inherited!
I have consulted the
highest medical authority
and he said it's the fourth
stage of syphilis
Nonsense!
The bacillus has been isolated...
Gentlemen, Gentlemen!
Let's at least
agree it is a scourge.
And those who have it
must be isolated.
And while I am Prime Minister
we will not fail in this, or...
Hawaii will become
a nation of Lepers.
But as long as you isolate them
and keep them in a place
where they have no relatives.
A place which will turn
into a living hell...
with no law.
That's why I have called
you together
We cannot send police to
that island.
Why not?
I've tried. They had resigned.
Fear of disease.
They can't take their families,
It's hopeless. They won't go.
They won't do it.
Then the natives will continue
to hide their sick...
And I for one, don't blame them.
Exactly.
As missionaries,
We have given our lives
to spread the word of the first
Good Shepherd
Of those we have converted,
a few who had be condemned
to that colony of terror and
death on Molokai.
To die there, without confession or
the last rites
painful to them
and the dreadful danger
to their immortal souls
I've been reluctant, to send
any of you
to such a dangerous place
But when we finished our
meeting with the Prime Minister
He left us with these words.
"If a noble Christian,
priest, preacher or sister
should be inspired
to sacrifice his life
to console these poor wretches,
that would be a royal soul,
to shine forever on the
throne raised by human love...
It has moved me to ask,
if any of you might have the wish
to volunteer.
Well since there are
four of you,
you will each serve three months
That will provide them with a Priest
throughout the year.
Now, the honor of establishing
the Parish...
will fall to...
you... Father Damien
We have a small church there.
It needs some repairs.
It's all right,
Your Grace.
As a young boy in Flanders,
I often slept in the stables.
Don't forget, you are not
to touch any patient.
And eat nothing that you
haven't prepared yourself.
Are you ready, Father?
God be with you, son.
I'll have you back in Honolulu
within a month,
I promise.
Now remember...
don't touch anyone!
Welcome, Father.
What is that brought you to Molokai?
You have the disease?
No. No. I have come to
establish a parish.
Well, You've got a deposit
full of souls to save.
Have you got your things
among these crates?
No. No, I come
as I am.
Make sense.
Only a fool will
choose to come.
Come on, I'll take you
the settlement.
See that cliff?
The Pa“, you mean'?
Yes, but there is only one
trail up there...
steep enough to
make a mule giddy.
Most patients couldn't make it,
if they try.
But if they succeeded,
they would be shot if they're caught.
Shot?
That's the law.
No patient leaves this
island except in a coffin.
The sea is worse here
than in other islands
The good part is, it keeps
anyone from trying to escape.
The bad part is that you are
supposed to get supplies every month.
But you are lucky if boats
get in here every two months.
I manage a cavalry
ranch at the top.
So they asked me to
"administer" here.
How often do you come down?
I try to get down with a couple
of my men when the boats come in
so the food isn't stolen
right from the start.
Kahoohuli...
Say Aloha to a Priest
He has come to save souls.
Aloha
Aloha...
Kahoohuli is the store keeper
and my number one man here.
He gives out the rations.
So we know it at least starts
out fair.
If the priest,
is still here tomorrow
you lent him a horse
and give him some rations.
I don't know, if you smoke,
or not...
but I advise you to try
a pipe.
You find the very sick
ones have a smell from their
open sours.
If you smoke a pipe,
It doesn't bother much.
Bless you.
From now on,
only God can help you.
Yes, I often count on Him
Dear Lord.
You died at age 33.
I begin my life at 33
I pray for your protection
Hello, Priest.
I saw you come.
Hello
Hello
You're English?
Yes.
I was a Medical assistant
in Honolulu
When I got this blasted
disease, myself
A lesson to you
Can I move you into the Church?
No.
I like the sight of the sea.
I will not have it long
May I give you the sacraments?
Pity?
from a Catholic priest?
My father would rise
from his grave
Ah, Father.
Do not feel insulted
Come back tomorrow.
I maybe frightened enough,
to think about it.
May the God be with you.
And with you too.
Just now, you need him more
than I.
In the name of the Father, Son
and the Holy Spirit
Amen
Father.
Hello.
Could I be your altar boy?
In my village
I was one.
Ah, that would be a
wonderful help
I wouldn't have to touch
the Chalice or anything.
No... No...
Shall I come
tomorrow?
Yeah... Wait
Let us agree formally
Father...
Hello
Father... can you help us?
Emma, my youngest daughter,
she came to take care of me
when they allowed
families to come,
Now, a Portuguese has taken
her to the mad house.
He makes her
do bad things.
I am
too sick
I need her.
Did she go with him,
because she wanted?
No, No...
She fought, but it's no good to fight.
He always win.
Emma? Emma?
Emma. Emma!
Emma. Emma!
I want Emma to stand
Emma!
Come, you should come with me.
You take your hands away from her.
Wait... Mululani,
What are you doing here?
With the approval of the
Superintendent.
We are turning this
building into a dormitory
for the sick
and for the elderly
How long do you think,
you will last priest
Let us live while we can,
nobody cares!
Yeah?
Yes, If I cares.
And God cares.
And this is not the way
to live.
Come.
Bring Jimi!
I cannot know your
pain, except in my heart.
There is a God.
I know that...
If you believe in Him,
You feel him.
In the name of the
Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Ghost,
Amen.
My Brothers and
Sisters in Christ,
My fellow
Lepers,
We have met here in the
presence of God, to seek His solace.
To be reminded of his
love for us
to relive
through the Mass
the sacrifice of his son
on the cross
so that we might one day
behold, in the life to come.
I do not have the disease
that they send you to Molokai.
But I want to remind you
that all men, know loneliness.
All men know
isolation, despair,
All men are afflicted
in their hearts
or .. on... their bodies
with sores and wounds
which make them, outcast.
Outcast to...
whom...
In his life on earth,
He healed the blind,
He healed the lepers,
Not to tell us
that men will not be blind...
or men, would not
be lepers, but to tell us
that in His eyes
the blind people could see,
the lepers
were clean.
And He loved them... as
He loves all mankind.
On that cross,
then as now.
He shares
all of our agonies
And by following in his Light
He will show us all
the way to peace.
Your Grace, I...
I'm sorry, this is outrageous
He is now demanding timber
and nails.
He says that he is not going
to sleep under a roof
not until there is adequate
cover for all the patients
There is another article about
him in the paper today.
The Prime Minister calls him
a "Christian Hero".
"A healthy young man who
has sacrificed himself
for the dying
inhabitants of Molokai"
Yes, thank you.
And does he speak of returning?
No, No... on the contrary.
This settlement, needs
a resident priest.
Boat loads of sick
arrived... many are dying
"| want to stay "
And he also boasts of
baptising 20 converts.
Well, All things considered,
I think we must grand him
his wish.
Write to him,
Tell him he may remain,
until further notice.
Oh, and caution him again
about touching anybody.
Oh, Damien!
Look at all this I brought,
More than I ever got out of the
Government
oh,I have a Bishop with a
conscience.
As a good Lutheran, I have got
no faith in Bishops.
What are you doing?
I am... making a wind break.
We have winds in
Beligum too.
They picked the worst hole in
Hawaii
Because of the cliff,
you never see the sunrise.
Never seen it set.
The were put in away with
murderers
They couldn't thought of
a better place.
Here, this came
with the ship
Kahoohuli says
you two
of you have been breaking up
some rules
Yes, We made some
enemies.
I don't like, the stealing of
food,
I don't like, them forcing
girls into prostitution,
But these people are on a
death sentence...
with nothing to do,
but think about it...
and they are sick on top of it.
So I don't think that a little
liquor hurts.
Drunkenness
does not help anyone.
Only the grim reaper is going to
help your flock father,
Father.
Well, we differ.
Bad news?
Yes, I asked for nuns,
Nursing nuns.
Our Provincial Father Eleanor,
It says
Concluded that
I'm both insane and arrogant.
You're a good man, Damien,
but you better learn to bend.
like those trees.
The ones that don't bend, breaks.
If there is not enough food, why
don't the people plant crops?
The sick cannot.
The Strong?
It is easier to pick from
the sick.
To plant, you must believe, you're
strong enough to harvest.
Who knows?
Yeah, but you are planting.
I plant, because you plant.
Well, little bishop,
you're late again.
Yes, Father.
I was showing the boys
how to plant yesterday.
I thought you would come.
Little Bishop, come.
Hmm... no.. no...
You're not going back,
to that man!
No, it was my fault...
No, you're not going back. "
Please, Father... I have to.
He takes care of me.
What do you want, Priest?
Hey, come, come, come here..
I haven't told anything...
not even in the confessional.
All I feel is the
devil's sours.
And my feet,
I feel nothing.
And my fingers...
see it burns like
hell.
You should be in the hospital.
A hospital...
where there is no beds?
We can clean your sores
we can bandage them properly...
I am not a Catholic,
and I will never be a Catholic!
Yeah, How you live must be your choice,
But if you beat that
boy once more...
Yeah? I say once more, you
will need a Hospital
such as this island
does not possess.
You understand?
Hey! Hey!
You understand?
I want to hear you
say that?
All right... All right.
I'll see you at Mass tomorrow,
Yeah?
You be on time.
Yeah...
You should be more comfortable.
All this work for a Protestant?
You might go to Hell.
I would rather got you
took the sacrament but...
I don't like you sleeping like this
within my sight.
I suppose that it would be easier
theologically if I just die.
Oh, you can't die,
until I convert you.
Do you honestly believe that
only Catholics go to Heaven?
I'm not absolutely certain.
But, I know that Catholics,
can go to Heaven.
You know
You shouldn't touch lepers...
not less,
eat with them.
I know a man who bandaged
lepers open wounds,
and he's going to teach
me, how.
He's not in the greatest of health?
Oh yes, But his spirit seems to be.
Yes, as for me,
I dread it.
But I put my health in hands of
God and the blessed Virgin
They will protect me
as long as I need it.
What are the reasons that
made you a missionary?
My sister,
I was the youngest boy,
and my sister
she protected me until I
could protect myself.
I loved her very much,
and she became a nun,
and died, taking care of the
sick during the typhus epidemic.
So you were born a missionary,
No... No, not quite,
I was not smart enough
Yes, I had to work very hard
To pass...
Latin and Theology...
Oh, well... Those are,
of course
the most important things
Oh, yeah... come...
The Blessed Virgin, may
save you from Leprosy.
I'm sure, she will save you from
influenza?
I will take the chance.
Now can I move you
into the Church?
No.
No... when it comes,
I want to die here.
Up there, at night
I see the world I have missed,
and all the friends and
family who forgotten
that I still breathe.
I can tell you,
no one in these islands
have greater respect for him
than I do... but these reports,
these reports are grossly
unfair to the government.
I understand your feelings, Sir.
But it does seem that the
provisions for the patients
are some what less than
might be desired.
My dear Bishop...
half of every dollar that
the board of health spends
go to that colony,
I... I'm sorry,
I didn't understand...
It was assumed that they
would grow their own food
Now that they have
simply refused!
The cost of transport,
arresting them,
providing daily food
and many more thing...
it is absolutely
troubling
Your Grace,
Father Damien
Ah, Damien!
I would like you to meet
the Prime Minister.
Hello!
Excuse me, so we
very much need clothing
for the children
About...
two hundred outfits.
Damien!
Sorry to be so blunt,
but writing, seems to
produce nothing.
And this is an opportunity that
I would not likely
have ever again.
Father Damien
currently you wrote a letter
to your brother in Paris,
Ah, yes sir...
Furthermore,
your brother has in fact
published it.
And now the newspapers
in Paris and London
have picked it up and
expanded the riot
But I was simply
telling you...
but you gave the impression Damien
that you alone who felt concerned.
For these
poor unfortunatess
No, no.
I meant nothing like that.
Now, this has been a
serious embarrassment
for the government,
all this publicity.
But, Why are you here in
Honolulu?
I had to make my confession.
That colony is under
Quarantine!
I admire
what you have done, too...
For that reason, I am
prepared to give you a permit,
to go back, but under
this condition,
that you may never leave again
But... but I am not infected.
How might I be able,
to make my confession?
Well, that's something between you
and their superiors.
You don't have to go back.
You are young,
Healthy
No one would blame you.
Sorry, I am needed there.
Then you know the terms!.
Thank you, gentlemen!
And from now on, Father.
You will send all
correspondence to me,
there will be no more
publishable letters.
Father Damien sent me.
As you hear,
He is busy
Shall I feed you?
That would be a luxury.
Father Damien wants
you to go to the hospital.
No thanks, I've been...
He worries that you're to ill
to fend for yourself
Wait a minute.
They are close to doing it well
this time
Did he ask for me?
No.
Ah... Father Damien
It's time for me to leave you...
No... you're only weak,
take some food.
I have lived in pain for months,
now I feel nothing
And you want to take it away
with with a mouthful of porridge?
I need someone to talk to.
You can't leave me now.
Sorry, Father
I have another appointment.
Sometimes I pray...
Sometimes I beg...
sometimes I thunder with fury...
at the danger of you going
to God
without your sin
forgiven.
You must realize the
danger.
I want you to ask for
Absolution.
Do you want my
last act in life, to be false?
No... I want the truth.
I beg you, let me give you
the last rights.
You are stubborn, Damien.
But... I am the one
who got away.
Don't worry,
I will say a good word for you,
on the other side.
When a white man
treats them well,
they don't forget.
Who paid for
the coffin?
I made it from the timber,
for church repairs.
And you burying him,
in the Catholic graveyard?
He lived in the graveyard,
He can also be put to rest in it.
Nearer, O God, to thee.
Hello! Hello!
Damien...
you're to blame for this!
If you were not here,
I never would have dared.
Oh, You don't know how much
I longed
to talk to someone from
the mainland.
Well, I can't say that
I was anxious to come,
But here I am,
a Resident Physician.
I am very glad,
and how is your family?
They're fine.
Let him go, Ute! Stop!
What are you doing?
He was a part of the ship.
A sailor who
kidnapped islanders
for slave labour on the
plantations.
I brought a good case of
German Beer
Oh, and I fixed you a house,
which is by the sea.
Yes? well, report,
Plasco whomever you!
Now scram!
Get out! Old fool!
You cannot do this!
We are workers!
The government gave
this barrack to us!
The government, is not interested
shit, you,
on a shit island like this!
What you got there?
I'll take that!
- This is mine! This is mine!
- Now get out! Come on, get out!
Did you know that dying,
didn't say necessary
that,
I want to be a doctor.
If I had met
Damien then
probably would turn into
a priest.
Ah, another Catholic?
Ha, ha... Congregationalist.
Oh, You must must walk
carefully
Father Damien,
sees a Protestant,
is like a lumberjack,
seeing a big redwood tree.
Oh, you have to heal the spirit,
if you want to heal the body.
You think the spirit
can cure leprosy?
Oh, Christ did.
Oh, Christ... but you or me?
Oh, no, no... Not
without a Miracle
but I think that God
can protect you, if he so chooses.
Well, I have not brought a miracle.
But there is a new medicine
from China catted Huang Nan.
Now a Dominican priest
tried it in Trinidad,
and claims great success.
I came, because it's my
hope we can try it here.
And duplicate it's results.
How much of this stuff
did you bring?
Well, we have received
only a small shipment,
and I left some in Honolulu
for analysis.
Could we start with the
young?
Sure, why not?
Some adults, of course,
and ah...
some of the most severe cases...
and we need to try
on some of those who
have just come.
And if there is a miracle, er...
would you mind that I say,
that it comes from God?
If it's is a miracle,
I promise you...
even I will
thank God.
Hello! Aloha!
Aloha.
I've scored two goals.
Ah, that is quite some team.
Leho! Gihil!
Leho! Gihil!
Come!
This is Dr. Kalewis,
he has some new medicine to try.
It's just a powder
mixed with honey.
Taste good
Half a spoon
each.
Please... you give it to them.
Gihil!... good.
Leho... here, come, come. Leho...
Ah, yes...
it's very delicious.
I have to make you sweep
the floor to get it.
Good boy.
So... It's, okay
and score a goal, please.
We have to give them another dose,
in three days.
Yes?
To whom they belong to?
Oh, Like most children here...
no one.
Sometimes they watch for a while
and I can lure them in.
Sometimes I only get close to them
only when they are dying.
I've managed to build some
small huts for housing,
but we very much need
an orphanage,
and nuns to take care of them
God bless you,
Try this out.
Thank you Father,
God bless you.
Pray that it
works, right?
Thank you.
Oh...
Thank you...
No beds?
No. There are some beds
at the hospital
in the other end of the island
but the Board of Health,
won't let us move them.
I need some air.
If I had enough wood,
I could build them myself.
You'll get used to it.
Hello Kulier.
Not one of the carers get paid?
Only if that, it keeps you
from boredom
And that... that's the worst
punishment on the island
Yes I could hook them,
it lasts for a time.
But once in a while they go off,
to drink...
or to be with a man,
which warded away partly,
desperation.
Some are fairly well off.
Oh, yes, some family
send money and clothing, but...
to admit,
there is leprosy in the family
means that they cannot
marry of their sons,
sometimes even their daughters,
so they are forgotten.
Come.
The rich ones here, can
pay for the timber,
and they get the Chinese people to
build their homes.
Then when they are too sick,
the gangs come in,
and they steal everything.
And when they die, another rich one
comes in,
and the buy the house
from the relatives,
and it starts all over again.
Here's one I would like to
try the medicine on.
Hello... Hello...
I have some good news for you...
I... I think it's better that
we look for another patient.
May God bless you.
My God!
Inhale deeply,
several quick ones.
This is the dying
shed.
When they reach this stage,
they feel
very desolate.
In the morning
We take away the dead.
My God, what a
way to die!
And we bring them food
and at night I will
say my Rosary here.
I think the company helps,
and all the prayers, too.
Dear God,
your love is eternal.
Do not forsake the work
of your hands, but...
welcome this child
in Heaven.
She died?
Yes.
Yes, during the night.
I make her a casket.
I took her to the church.
That music, what is it?
Hula!
That is hula.
It is the sacred dance...
They, they beg the gods to relieve
those who are suffering
through a spell.
I cannot stay, Damien.
I thought I could,
but... I want to marry.
I was told that there's women here.
I thought I could bring a wife.
She would go crazy at the end
the first day.
I'll leave you the medicine.
And I promise to return
periodically.
But I cannot live
here.
Well, I will miss you.
Is there anything I can do?
Yes, yes, I long to make a
confession.
And you say,
How we need nuns. Nuns.
Nuns... that. that,
mean so much to,
to the hospital...
and to the children.
I'll speak to the Bishop
and the Board of Health.
You are the miracle
God gave these people. Damien.
We mourn the loss of
your servant, Mulliya,
whose life passed so quickly,
Welcome him into your kingdom,
where there will be no sorrow.
No weeping,
no pain.
We ask you this through
Christ our Lord, Amen
I thought that you were saving
that spot for yourself.
I'll be close to her.
You plan to stay here
till you die, Father?
Yeah, well everyone else does.
I am afraid that our Doctor
is leaving.
Yeah, I know.
Kahoohuli
is getting worse.
I had to put someone else in
charge.
This is Clayton Strawn.
He's in good health.
He knows how to run
things.
And to be honest,
My brother have been,
making the law
than breaking it.
Can I come in?
Yeah...
What is it?
I saw you going past.
And you looked... lonely.
I thought I should come and visit you.
I am, I'm saying my prayers
Malulani.
Me, I'm perfectly
happy-
Why are you so shy?
But you're strong...
like our men.
I think... I think you should
go home now.
I like you very much,
you're a good man.
Now you,
You must go home.
Please go... I beg you.
You're destroying
my whole life.
Please go...
I mean it!
I want you to go!
Your Grace... I have written
to every priest on the islands.
No one will go.
Order them to go!
I have, but all of them have
excuses.
Influenza,
Dying parishioners.
Broken foot.
Diarrhea.
Suspected smallpox.
They just won't go.
He has the right
to make confession!
If no one else will go...
Then I must go.
Your Grace, if you set foot
on that island
they will never let you off again.
I am a bishop and I am going!
Make the arrangements,
Father Leonor.
Oh, Captain!
Would you please instruct
your crew to lower a boat?
And put me ashore?
You don't have a
landing permit, father,
so I am not going to do that.
I am a Bishop
of the Catholic Church.
With all due respect Sir,
I am obeying the orders of the
Board of Health.
Then I must ask you,
to allow Father Damien on board
If that priest so much as
touches this boat
will direct my men
to fire on him.
I'm protecting my
crew and passengers
It's no use, they won't
allow you on board!
Yes, I know, I've tried.
Your Grace, I need
desperately to make my confession
I know, my son.
Can I speak it to you here
in French?
Of course!
Yes! Yes!
Begin! Begin!
In the name of the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
Damien... Damien...
don't storm heaven
so violently, my son.
Allow yourself the charity
that you would allow others.
Continue, continue...
"Leper's priest,
forced to confess at sea "
That paper sold out,
they had to print
another edition.
Sir, the King and
Princess Liliuokalani...
demanded...
your immediate
presence in the Palace.
God!
It's we who maintain
this pretentious "monarchy"?
Because if we didn't,
Americans, would take over
in twenty-four hours.
Do you know, Evans...
what time you stayed in the office
is second to none!
Oh! Thank you, Sir.
And, Sir... Princess Liliuokalani
has told the press
that quarantine or no
that she is going to visit
the colony on Molokai.
Is it not ironic, Evans?
I was the first one to call
him a "Christian Hero".
Aloha Princess...
Yes, it's not... not much,
but it is an improvement.
They must have beds!
Yeah...
I want it to be understood in Honolulu,
they must have beds.
Yes, your Highness.
This Chinese medicine,
It doesn't work.
I know, it is,
It is merely mostly arsenic
which does slows the disease,
for a short time
but that's all.
My people are dying,
Father Damien...
Typhus, Smallpox and
now this.
We are a happy
people.
But sometimes, I feel...
I feel that our
tears could fill an ocean
I am only here,
for a short time.
But I want you to tell me
what is that you need.
We need houses.
We need more medicine.
We need something for pain.
What is it you'd like?
I wish that my mother
was here.
And you, little girl,
what is that you would like?
I wish... I wish that
you can make us better.
Until we meet again.
Aloha.
Aloha!
I brought you some company.
Hymaha, please show the visitors
the way to the house.
Come with me...
He is always building in pieces,
never one thing at a time.
You are so young,
that's all we've heard.
I just looks so.
I think it's all because of
the beer he drinks.
We thought that you were receiving
a flood of donations.
No... No. It...
It's work on the old pattern
of Church and State.
The church says it gets money from
the government so that...
we don't need
donations.
The government says that we gets
money from donations.
So we don't get
money from them.
So that is your greatest
worry, hmm? Money?
No... no. at this very moment
My worst problem is that
the voice of authority,
is a drunkard and a thief
and I have to fight
with him all the time.
The harmonium, was a gift
from Princess Liliuokalani.
Dislea is right hand,
Kinar is left.
Bishop!
Little bishop!
Before you continue,
we have some guests.
We have Mr Clifford...
Doctor Saxe,
and some of you know,
Dr. Kalewis.
Aloha.
Please continue.
As you can see...
I've seen some of
this on my patients.
They comes and it's go.
My dear Damien... it's is Scabies.
Sometime during the day,
you have to make
time
to go to the river and wash
it off.
There is another,
one on the foot.
Do you mind?
Would you have a nail?
Yeah... Yes, here.
Is it numb?
Let me know when it hurts?
Ouch!
. I thank you for the years
that You have given me.
Our first
Belgium beer.
You are almost old enough,
to drink this, little bishop.
But don't let me catch you,
taking this before...
Oh! Oh, my God, I forgot!
Come, Come, Come!
Mayor was sending...
sending down candles.
If we don't get there soon,
Strawn, will take half of it
for himself!
Please... Follow me, Bishop.
Come...
Yes, I have come for the candles
you've stolen!
They are not your candles,
You are not the owner of the damn candles!
Yes, I'll take the children too!
Why do you want the damned children!
They are here to die...
like the rest of us.
Let them do,
what they want!
Yeah, well, what they want
is not to be afraid of adults,
who are crazy with drink,
and anger and despair
Malulani...
Ah, leave her here!
She is not interested
in your singing and praying.
Take the children and get out!
I have the right...
to the good life.
The good life was when
you help the sick people.
When you made the children laugh.
You held them when
they were afraid,
Look at this.
This is the medal
of a Knight Commander
of the Royal Order of Kalakaua.
That is what Father Damien
is been made.
Father Damien
we're all very proud of you.
Why is he eating by himself?
Because Father Damien,
has got Leprosy.
And I want you to remind
you that a man is judged
by what is in him.
Many patients I have known,
puts some of the handsome men
at this table to shame.
What will happen to the orphans?
Oh, I won't die tomorrow
Elizabeth.
You had to be at the
harbor.
Yes sir, I did,
but the harbor got very rough
And the ship captain,
would not put out any of the boats
What is the point, man?
Go to the point!
The captain says he
will toss the lepers
all into the sea!
He won't take them to
the next port.
Damien, you can't go down
the cliff with that leg!
Damien, don't be a fool!
Be careful!
Go down slowly...
Go down slowly...
or you'll break your neck!
Damien, take it easy!
I want to die...
Help!
Bastards!
Help!
Help! Bring a blanket!
Some have washed up
on the shore dead.
Many are missing.
Please God
Please, God...
Please listen to me, God...
She's dead.
Sir... Sir. There are two gentlemen here
to see you.
I thought I had made it clear
I would see only one
representative!
Yes, sir.
Prime Minister,
do you realize that they're talking
about ten years of fighting?
I have taken measures already.
As of today,
Captains will be responsible
for the lives of all those on board.
That is not enough!
More than that,
we will make an
announcement.
A new hospital for
Lepers, here in Honolulu.
Are you closing Molokai?
Now, look!
Just the word of a new Hospital
calm things down for a few months,
all this will
be forgotten.
Now, thanks for your concern
Good day.
Evans?
This is something that I
rather not do again.
Don't move, I trusted her.
She knows every step
by heart.
I don't think we
like each other.
I am Father Damien,
I am a leper.
I know.
I am the Brother Joseph Dutton.
Here to do,
What ever you wanted me to do.
Oh, that sounds too good.
Don't worry,
I have my eccentricities.
Why don't you ride?
I don't mind.
Oh, no, that's good for me.
I am not giving it up.
Bishop's letter,
tell you who sent me here?
No... no, Bishop's letter only said
that you are a penitent.
And that if I showed you
too much gratitude,
that I must sabotage your
wish to suffer.
Well, from what I read
your colony will offer even me
all the penance I need.
It was Professor Clifford
who sent me here..
I read his book.
Oh... he has written a book
on Molokai?
Yes, about you.
I am going to be your Action
Coordinator, Father.
I read about your disorder
and lack of cleanliness.
Oh, he wrote that?
Clifford wrote that?
I would say that
described the situation.
Now don't worry, he said
one or two nice things about you.
So I have some...
some proper cooking utensils
You're in the Army?
Yes.
During the war?
Yeah.
I understand that you lost a friend
when they forced Bishop Maigret
to take early
retirement.
Yes...
Bishop Kockerman,
who claims to respect you,
gave me two bits of
information.
One you will like,
One you may not,
Begin with the one I
may not.
Well, they're rebuilding
a hospital for leprosy patients
outside Honolulu.
Now, that will take lot of
the money that you've hoped
for yourself
I hoped that,
I didn't really expect.
And the good news?
A Mother Marianne from
Syracuse, New York,
read about the Harbor
incident and is bringing six sisters
to Hawaii.
Oh, My God!
You don't know how much
I prayed for that.
Mother.
Prime Minister.
Father.
I should have come
a little earlier.
My nuns are going
to Molokai.
I will go too.
I have got nuns here
and take those who choose
to go with me.
But surely,
you realize
that once you
set foot on that island,
no one would be allowed,
to see you.
Nor will you'll be free
ever to come back,
That will haunt my conscience,
if I don't go
and help those of who are sick
and without family...
and who cannot come back
Mother Marianne, must recognize
Father Damien who exaggerates.
Those people are not
without care.
If only our other
parishes have received one tenth
what he has.
And he receives
government funding.
Think of the good that
you are doing here.
It would be monstrous
to give up all this
for some hopeless cause
Attending to sick and dying
is not a hopeless cause.
You are attending to the sick
and dying here.
That settlement,
is in my charge.
For your own good,
I will not allow you to go!
In the name of the Father
the Son and the Holy Ghost,
Bless me Father,
for I have sinned.
Put your trust in God.
How long has it been from your
last confession?
Too long.
There are too many sins
to remember.
The agony of Christ on the Cross,
will take the burden of sin...
from your soul.
I'm blind, Father.
I'm blind and helpless.
In this world there are many
people who have eyes but...
still cannot see,
Maybe he will let you find
your way in the dark.
We've read
Professor Clifford
glorious accounts of
your many wonders
It seems you are Doctor,
Magistrate, School teacher,
Carpenter, Farmer
even Gravedigger.
Since you're apparently
doing the work of twelve men,
it seems hardly surprisingly that
I have received a notice
from a Belgian newspaper
announcing your death.
Yes, we've received
a number of donations
but we have expenses
here.
I will try to pay
twenty-five dollars...
for your expenses there,
next month.
I thank you very much for
passing on the news of
my death.
May I recommend,
that the head stone reads,
"Here lies, the Leper Priest,
who seldom made his confession. "
Oh, Brother Dutton reports
that hundreds of dollars
have come from America alone.
I need, seventy-nine dollars
forty-three cents for the lumber
for the Hospital.
I would supply the labor
Free.
In one of my many
manifestations.
Yours in Christ, Damien.
We have been shocked...
to discover that one
thousand pounds
has been transferred
from England for use
as you wish to
prescribe.
Prime Minister
and Mother Marianne
are meeting at the very
moment to discuss the matter.
A certain Dr. Saxe,
and the Prince of Wales
are involved.
No doubt
with your provocation.
If I've counted too much
on your humility...
I am to be blamed.
But as your Provincial,
I remember your vow of
poverty.
It has been reported,
that you are installing
Japanese baths...
in the Sisters Hospital.
Since the government
continues to send
all the advanced cases
to Molokai
and we don't even have
fresh water supply.
I am relucant to defy,
the Prince of Wales directions.
My boys need a stove,
My girls need clothes.
I fear,
that my end is near and
I am coming to Honolulu
for confession.
As your bishop,
it is my duty,
My dear Father,
To advice you not to
come to Honolulu,
People would be afraid
to deal with us
and you could not say Mass,
We will never use, the same
chalice and vestments again.
Could I add something
Your Grace?
I would like to add,
"Do try to have more
consideration for others".
Is everything all right?
No. No... I'm all right, Joseph.
God does not answer me.
Why do you say that, Father?
You know better than I,
God never forsake anyone.
I have atoned for every thing,
but for almost one week...
I have been unable to pray...
I prayed to God,
to speak to me...
but he is silent.
He is not silent, Father.
He is just waiting.
It's good to see you.
Yes...
After lunch, Dr. Trousseau
like to examine you.
Oh, please, please... no.
you mustn’t fuss...
The baths have made me
feel ten years younger.
Give us three more days
and you'll be running the Mass.
I leave you to eat.
Yes.
It would be wonderful to have
bathrooms on Molokai.
And the sisters to
administrator them.
We have much to do here,
Father Damien.
Yes, but here you have
four doctors and seven nuns
and one hundred patients, none
of them dying.
On Molokai, we have
no doctors and no nuns.
And one thousand patients,
and all of them dying,
and soon be, even
without a priest.
Damien, you're my cross,
this is embarrassing.
We weighed this question
for long time now.
You cannot sent
nuns to Molokai.
It's amazing.
When I ask for money,
Molokai is a Paradise,
You have lost
your humility, Damien.
I shall mention it in
confession.
I don't understand
Yes, I have sores on my...
face and my neck
and some on my
hands and my feet
but I can assure you,
I have none on my body.
Dr. Trousseau still believes
that Leprosy
is the fourth stage
of syphilis.
There have been rumors, Damien.
Your house, apparently,
is open to everyone,
Men and Women.
I have kept my vow
of chastity.
I have never been
with a woman.
Or a man, if
that matters to you.
Your bishop has given me
permission to examine you.
Please stand up
and lift your cassock.
If he have the second
stage of syphilis,
he would had to have, at least
one sore.
It is important to check.
Check!
We cannot rely,
on patients words.
You may pull up your trousers,
Father.
Aloha Father Damien.
I am honored to meet you.
Oh, this is my honor
your Majesty.
So good to see you.
Yes...
I hope you could stay
and have some rest.
No, I hope to return
as soon as possible.
The baths and the treatment
have helped very much.
I wish this was something
that people of Molokai
could experience.
Well, this would
obviously be very expensive.
Perhaps the new nurse's residence,
here could be delayed.
Well, that's... possible,
In fact, uh, definitely,
it could be done.
I was just telling
Your Highness
that it would be wonderful
to have nuns on Molokai.
Well, that, that has always
been our intention, nuns,
to Molokai.
Certainly has been.
And Sister Leopoldina
has been telling me...
that a Priest from
Belgium...
has arrived to work
in the settlement.
Unfortunately, he is not
of our Order.
And it takes a year...
Yes, I don't think
I'll last a year.
But there are exemptions,
are they not?
Or perhaps you could come
until he is ready...
Father Leonor?
I spent about
fifteen years
in Indian territory in Oregon,
where I was almost scalped once,
but I still made a few, Christians.
And I was waiting
for years to come over.
I was praying-
Strawn wants to see you.
Oh...
May I come?
Yes, yes, come.
Thank you.
Celia and I have lived
together for two years.
When she was sent here,
her husband divorced her.
I don't have much time left
in this world,
I know that in her heart,
we are man and wife,
in my heart, too.
We want to get married.
To be together,
true man and wife.
Is your husband still alive, Celia?
I don't know.
I am sorry Strawn...
it is a sacrament.
That is right...
it is a sacrament!
It is a sacrament!
Don't feel guilty.
Eleanor, probably
would have unfrocked you
if you had agreed to
marry them.
Celia, is she even a
Catholic?
I seen her at Mass
with Strawn.
Yeah, I bet you have seen them
in the Village of Fools, too!
Yes, but they get their solace
from their old Gods.
Before, I used to rant against them,
but I think it gives them some peace.
All the instruments, they
were donated by the King.
How many patients
are Catholics?
There are one thousand people
on the island...
Six hundred of them
are now Catholic.
Jesus"
But what he describes...
You must understand,
that he exaggerates.
In my conscience, I cannot
stay here and do nothing.
Prime Minister,
I have vows to fulfill.
Think of the good that
you're doing here.
You may kiss the bride.
I hope you are not going to be
sorry for doing this.
By the time Lenor finds out...
both Strawn and I will be gone.
Father Damien...
How did you know it was me?
Your walk.
Because you do not sleep, eh?
The wind...
Oh... music in the trees.
Are the nuns really coming?
Well, there were some
difficulties.
It takes a month
to get from New York
to Honolulu.
Then five years to
get from Honolulu to Molokai.
But... they're coming.
Do not be afraid.
I'll stay here until you
go to sleep, okay?
What are you doing?
You're sick.
Hey, did the nuns arrive?
Oh yes, the nuns arrived.
Now here is the really
good news.
You're not allowed to see them.
You're banned from the Chapel and
the Residence.
And for God's sake,
Come down,
We're almost done,
Benedictus...
Help me
We have come to take care of
Father Damien.
Brother Dutton, would you get us
some warm water, please?
We would like to bathe him now.
You're not supposed to be
be here.
He has influenza.
We will be careful.
We have dealt with
influenza before.
Father Damien... I am Sorry, that
it has took us so long.
I have been told
such stories.
We couldn't get
permission to come.
I truly didn't know.
I beg for your forgiveness,
and for your blessing.
It mean so much
to us.
Yes, my... my greatest wish
was, that you would come.
Now... now
you have.
May God bless you,
and keep you,
Help me
It's time for your medicine.
No... no more.
My little home,
now has a young priest,
nuns, a brother.
It's time for me,
to rest.
And I... I am looking forward,
to reaching there, in Heaven.
And I... I will pray
for all of you.
Father Damien... is gone.
But, He will live for us
forever.
Father, Father...
Here it is. Here...
- Hello Father
- Father, where is the girl?
Here, we are working
She has been declared a leper.
I have a warrant for her.
You would be tested again in
Honolulu
If she is clean,
she will be released
Here? Half the time they call
it leprosy
but it is not leprosy at all!
When she is first
examined.
She had a spot on the
right thigh
yellowish purple...
It's not there now.
How long has this spot
on your back been there?
Well, she has got all the
symptoms.
Spots come and they go.
She is losing
feelings in her toes
This one goes to Molokai.
Next.
More native have died
of smallpox and typhus.
This disease...
no one knows
how it is transmitted,
there is no cure...
It is communicated by
sexual contact.
And it is God's retribution
for the licentiousness of their ways.
Exactly.
I have been listening to confessions
for 20 years,
I have been shocked,
breathlessness
when I heard what an 18 year
old boy had said.
If it is communicated
by sexual contact,
how is it children
become afflicted?
Well, they inherited!
I have consulted the
highest medical authority
and he said it's the fourth
stage of syphilis
Nonsense!
The bacillus has been isolated...
Gentlemen, Gentlemen!
Let's at least
agree it is a scourge.
And those who have it
must be isolated.
And while I am Prime Minister
we will not fail in this, or...
Hawaii will become
a nation of Lepers.
But as long as you isolate them
and keep them in a place
where they have no relatives.
A place which will turn
into a living hell...
with no law.
That's why I have called
you together
We cannot send police to
that island.
Why not?
I've tried. They had resigned.
Fear of disease.
They can't take their families,
It's hopeless. They won't go.
They won't do it.
Then the natives will continue
to hide their sick...
And I for one, don't blame them.
Exactly.
As missionaries,
We have given our lives
to spread the word of the first
Good Shepherd
Of those we have converted,
a few who had be condemned
to that colony of terror and
death on Molokai.
To die there, without confession or
the last rites
painful to them
and the dreadful danger
to their immortal souls
I've been reluctant, to send
any of you
to such a dangerous place
But when we finished our
meeting with the Prime Minister
He left us with these words.
"If a noble Christian,
priest, preacher or sister
should be inspired
to sacrifice his life
to console these poor wretches,
that would be a royal soul,
to shine forever on the
throne raised by human love...
It has moved me to ask,
if any of you might have the wish
to volunteer.
Well since there are
four of you,
you will each serve three months
That will provide them with a Priest
throughout the year.
Now, the honor of establishing
the Parish...
will fall to...
you... Father Damien
We have a small church there.
It needs some repairs.
It's all right,
Your Grace.
As a young boy in Flanders,
I often slept in the stables.
Don't forget, you are not
to touch any patient.
And eat nothing that you
haven't prepared yourself.
Are you ready, Father?
God be with you, son.
I'll have you back in Honolulu
within a month,
I promise.
Now remember...
don't touch anyone!
Welcome, Father.
What is that brought you to Molokai?
You have the disease?
No. No. I have come to
establish a parish.
Well, You've got a deposit
full of souls to save.
Have you got your things
among these crates?
No. No, I come
as I am.
Make sense.
Only a fool will
choose to come.
Come on, I'll take you
the settlement.
See that cliff?
The Pa“, you mean'?
Yes, but there is only one
trail up there...
steep enough to
make a mule giddy.
Most patients couldn't make it,
if they try.
But if they succeeded,
they would be shot if they're caught.
Shot?
That's the law.
No patient leaves this
island except in a coffin.
The sea is worse here
than in other islands
The good part is, it keeps
anyone from trying to escape.
The bad part is that you are
supposed to get supplies every month.
But you are lucky if boats
get in here every two months.
I manage a cavalry
ranch at the top.
So they asked me to
"administer" here.
How often do you come down?
I try to get down with a couple
of my men when the boats come in
so the food isn't stolen
right from the start.
Kahoohuli...
Say Aloha to a Priest
He has come to save souls.
Aloha
Aloha...
Kahoohuli is the store keeper
and my number one man here.
He gives out the rations.
So we know it at least starts
out fair.
If the priest,
is still here tomorrow
you lent him a horse
and give him some rations.
I don't know, if you smoke,
or not...
but I advise you to try
a pipe.
You find the very sick
ones have a smell from their
open sours.
If you smoke a pipe,
It doesn't bother much.
Bless you.
From now on,
only God can help you.
Yes, I often count on Him
Dear Lord.
You died at age 33.
I begin my life at 33
I pray for your protection
Hello, Priest.
I saw you come.
Hello
Hello
You're English?
Yes.
I was a Medical assistant
in Honolulu
When I got this blasted
disease, myself
A lesson to you
Can I move you into the Church?
No.
I like the sight of the sea.
I will not have it long
May I give you the sacraments?
Pity?
from a Catholic priest?
My father would rise
from his grave
Ah, Father.
Do not feel insulted
Come back tomorrow.
I maybe frightened enough,
to think about it.
May the God be with you.
And with you too.
Just now, you need him more
than I.
In the name of the Father, Son
and the Holy Spirit
Amen
Father.
Hello.
Could I be your altar boy?
In my village
I was one.
Ah, that would be a
wonderful help
I wouldn't have to touch
the Chalice or anything.
No... No...
Shall I come
tomorrow?
Yeah... Wait
Let us agree formally
Father...
Hello
Father... can you help us?
Emma, my youngest daughter,
she came to take care of me
when they allowed
families to come,
Now, a Portuguese has taken
her to the mad house.
He makes her
do bad things.
I am
too sick
I need her.
Did she go with him,
because she wanted?
No, No...
She fought, but it's no good to fight.
He always win.
Emma? Emma?
Emma. Emma!
Emma. Emma!
I want Emma to stand
Emma!
Come, you should come with me.
You take your hands away from her.
Wait... Mululani,
What are you doing here?
With the approval of the
Superintendent.
We are turning this
building into a dormitory
for the sick
and for the elderly
How long do you think,
you will last priest
Let us live while we can,
nobody cares!
Yeah?
Yes, If I cares.
And God cares.
And this is not the way
to live.
Come.
Bring Jimi!
I cannot know your
pain, except in my heart.
There is a God.
I know that...
If you believe in Him,
You feel him.
In the name of the
Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Ghost,
Amen.
My Brothers and
Sisters in Christ,
My fellow
Lepers,
We have met here in the
presence of God, to seek His solace.
To be reminded of his
love for us
to relive
through the Mass
the sacrifice of his son
on the cross
so that we might one day
behold, in the life to come.
I do not have the disease
that they send you to Molokai.
But I want to remind you
that all men, know loneliness.
All men know
isolation, despair,
All men are afflicted
in their hearts
or .. on... their bodies
with sores and wounds
which make them, outcast.
Outcast to...
whom...
In his life on earth,
He healed the blind,
He healed the lepers,
Not to tell us
that men will not be blind...
or men, would not
be lepers, but to tell us
that in His eyes
the blind people could see,
the lepers
were clean.
And He loved them... as
He loves all mankind.
On that cross,
then as now.
He shares
all of our agonies
And by following in his Light
He will show us all
the way to peace.
Your Grace, I...
I'm sorry, this is outrageous
He is now demanding timber
and nails.
He says that he is not going
to sleep under a roof
not until there is adequate
cover for all the patients
There is another article about
him in the paper today.
The Prime Minister calls him
a "Christian Hero".
"A healthy young man who
has sacrificed himself
for the dying
inhabitants of Molokai"
Yes, thank you.
And does he speak of returning?
No, No... on the contrary.
This settlement, needs
a resident priest.
Boat loads of sick
arrived... many are dying
"| want to stay "
And he also boasts of
baptising 20 converts.
Well, All things considered,
I think we must grand him
his wish.
Write to him,
Tell him he may remain,
until further notice.
Oh, and caution him again
about touching anybody.
Oh, Damien!
Look at all this I brought,
More than I ever got out of the
Government
oh,I have a Bishop with a
conscience.
As a good Lutheran, I have got
no faith in Bishops.
What are you doing?
I am... making a wind break.
We have winds in
Beligum too.
They picked the worst hole in
Hawaii
Because of the cliff,
you never see the sunrise.
Never seen it set.
The were put in away with
murderers
They couldn't thought of
a better place.
Here, this came
with the ship
Kahoohuli says
you two
of you have been breaking up
some rules
Yes, We made some
enemies.
I don't like, the stealing of
food,
I don't like, them forcing
girls into prostitution,
But these people are on a
death sentence...
with nothing to do,
but think about it...
and they are sick on top of it.
So I don't think that a little
liquor hurts.
Drunkenness
does not help anyone.
Only the grim reaper is going to
help your flock father,
Father.
Well, we differ.
Bad news?
Yes, I asked for nuns,
Nursing nuns.
Our Provincial Father Eleanor,
It says
Concluded that
I'm both insane and arrogant.
You're a good man, Damien,
but you better learn to bend.
like those trees.
The ones that don't bend, breaks.
If there is not enough food, why
don't the people plant crops?
The sick cannot.
The Strong?
It is easier to pick from
the sick.
To plant, you must believe, you're
strong enough to harvest.
Who knows?
Yeah, but you are planting.
I plant, because you plant.
Well, little bishop,
you're late again.
Yes, Father.
I was showing the boys
how to plant yesterday.
I thought you would come.
Little Bishop, come.
Hmm... no.. no...
You're not going back,
to that man!
No, it was my fault...
No, you're not going back. "
Please, Father... I have to.
He takes care of me.
What do you want, Priest?
Hey, come, come, come here..
I haven't told anything...
not even in the confessional.
All I feel is the
devil's sours.
And my feet,
I feel nothing.
And my fingers...
see it burns like
hell.
You should be in the hospital.
A hospital...
where there is no beds?
We can clean your sores
we can bandage them properly...
I am not a Catholic,
and I will never be a Catholic!
Yeah, How you live must be your choice,
But if you beat that
boy once more...
Yeah? I say once more, you
will need a Hospital
such as this island
does not possess.
You understand?
Hey! Hey!
You understand?
I want to hear you
say that?
All right... All right.
I'll see you at Mass tomorrow,
Yeah?
You be on time.
Yeah...
You should be more comfortable.
All this work for a Protestant?
You might go to Hell.
I would rather got you
took the sacrament but...
I don't like you sleeping like this
within my sight.
I suppose that it would be easier
theologically if I just die.
Oh, you can't die,
until I convert you.
Do you honestly believe that
only Catholics go to Heaven?
I'm not absolutely certain.
But, I know that Catholics,
can go to Heaven.
You know
You shouldn't touch lepers...
not less,
eat with them.
I know a man who bandaged
lepers open wounds,
and he's going to teach
me, how.
He's not in the greatest of health?
Oh yes, But his spirit seems to be.
Yes, as for me,
I dread it.
But I put my health in hands of
God and the blessed Virgin
They will protect me
as long as I need it.
What are the reasons that
made you a missionary?
My sister,
I was the youngest boy,
and my sister
she protected me until I
could protect myself.
I loved her very much,
and she became a nun,
and died, taking care of the
sick during the typhus epidemic.
So you were born a missionary,
No... No, not quite,
I was not smart enough
Yes, I had to work very hard
To pass...
Latin and Theology...
Oh, well... Those are,
of course
the most important things
Oh, yeah... come...
The Blessed Virgin, may
save you from Leprosy.
I'm sure, she will save you from
influenza?
I will take the chance.
Now can I move you
into the Church?
No.
No... when it comes,
I want to die here.
Up there, at night
I see the world I have missed,
and all the friends and
family who forgotten
that I still breathe.
I can tell you,
no one in these islands
have greater respect for him
than I do... but these reports,
these reports are grossly
unfair to the government.
I understand your feelings, Sir.
But it does seem that the
provisions for the patients
are some what less than
might be desired.
My dear Bishop...
half of every dollar that
the board of health spends
go to that colony,
I... I'm sorry,
I didn't understand...
It was assumed that they
would grow their own food
Now that they have
simply refused!
The cost of transport,
arresting them,
providing daily food
and many more thing...
it is absolutely
troubling
Your Grace,
Father Damien
Ah, Damien!
I would like you to meet
the Prime Minister.
Hello!
Excuse me, so we
very much need clothing
for the children
About...
two hundred outfits.
Damien!
Sorry to be so blunt,
but writing, seems to
produce nothing.
And this is an opportunity that
I would not likely
have ever again.
Father Damien
currently you wrote a letter
to your brother in Paris,
Ah, yes sir...
Furthermore,
your brother has in fact
published it.
And now the newspapers
in Paris and London
have picked it up and
expanded the riot
But I was simply
telling you...
but you gave the impression Damien
that you alone who felt concerned.
For these
poor unfortunatess
No, no.
I meant nothing like that.
Now, this has been a
serious embarrassment
for the government,
all this publicity.
But, Why are you here in
Honolulu?
I had to make my confession.
That colony is under
Quarantine!
I admire
what you have done, too...
For that reason, I am
prepared to give you a permit,
to go back, but under
this condition,
that you may never leave again
But... but I am not infected.
How might I be able,
to make my confession?
Well, that's something between you
and their superiors.
You don't have to go back.
You are young,
Healthy
No one would blame you.
Sorry, I am needed there.
Then you know the terms!.
Thank you, gentlemen!
And from now on, Father.
You will send all
correspondence to me,
there will be no more
publishable letters.
Father Damien sent me.
As you hear,
He is busy
Shall I feed you?
That would be a luxury.
Father Damien wants
you to go to the hospital.
No thanks, I've been...
He worries that you're to ill
to fend for yourself
Wait a minute.
They are close to doing it well
this time
Did he ask for me?
No.
Ah... Father Damien
It's time for me to leave you...
No... you're only weak,
take some food.
I have lived in pain for months,
now I feel nothing
And you want to take it away
with with a mouthful of porridge?
I need someone to talk to.
You can't leave me now.
Sorry, Father
I have another appointment.
Sometimes I pray...
Sometimes I beg...
sometimes I thunder with fury...
at the danger of you going
to God
without your sin
forgiven.
You must realize the
danger.
I want you to ask for
Absolution.
Do you want my
last act in life, to be false?
No... I want the truth.
I beg you, let me give you
the last rights.
You are stubborn, Damien.
But... I am the one
who got away.
Don't worry,
I will say a good word for you,
on the other side.
When a white man
treats them well,
they don't forget.
Who paid for
the coffin?
I made it from the timber,
for church repairs.
And you burying him,
in the Catholic graveyard?
He lived in the graveyard,
He can also be put to rest in it.
Nearer, O God, to thee.
Hello! Hello!
Damien...
you're to blame for this!
If you were not here,
I never would have dared.
Oh, You don't know how much
I longed
to talk to someone from
the mainland.
Well, I can't say that
I was anxious to come,
But here I am,
a Resident Physician.
I am very glad,
and how is your family?
They're fine.
Let him go, Ute! Stop!
What are you doing?
He was a part of the ship.
A sailor who
kidnapped islanders
for slave labour on the
plantations.
I brought a good case of
German Beer
Oh, and I fixed you a house,
which is by the sea.
Yes? well, report,
Plasco whomever you!
Now scram!
Get out! Old fool!
You cannot do this!
We are workers!
The government gave
this barrack to us!
The government, is not interested
shit, you,
on a shit island like this!
What you got there?
I'll take that!
- This is mine! This is mine!
- Now get out! Come on, get out!
Did you know that dying,
didn't say necessary
that,
I want to be a doctor.
If I had met
Damien then
probably would turn into
a priest.
Ah, another Catholic?
Ha, ha... Congregationalist.
Oh, You must must walk
carefully
Father Damien,
sees a Protestant,
is like a lumberjack,
seeing a big redwood tree.
Oh, you have to heal the spirit,
if you want to heal the body.
You think the spirit
can cure leprosy?
Oh, Christ did.
Oh, Christ... but you or me?
Oh, no, no... Not
without a Miracle
but I think that God
can protect you, if he so chooses.
Well, I have not brought a miracle.
But there is a new medicine
from China catted Huang Nan.
Now a Dominican priest
tried it in Trinidad,
and claims great success.
I came, because it's my
hope we can try it here.
And duplicate it's results.
How much of this stuff
did you bring?
Well, we have received
only a small shipment,
and I left some in Honolulu
for analysis.
Could we start with the
young?
Sure, why not?
Some adults, of course,
and ah...
some of the most severe cases...
and we need to try
on some of those who
have just come.
And if there is a miracle, er...
would you mind that I say,
that it comes from God?
If it's is a miracle,
I promise you...
even I will
thank God.
Hello! Aloha!
Aloha.
I've scored two goals.
Ah, that is quite some team.
Leho! Gihil!
Leho! Gihil!
Come!
This is Dr. Kalewis,
he has some new medicine to try.
It's just a powder
mixed with honey.
Taste good
Half a spoon
each.
Please... you give it to them.
Gihil!... good.
Leho... here, come, come. Leho...
Ah, yes...
it's very delicious.
I have to make you sweep
the floor to get it.
Good boy.
So... It's, okay
and score a goal, please.
We have to give them another dose,
in three days.
Yes?
To whom they belong to?
Oh, Like most children here...
no one.
Sometimes they watch for a while
and I can lure them in.
Sometimes I only get close to them
only when they are dying.
I've managed to build some
small huts for housing,
but we very much need
an orphanage,
and nuns to take care of them
God bless you,
Try this out.
Thank you Father,
God bless you.
Pray that it
works, right?
Thank you.
Oh...
Thank you...
No beds?
No. There are some beds
at the hospital
in the other end of the island
but the Board of Health,
won't let us move them.
I need some air.
If I had enough wood,
I could build them myself.
You'll get used to it.
Hello Kulier.
Not one of the carers get paid?
Only if that, it keeps you
from boredom
And that... that's the worst
punishment on the island
Yes I could hook them,
it lasts for a time.
But once in a while they go off,
to drink...
or to be with a man,
which warded away partly,
desperation.
Some are fairly well off.
Oh, yes, some family
send money and clothing, but...
to admit,
there is leprosy in the family
means that they cannot
marry of their sons,
sometimes even their daughters,
so they are forgotten.
Come.
The rich ones here, can
pay for the timber,
and they get the Chinese people to
build their homes.
Then when they are too sick,
the gangs come in,
and they steal everything.
And when they die, another rich one
comes in,
and the buy the house
from the relatives,
and it starts all over again.
Here's one I would like to
try the medicine on.
Hello... Hello...
I have some good news for you...
I... I think it's better that
we look for another patient.
May God bless you.
My God!
Inhale deeply,
several quick ones.
This is the dying
shed.
When they reach this stage,
they feel
very desolate.
In the morning
We take away the dead.
My God, what a
way to die!
And we bring them food
and at night I will
say my Rosary here.
I think the company helps,
and all the prayers, too.
Dear God,
your love is eternal.
Do not forsake the work
of your hands, but...
welcome this child
in Heaven.
She died?
Yes.
Yes, during the night.
I make her a casket.
I took her to the church.
That music, what is it?
Hula!
That is hula.
It is the sacred dance...
They, they beg the gods to relieve
those who are suffering
through a spell.
I cannot stay, Damien.
I thought I could,
but... I want to marry.
I was told that there's women here.
I thought I could bring a wife.
She would go crazy at the end
the first day.
I'll leave you the medicine.
And I promise to return
periodically.
But I cannot live
here.
Well, I will miss you.
Is there anything I can do?
Yes, yes, I long to make a
confession.
And you say,
How we need nuns. Nuns.
Nuns... that. that,
mean so much to,
to the hospital...
and to the children.
I'll speak to the Bishop
and the Board of Health.
You are the miracle
God gave these people. Damien.
We mourn the loss of
your servant, Mulliya,
whose life passed so quickly,
Welcome him into your kingdom,
where there will be no sorrow.
No weeping,
no pain.
We ask you this through
Christ our Lord, Amen
I thought that you were saving
that spot for yourself.
I'll be close to her.
You plan to stay here
till you die, Father?
Yeah, well everyone else does.
I am afraid that our Doctor
is leaving.
Yeah, I know.
Kahoohuli
is getting worse.
I had to put someone else in
charge.
This is Clayton Strawn.
He's in good health.
He knows how to run
things.
And to be honest,
My brother have been,
making the law
than breaking it.
Can I come in?
Yeah...
What is it?
I saw you going past.
And you looked... lonely.
I thought I should come and visit you.
I am, I'm saying my prayers
Malulani.
Me, I'm perfectly
happy-
Why are you so shy?
But you're strong...
like our men.
I think... I think you should
go home now.
I like you very much,
you're a good man.
Now you,
You must go home.
Please go... I beg you.
You're destroying
my whole life.
Please go...
I mean it!
I want you to go!
Your Grace... I have written
to every priest on the islands.
No one will go.
Order them to go!
I have, but all of them have
excuses.
Influenza,
Dying parishioners.
Broken foot.
Diarrhea.
Suspected smallpox.
They just won't go.
He has the right
to make confession!
If no one else will go...
Then I must go.
Your Grace, if you set foot
on that island
they will never let you off again.
I am a bishop and I am going!
Make the arrangements,
Father Leonor.
Oh, Captain!
Would you please instruct
your crew to lower a boat?
And put me ashore?
You don't have a
landing permit, father,
so I am not going to do that.
I am a Bishop
of the Catholic Church.
With all due respect Sir,
I am obeying the orders of the
Board of Health.
Then I must ask you,
to allow Father Damien on board
If that priest so much as
touches this boat
will direct my men
to fire on him.
I'm protecting my
crew and passengers
It's no use, they won't
allow you on board!
Yes, I know, I've tried.
Your Grace, I need
desperately to make my confession
I know, my son.
Can I speak it to you here
in French?
Of course!
Yes! Yes!
Begin! Begin!
In the name of the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
Damien... Damien...
don't storm heaven
so violently, my son.
Allow yourself the charity
that you would allow others.
Continue, continue...
"Leper's priest,
forced to confess at sea "
That paper sold out,
they had to print
another edition.
Sir, the King and
Princess Liliuokalani...
demanded...
your immediate
presence in the Palace.
God!
It's we who maintain
this pretentious "monarchy"?
Because if we didn't,
Americans, would take over
in twenty-four hours.
Do you know, Evans...
what time you stayed in the office
is second to none!
Oh! Thank you, Sir.
And, Sir... Princess Liliuokalani
has told the press
that quarantine or no
that she is going to visit
the colony on Molokai.
Is it not ironic, Evans?
I was the first one to call
him a "Christian Hero".
Aloha Princess...
Yes, it's not... not much,
but it is an improvement.
They must have beds!
Yeah...
I want it to be understood in Honolulu,
they must have beds.
Yes, your Highness.
This Chinese medicine,
It doesn't work.
I know, it is,
It is merely mostly arsenic
which does slows the disease,
for a short time
but that's all.
My people are dying,
Father Damien...
Typhus, Smallpox and
now this.
We are a happy
people.
But sometimes, I feel...
I feel that our
tears could fill an ocean
I am only here,
for a short time.
But I want you to tell me
what is that you need.
We need houses.
We need more medicine.
We need something for pain.
What is it you'd like?
I wish that my mother
was here.
And you, little girl,
what is that you would like?
I wish... I wish that
you can make us better.
Until we meet again.
Aloha.
Aloha!
I brought you some company.
Hymaha, please show the visitors
the way to the house.
Come with me...
He is always building in pieces,
never one thing at a time.
You are so young,
that's all we've heard.
I just looks so.
I think it's all because of
the beer he drinks.
We thought that you were receiving
a flood of donations.
No... No. It...
It's work on the old pattern
of Church and State.
The church says it gets money from
the government so that...
we don't need
donations.
The government says that we gets
money from donations.
So we don't get
money from them.
So that is your greatest
worry, hmm? Money?
No... no. at this very moment
My worst problem is that
the voice of authority,
is a drunkard and a thief
and I have to fight
with him all the time.
The harmonium, was a gift
from Princess Liliuokalani.
Dislea is right hand,
Kinar is left.
Bishop!
Little bishop!
Before you continue,
we have some guests.
We have Mr Clifford...
Doctor Saxe,
and some of you know,
Dr. Kalewis.
Aloha.
Please continue.
As you can see...
I've seen some of
this on my patients.
They comes and it's go.
My dear Damien... it's is Scabies.
Sometime during the day,
you have to make
time
to go to the river and wash
it off.
There is another,
one on the foot.
Do you mind?
Would you have a nail?
Yeah... Yes, here.
Is it numb?
Let me know when it hurts?
Ouch!
. I thank you for the years
that You have given me.
Our first
Belgium beer.
You are almost old enough,
to drink this, little bishop.
But don't let me catch you,
taking this before...
Oh! Oh, my God, I forgot!
Come, Come, Come!
Mayor was sending...
sending down candles.
If we don't get there soon,
Strawn, will take half of it
for himself!
Please... Follow me, Bishop.
Come...
Yes, I have come for the candles
you've stolen!
They are not your candles,
You are not the owner of the damn candles!
Yes, I'll take the children too!
Why do you want the damned children!
They are here to die...
like the rest of us.
Let them do,
what they want!
Yeah, well, what they want
is not to be afraid of adults,
who are crazy with drink,
and anger and despair
Malulani...
Ah, leave her here!
She is not interested
in your singing and praying.
Take the children and get out!
I have the right...
to the good life.
The good life was when
you help the sick people.
When you made the children laugh.
You held them when
they were afraid,
Look at this.
This is the medal
of a Knight Commander
of the Royal Order of Kalakaua.
That is what Father Damien
is been made.
Father Damien
we're all very proud of you.
Why is he eating by himself?
Because Father Damien,
has got Leprosy.
And I want you to remind
you that a man is judged
by what is in him.
Many patients I have known,
puts some of the handsome men
at this table to shame.
What will happen to the orphans?
Oh, I won't die tomorrow
Elizabeth.
You had to be at the
harbor.
Yes sir, I did,
but the harbor got very rough
And the ship captain,
would not put out any of the boats
What is the point, man?
Go to the point!
The captain says he
will toss the lepers
all into the sea!
He won't take them to
the next port.
Damien, you can't go down
the cliff with that leg!
Damien, don't be a fool!
Be careful!
Go down slowly...
Go down slowly...
or you'll break your neck!
Damien, take it easy!
I want to die...
Help!
Bastards!
Help!
Help! Bring a blanket!
Some have washed up
on the shore dead.
Many are missing.
Please God
Please, God...
Please listen to me, God...
She's dead.
Sir... Sir. There are two gentlemen here
to see you.
I thought I had made it clear
I would see only one
representative!
Yes, sir.
Prime Minister,
do you realize that they're talking
about ten years of fighting?
I have taken measures already.
As of today,
Captains will be responsible
for the lives of all those on board.
That is not enough!
More than that,
we will make an
announcement.
A new hospital for
Lepers, here in Honolulu.
Are you closing Molokai?
Now, look!
Just the word of a new Hospital
calm things down for a few months,
all this will
be forgotten.
Now, thanks for your concern
Good day.
Evans?
This is something that I
rather not do again.
Don't move, I trusted her.
She knows every step
by heart.
I don't think we
like each other.
I am Father Damien,
I am a leper.
I know.
I am the Brother Joseph Dutton.
Here to do,
What ever you wanted me to do.
Oh, that sounds too good.
Don't worry,
I have my eccentricities.
Why don't you ride?
I don't mind.
Oh, no, that's good for me.
I am not giving it up.
Bishop's letter,
tell you who sent me here?
No... no, Bishop's letter only said
that you are a penitent.
And that if I showed you
too much gratitude,
that I must sabotage your
wish to suffer.
Well, from what I read
your colony will offer even me
all the penance I need.
It was Professor Clifford
who sent me here..
I read his book.
Oh... he has written a book
on Molokai?
Yes, about you.
I am going to be your Action
Coordinator, Father.
I read about your disorder
and lack of cleanliness.
Oh, he wrote that?
Clifford wrote that?
I would say that
described the situation.
Now don't worry, he said
one or two nice things about you.
So I have some...
some proper cooking utensils
You're in the Army?
Yes.
During the war?
Yeah.
I understand that you lost a friend
when they forced Bishop Maigret
to take early
retirement.
Yes...
Bishop Kockerman,
who claims to respect you,
gave me two bits of
information.
One you will like,
One you may not,
Begin with the one I
may not.
Well, they're rebuilding
a hospital for leprosy patients
outside Honolulu.
Now, that will take lot of
the money that you've hoped
for yourself
I hoped that,
I didn't really expect.
And the good news?
A Mother Marianne from
Syracuse, New York,
read about the Harbor
incident and is bringing six sisters
to Hawaii.
Oh, My God!
You don't know how much
I prayed for that.
Mother.
Prime Minister.
Father.
I should have come
a little earlier.
My nuns are going
to Molokai.
I will go too.
I have got nuns here
and take those who choose
to go with me.
But surely,
you realize
that once you
set foot on that island,
no one would be allowed,
to see you.
Nor will you'll be free
ever to come back,
That will haunt my conscience,
if I don't go
and help those of who are sick
and without family...
and who cannot come back
Mother Marianne, must recognize
Father Damien who exaggerates.
Those people are not
without care.
If only our other
parishes have received one tenth
what he has.
And he receives
government funding.
Think of the good that
you are doing here.
It would be monstrous
to give up all this
for some hopeless cause
Attending to sick and dying
is not a hopeless cause.
You are attending to the sick
and dying here.
That settlement,
is in my charge.
For your own good,
I will not allow you to go!
In the name of the Father
the Son and the Holy Ghost,
Bless me Father,
for I have sinned.
Put your trust in God.
How long has it been from your
last confession?
Too long.
There are too many sins
to remember.
The agony of Christ on the Cross,
will take the burden of sin...
from your soul.
I'm blind, Father.
I'm blind and helpless.
In this world there are many
people who have eyes but...
still cannot see,
Maybe he will let you find
your way in the dark.
We've read
Professor Clifford
glorious accounts of
your many wonders
It seems you are Doctor,
Magistrate, School teacher,
Carpenter, Farmer
even Gravedigger.
Since you're apparently
doing the work of twelve men,
it seems hardly surprisingly that
I have received a notice
from a Belgian newspaper
announcing your death.
Yes, we've received
a number of donations
but we have expenses
here.
I will try to pay
twenty-five dollars...
for your expenses there,
next month.
I thank you very much for
passing on the news of
my death.
May I recommend,
that the head stone reads,
"Here lies, the Leper Priest,
who seldom made his confession. "
Oh, Brother Dutton reports
that hundreds of dollars
have come from America alone.
I need, seventy-nine dollars
forty-three cents for the lumber
for the Hospital.
I would supply the labor
Free.
In one of my many
manifestations.
Yours in Christ, Damien.
We have been shocked...
to discover that one
thousand pounds
has been transferred
from England for use
as you wish to
prescribe.
Prime Minister
and Mother Marianne
are meeting at the very
moment to discuss the matter.
A certain Dr. Saxe,
and the Prince of Wales
are involved.
No doubt
with your provocation.
If I've counted too much
on your humility...
I am to be blamed.
But as your Provincial,
I remember your vow of
poverty.
It has been reported,
that you are installing
Japanese baths...
in the Sisters Hospital.
Since the government
continues to send
all the advanced cases
to Molokai
and we don't even have
fresh water supply.
I am relucant to defy,
the Prince of Wales directions.
My boys need a stove,
My girls need clothes.
I fear,
that my end is near and
I am coming to Honolulu
for confession.
As your bishop,
it is my duty,
My dear Father,
To advice you not to
come to Honolulu,
People would be afraid
to deal with us
and you could not say Mass,
We will never use, the same
chalice and vestments again.
Could I add something
Your Grace?
I would like to add,
"Do try to have more
consideration for others".
Is everything all right?
No. No... I'm all right, Joseph.
God does not answer me.
Why do you say that, Father?
You know better than I,
God never forsake anyone.
I have atoned for every thing,
but for almost one week...
I have been unable to pray...
I prayed to God,
to speak to me...
but he is silent.
He is not silent, Father.
He is just waiting.
It's good to see you.
Yes...
After lunch, Dr. Trousseau
like to examine you.
Oh, please, please... no.
you mustn’t fuss...
The baths have made me
feel ten years younger.
Give us three more days
and you'll be running the Mass.
I leave you to eat.
Yes.
It would be wonderful to have
bathrooms on Molokai.
And the sisters to
administrator them.
We have much to do here,
Father Damien.
Yes, but here you have
four doctors and seven nuns
and one hundred patients, none
of them dying.
On Molokai, we have
no doctors and no nuns.
And one thousand patients,
and all of them dying,
and soon be, even
without a priest.
Damien, you're my cross,
this is embarrassing.
We weighed this question
for long time now.
You cannot sent
nuns to Molokai.
It's amazing.
When I ask for money,
Molokai is a Paradise,
You have lost
your humility, Damien.
I shall mention it in
confession.
I don't understand
Yes, I have sores on my...
face and my neck
and some on my
hands and my feet
but I can assure you,
I have none on my body.
Dr. Trousseau still believes
that Leprosy
is the fourth stage
of syphilis.
There have been rumors, Damien.
Your house, apparently,
is open to everyone,
Men and Women.
I have kept my vow
of chastity.
I have never been
with a woman.
Or a man, if
that matters to you.
Your bishop has given me
permission to examine you.
Please stand up
and lift your cassock.
If he have the second
stage of syphilis,
he would had to have, at least
one sore.
It is important to check.
Check!
We cannot rely,
on patients words.
You may pull up your trousers,
Father.
Aloha Father Damien.
I am honored to meet you.
Oh, this is my honor
your Majesty.
So good to see you.
Yes...
I hope you could stay
and have some rest.
No, I hope to return
as soon as possible.
The baths and the treatment
have helped very much.
I wish this was something
that people of Molokai
could experience.
Well, this would
obviously be very expensive.
Perhaps the new nurse's residence,
here could be delayed.
Well, that's... possible,
In fact, uh, definitely,
it could be done.
I was just telling
Your Highness
that it would be wonderful
to have nuns on Molokai.
Well, that, that has always
been our intention, nuns,
to Molokai.
Certainly has been.
And Sister Leopoldina
has been telling me...
that a Priest from
Belgium...
has arrived to work
in the settlement.
Unfortunately, he is not
of our Order.
And it takes a year...
Yes, I don't think
I'll last a year.
But there are exemptions,
are they not?
Or perhaps you could come
until he is ready...
Father Leonor?
I spent about
fifteen years
in Indian territory in Oregon,
where I was almost scalped once,
but I still made a few, Christians.
And I was waiting
for years to come over.
I was praying-
Strawn wants to see you.
Oh...
May I come?
Yes, yes, come.
Thank you.
Celia and I have lived
together for two years.
When she was sent here,
her husband divorced her.
I don't have much time left
in this world,
I know that in her heart,
we are man and wife,
in my heart, too.
We want to get married.
To be together,
true man and wife.
Is your husband still alive, Celia?
I don't know.
I am sorry Strawn...
it is a sacrament.
That is right...
it is a sacrament!
It is a sacrament!
Don't feel guilty.
Eleanor, probably
would have unfrocked you
if you had agreed to
marry them.
Celia, is she even a
Catholic?
I seen her at Mass
with Strawn.
Yeah, I bet you have seen them
in the Village of Fools, too!
Yes, but they get their solace
from their old Gods.
Before, I used to rant against them,
but I think it gives them some peace.
All the instruments, they
were donated by the King.
How many patients
are Catholics?
There are one thousand people
on the island...
Six hundred of them
are now Catholic.
Jesus"
But what he describes...
You must understand,
that he exaggerates.
In my conscience, I cannot
stay here and do nothing.
Prime Minister,
I have vows to fulfill.
Think of the good that
you're doing here.
You may kiss the bride.
I hope you are not going to be
sorry for doing this.
By the time Lenor finds out...
both Strawn and I will be gone.
Father Damien...
How did you know it was me?
Your walk.
Because you do not sleep, eh?
The wind...
Oh... music in the trees.
Are the nuns really coming?
Well, there were some
difficulties.
It takes a month
to get from New York
to Honolulu.
Then five years to
get from Honolulu to Molokai.
But... they're coming.
Do not be afraid.
I'll stay here until you
go to sleep, okay?
What are you doing?
You're sick.
Hey, did the nuns arrive?
Oh yes, the nuns arrived.
Now here is the really
good news.
You're not allowed to see them.
You're banned from the Chapel and
the Residence.
And for God's sake,
Come down,
We're almost done,
Benedictus...
Help me
We have come to take care of
Father Damien.
Brother Dutton, would you get us
some warm water, please?
We would like to bathe him now.
You're not supposed to be
be here.
He has influenza.
We will be careful.
We have dealt with
influenza before.
Father Damien... I am Sorry, that
it has took us so long.
I have been told
such stories.
We couldn't get
permission to come.
I truly didn't know.
I beg for your forgiveness,
and for your blessing.
It mean so much
to us.
Yes, my... my greatest wish
was, that you would come.
Now... now
you have.
May God bless you,
and keep you,
Help me
It's time for your medicine.
No... no more.
My little home,
now has a young priest,
nuns, a brother.
It's time for me,
to rest.
And I... I am looking forward,
to reaching there, in Heaven.
And I... I will pray
for all of you.
Father Damien... is gone.
But, He will live for us
forever.