I watched this and kept hoping it would actually start. It was so dull and boring with over long scenes that led nowhere. But the worst thing about this movie was the one sided portrayal of traditional Japanese culture and religion. The series Shogun was much better and showed the Japanese and explained the reasons they behaved the way they did and what seemed like their incomprehensible acts of evil to those in the west.

It's my own fault. I broke my own rule about watching religious movies, so I shouldn't have been surprised that I was bored to tears by "Silence." I don't believe in God, and religion plays absolutely no role in my life. I think the Bible is mythology, created for the same reason mythology existed for other cultures -- to explain things about the world that are otherwise unexplainable. That religion is important to the vast majority of humans does not bother me. I have nothing against those who practice. But I'm not moved by stories of faith or the struggles of those who undergo religious doubt, because for me there's about as much worth in expending mental energy trying to decide whether or not Tinkerbell is real.

I didn't care about anybody in "Silence," Martin Scorsese's ambitious dud of a movie. I certainly didn't care much about the main protagonist, a priest played by Andrew Garfield, because his primary conflict is trying to understand why God stays silent in the face of so much human misery. Well that question for me was answered before the movie even began, so I certainly didn't need 2 and a half hours of pontification about it. I felt the most for the Japanese people who weren't allowed to practice Catholicism by a brutal regime who would torture and kill them if they did not reject it, because I believe people should be able to worship however they want. But this all happened so long ago and it all remains so abstract and Scorsese was not able to bring it alive in any compelling way.

Nominated for a Best Cinematography Oscar.

Grade: C

One of Martin Scorsese's very best films? Not quite, speaking as a fan of 'Goodfellas', 'Raging Bull' and 'Taxi Driver'. One of Scorsese's best films in recent years? From personal opinion, yes it is but due to its challenging nature 'Silence' is not going to appeal to all taste-buds.

At over two and a half, nearly three, hours, 'Silence' is a little overlong and the slow pace may be a challenge for some. Long lengths are not a problem usually in films, especially when a film is continually riveting enough to justify it, neither is slow pacing when more often than not there is a reason for being so.

It was clear that the pacing was deliberate and it wasn't an issue at all, because of how well made 'Silence' is and what it does with its themes. Personally do think however that a few of the early parts of the film could have been trimmed down or tightened up, because there are a few draggy aimless stretches that are also rather on the repetitive side, the points 'Silence' makes are made very clearly but in these few spots it was like it didn't quite know how or when to stop.

On the other hand, 'Silence' is visually stunning. There are no words to describe how magnificent the cinematography is and am so happy that it's warranted an Oscar nomination, and the bleak and unforgiving landscapes are very evocative of the subject matter and cruel mood. Scorsese's direction is exemplary, hard-hitting but also at times remarkably subdued. The music similarly is a nice fit and doesn't feel heavy-handed.

The script was clearly written with a lot of thought and intent and evokes very strong emotions, if a little repetitious in places. The story is simply riveting, rendering images that are hard-hitting with full impact and with complex themes that are expansively explored with raw power but also in a restrained way. The ending is devastating and Liam Neeson's scenes, integral to the film, sees the story at its most focused.

All the acting is exceptional, helped by strong writing and sharply drawn characters. Andrew Garfield is subdued but still splendid, while Adam Driver is powerfully moody. Liam Neeson is on fearless form and gives perhaps his best performance since 'Kinsey'. Issei Ogata is superbly shady, and Yōsuke Kubozuka honestly couldn't have brought any more delicious juice to Kichijiro even if attempted.

In summary, riveting film, one to experience and live with without ever forgetting, with a slightly shorter length and a little trimming it would have been a masterwork. 9/10 Bethany Cox