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The Last Sin Eater By Harry Forbes Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- "The Last Sin Eater" (Fox Faith) is an engaging if unexceptional adaptation of Francine Rivers' novel set in 19th-century Appalachia about Cadi Forbes (Liana Liberato), a spunky but guilt-ridden girl who blames herself for her younger sister's drowning death. Her guilt is reinforced by the attitude of her mother, Fia (Elizabeth Lackey), who remains coldly distant despite the frequent compassionate intervention of husband Angor (A.J. Buckley). Cadi seeks out a mysterious mountain man, the titular "sin eater" (Peter Wingfield) who the townspeople believe can take upon himself the sins of others after they die. At the funeral of her beloved grandmother, she breaks the taboo of never looking the sin eater directly in the eye; Cadi wants her guilt expunged here and now. Moved by the girl's heartfelt pleas, he attempts to exorcise her guilt, but much to her distress, the terrible feeling of shame remains. She soon comes to learn that Jesus is the only source of forgiveness, when she encounters a Bible-preaching stranger (Henry Thomas), whom some of the townspeople, most especially Brogan (Stewart Finlay-McLennan) -- the town bully, and a stock villain if ever there was one -- are out to kill. Brogan is also an abusive father to Cadi's young male friend Fagan (Soren Fulton). When the inevitable confrontation between the stranger and the bad guys transpires, the former's passivity is a bit hard to swallow, Christ-like though his manner is meant to evoke. We won't spoil the various plot turns and revelations that ensue, but suffice it to say that Cadi eventually helps rid the community of Welsh immigrants of its collective guilt and helps banish superstition. Director Michael Landon Jr.'s film is rather short on period atmosphere, but consistently holds your interest despite plot improbabilities, and registers as good family fare for all but the very youngest viewers. The performances of these one-dimensional characters are above-average for this genre, especially the two youngsters and Louise Fletcher as Miz Elda, a wise woman who knows something of the community's mysterious past. There are fine Christian messages, in an evangelical vein, about redemption, reconciliation and renewal. The film contains some nongraphic violence, murder and domestic abuse. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. - - - Forbes is director of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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