| View Larger Image | Monsignor Renard (Box Set) [VHS] | VHS TapeStarring: John Thaw, Joachim Paul Assböck, John Axon, Teresa Banham, Cheryl Campbell
Also With: Russell Lewis (Writer)
| List Price: | $29.95 | |
| | Binding: | VHS Tape | | Rating: |  | | Run Time: | 245 minutes | | Format: | Closed-captioned, Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC | | Studio: | Wgbh Boston | | Number of Discs: | 2 | | Release Date: | May 01, 2001 | | Sales Rank: | 45,457th |
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS |
Description
Monsignor Renard tells the story of the German occupation of France during World War II through the eyes and experiences of a humble and extraordinary priest--a man of profound faith whose beliefs are tested to the breaking point as he is forced to choose between the peaceful teachings of the Christian doctrine and the violent necessities of the emergent Resistance. Returning home to family and personal conflicts, Renard (John Thaw--Inspector Morse, Goodnight Mister Tom) is faced with many moral dilemmas. Renard's faith tells him he must minister to friend and foe alike, but, as he finds himself drawn to the side of Free France, the threat to his personal safety increases as the Germans try to unmask the members of the Resistance. The good priest must summon every ounce of courage, strength and faith he possesses to carry everyone through the storm of evil that lies ahead. |
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 9 reviews)
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Monsignor Renard by R. Giliauskas (Ontario, Canada)  4 Stars
March 22, 2008
My review is based on the only version I have seen .. the edited DVD version.
Acting, sets and story are all of the high standard that normally comes with the Master Piece Theatre productions.
Missing that first episode does cause some confusion, however with concentration the story unfolds quickly.
Set in a small village in France during 1940, we see a cesspool of humanity through the eyes of a somewhat neutral observer, the priest. Even without the German arrival the town is full of hypocricy, seeking absolution on Sunday for their sins.
When the Germans arrive, they are the catalyst that brings to the forefront the true character of the village. Adulterous, drunkards, wifebeaters, rapists, local police corruption, disrespect for law and order, justified theft, informing and lying about neighbors, brutal and savage beatings with no repentance, intolerance of others, murder and savage anti-semitism.
While the single Gestapo agent is brutal, what is interesting is the assistance of the police and their perception of morality and self justification.
When the German pilots and occupying soldiers are billeted, they interact with local population and it it easy to see why the local women have trouble keeping their legs closed if given the opportunity. The German men are a far better choice to what is available in the limited village gene pool.
With an inability to cope, act maturely or understand the basic principles of conflict resolution the character Etienne is executed. The shock of how events can become uncontrollable and move forward on their own volition is effectively portrayed in the scenes of Etienne's arrest through to his execution.
Anti-semitism has a strong undertone throughout .... not from the Germans, but from the French.
Good movie, but from reading other reviews the unedited VHS may be a better choice.
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Dreadful by S. Bergeron (Columbus, OH)  1 Stars
September 06, 2005
It is unlikely that the author of this script even knew a good Catholic, much less knew how to write a movie about a heroic, French priest. I've only watched half-way through the series (I can't muster the forebearance to watch any more), but I wholeheartedly disagree with the reviewers who say that the Nazis are not drawn with a heavy hand. They are all portrayed as evil and nasty without the slightest hint of complexity of character. The German military chaplain is given the greatest amount of sympathy, but it's only because he's a slobbering drunk who hates the Nazis for whom he has been drafted into service. Catholicism is about a whole lot more than social justice, but this movie producer has no grasp of what that is. If you want to watch a good film about holy, Catholic priests of World War II, I recommend the Assisi Underground and The Scarlet and the Black.
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Monsignor Renard by DAVID PAQUIN (SEELEY'S BAY, Ontario Canada)  5 Stars
January 31, 2005
I first saw this on TVO and like it very much. When I saw it for sale from a "Master Piece Theater" production I ordered it to add to my British collection. When I watch it it seemed to be incomplete so I rewatched the TVO version that I had recorded and was suprised to see it was a longer version. The TVO version was done in 3; 2 hour parts. The "Master Piece Theater" version was only 2;2hoyr parts. The first two hours, That establish all the characters was missing. Needless to saw I was disappointed and have not purchased anything done by "Master Piece Theater" since
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Dominic Monaghan's cut scenes - US version 5 Stars
March 27, 2004
I also bought this miniseries to satisfy a Dom-sweet-tooth, and am absolutely in awe of his stunning performance. Be warned that it is far more intense, of course, than Hetty Wainthropp, and much more disturbing than LOTR. It is also sublimely scripted and full of nuance - a brilliant piece of writing and performance. However, the entire first episode was cut from the US version, and it is really crucial to understand the journey of Dom's character, Etienne. I cannot recommend highly enough going to BrandyHall.net and downloading two pivotal cut scenes there in The Gallery. I promise it'll change your entire understanding of Etienne Pierre Rollinger.
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Monaghan 4 Stars
March 19, 2003
I purchased this set primarily as a fan of the actor Dominic Monaghan...while he does not play a large role in the first two episodes, he gives a powerhouse performance in the last. His confession to Monsignor Renard, prior to his death, is heart- breaking. While the actions of his character are reprehensible, you can understand the reasons for them, while not approving the acts.The ending of the film was a bit abrupt, and I was hopeful for a more tidy conclusion...I wanted to know more about what happened to Alene, as well as what happened with the mother of the young boy killed in the battle of france.All in all, I recommend this film highly, particularly to fellow fans of Dominic Monaghan.
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