Silence
description Silence Overview
Silence is a deeply personal, spiritual epic that explores the nature of faith and the cost of belief. Set in 17th-century Japan, it follows two Jesuit priests searching for their mentor amidst the brutal persecution of Christians. The film is a quiet, contemplative work that stands in stark contrast to Scorsese's high-energy crime films. It is visually breathtaking and emotionally demanding, forcing the audience to grapple with the silence of God in the face of suffering.
It is a testament to Scorsese's range as a filmmaker and his lifelong interest in religious themes.
info Silence Specifications
| Genre | Drama, History, Thriller |
| Awards | Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Academy Awards, multiple festival accolades |
| Runtime | 161 minutes (2h 41m) |
| Based On | Novel "Silence" by Shusaku Endo |
| Director | Martin Scorsese |
| Language | Japanese, Portuguese, Latin |
| Box Office | $23.8 million worldwide |
| Distributor | Paramount Pictures (US), StudioCanal (International) |
| Mpaa Rating | R (for violence and language) |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Cinematography | Rodrigo Prieto |
| Music Composer | Klaus Badelt |
| Country Of Origin | United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Taiwan |
| Production Company | Cape Ease, Sharp Tongue, Ferentem |
balance Silence Pros & Cons
- Profound thematic exploration of faith, doubt, and the cost of belief
- Stunning cinematography and meticulous production design capturing 17thcentury Japan
- Powerful performances by Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, and Liam Neeson
- Marty Scorseses masterful direction delivering a meditative, emotionally resonant narrative
- Rich visual storytelling that immerses viewers in the oppressive atmosphere of the era
- Slow, deliberate pacing may frustrate viewers expecting action
- Heavy reliance on dialogue can feel verbose at times
- Bleak, relentless tone may be emotionally taxing for some audiences
- At 161 minutes, the runtime demands a significant time commitment
- Religious and philosophical themes may alienate viewers not interested in faithbased narratives
help Silence FAQ
What is the plot of Silence?
Two Jesuit priests travel to 17thcentury Japan to find their mentor who is rumored to have apostatized under persecution. Their journey forces them to confront the brutal oppression of Christians and deep questions about their own faith.
Who directed Silence?
Silence was directed by Martin Scorsese, who also cowrote the screenplay with Jay Cocks, based on Shusaku Endos 1966 novel.
How long is the runtime of Silence?
The film runs approximately 161 minutes (2 hours 41 minutes), making it a substantial, contemplative experience.
What languages are spoken in the film?
The movie features Japanese, Portuguese, and Latin dialogue, reflecting the multicultural context of the story and the Jesuit missionaries origins.
Is Silence historically accurate?
While the film closely follows the novels narrative, Scorsese consulted historians and scholars to recreate the periods social and religious dynamics, though some artistic liberties were taken for dramatic effect.
What is Silence?
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What is Silence best for?
Ideal for viewers who appreciate contemplative, historically grounded dramas that explore profound questions of faith, morality, and human perseverance.
How does Silence compare to Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut)?
Is Silence worth it in 2026?
What are the key specifications of Silence?
- Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
- Awards: Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Academy Awards, multiple festival accolades
- Runtime: 161 minutes (2h 41m)
- Based On: Novel "Silence" by Shusaku Endo
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Language: Japanese, Portuguese, Latin
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