Historical Films on Religious Persecution

Description: Set in ancient Rome, 'Quo Vadis' depicts the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, focusing on the love story between a Roman patrician and a Christian slave girl.

Fact: The film was one of the most expensive ever made at the time, with a budget of $7 million, and it was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Description: This epic tells the story of a Roman tribune who, after witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus, experiences a profound spiritual transformation, leading to his persecution by the Roman authorities.

Fact: It was the first film to be released in CinemaScope, a widescreen process, and it was nominated for five Academy Awards.

Description: While primarily about Michelangelo's painting of the Sistine Chapel, the film also touches on the religious and political tensions of the time, including the persecution of those who did not conform to the Church's expectations.

Fact: Charlton Heston, who played Michelangelo, also co-wrote the screenplay, and the film was shot on location in Italy, including in the actual Sistine Chapel.

Description: This film tells the story of Sir Thomas More, who stood against King Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church, leading to his persecution and eventual execution. It's a tale of integrity and faith in the face of political pressure.

Fact: Paul Scofield won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Thomas More, and the film itself won six Oscars, including Best Picture.

Description: Martin Scorsese's 'Silence' explores the persecution of Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan, where Christianity was banned, and believers faced severe punishment. The film delves into the moral and spiritual dilemmas faced by the priests as they witness the suffering of their converts.

Fact: The film was in development for over 25 years, and Scorsese considered it his "life's work." It was shot in Taiwan to replicate the look of 17th-century Japan.

Description: Set during the Nanjing Massacre, this film follows a group of schoolgirls and prostitutes hiding in a church, protected by a Westerner posing as a priest. It highlights the persecution faced by civilians during wartime, including religious persecution.

Fact: The film was China's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards, and it was directed by Zhang Yimou, known for his visually stunning films.

Description: Audrey Hepburn stars as a young woman who becomes a nun, only to face internal and external conflicts as she struggles with her vows during the rise of Nazi Germany, where religious persecution was rampant.

Fact: Hepburn's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination, and the film was based on the autobiographical novel by Kathryn Hulme.

Description: 'Becket' dramatizes the conflict between King Henry II and Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose loyalty to the Church over the Crown leads to his persecution and martyrdom.

Fact: The film was based on a play by Jean Anouilh, and Peter O'Toole's performance as Henry II was critically acclaimed, earning him an Oscar nomination.

Description: This TV movie recounts the true story of Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, who helped save thousands of escaped Allied POWs and Jews during WWII, risking his life in the process due to Nazi persecution of religious figures.

Fact: Gregory Peck played the role of O'Flaherty, and the film was shot on location in Rome, including at the Vatican.

Description: Set in the 18th century, 'The Mission' portrays the efforts of Jesuit missionaries to protect a remote South American Indian tribe from Portuguese slavers. The film captures the clash between religious ideals and colonial ambitions, leading to the persecution of the missionaries.

Fact: The film's score by Ennio Morricone won the Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar, and the waterfall scenes were shot at the Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world.