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65% Critic Match
Perfect Obedience
“The story that shook the church”
6.5 / 10• 2014• 1h 30m•NR• Spanish
Drama
Storyline
The fictional Father Ángel de la Cruz is based on Legion of Christ founder Marcial Maciel, whose long history of child abuse was not addressed until 2006 and only publicly acknowledged in 2009. But director Luis Urquiza chooses to structure his film through the largely uncomprehending, wondering eyes of 13-year-old Julián, who travels from the arms of his loving pastoral family into the austere, hallowed halls of the seminary. Singling out the boy as his intimate disciple, installing him in his palatial private quarters and redubbing him “Sacramento Santos,” Father Ángel begins Julian’s instruction into the mysteries of “perfect obedience,” whose cardinal rule is: Never question a superior’s actions.
Cast & Crew
Juan Manuel Bernal
Padre Ángel de la Cruz
Lead
Alfonso Herrera
Julián Santos (Adulto)
Luis Ernesto Franco
Padre Robles
Sebastián Aguirre
Julián 'Sacramento' Santos
AD
Alejandro De Hoyos
Alberto Martínez
Claudette Maillé
Señora Alcérreca
JI
Juan Ignacio Aranda
Padre Galaviz
ML
Miguel Loyo
Andrés Lomelí
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Luis Urquiza's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Perfect Obedience is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
