The Rite

Plot: Skeptic seminarian Michael Kovak(Colin O' Donoghue) was immersed in the dark side of his faith. Inspired by true events.

Review: The movie's post production especially the sound effect contributing for the thrill for the story. It does not have much special effects but it worked well to make it scary. Although, I still consider The Exorcist the scariest when in comes to movies about demonic possessions. Colin O' Donoghue was a good choice since he was not a familiar actor yet but it helps focusing on the story not on the actor if ever it was played by a more famous actor. This is what I expect from Anthony Hopkins, who plays Father Lucas. But you can expect the same kind of tone like Hannibal Lecter. The Rite Opens in February 2 and is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Background: There was no word for exorcism in Jesus' time. It came from a Latin word, exorcismus, meaning binding by oath. It was not the word that clearly describes what Jesus first documented except casting out demons which is what exorcists do. It was debatable though that if ever the victims were clearly possessed or what psychologists believe was a delusional state. But it was clear that there were cases of demonic possessions in history. Most may not believe it still happens in this digital era that we live in even for Christians themselves doubt the existence of the Devil that Christianity warned about. It was debatable about the topic because there were no psychologist during Jesus' time. But now, religion and science have no conflict whatsoever in the subject in particular. I don't blame Michael Kovak to feel that way about the subject. He has experiences that proved otherwise. I think this movie is also favorable to the Roman Catholics and those who believes that there is a conflict in the spiritual realm. Regardless whether you believe or not, there were documented reports about demonic possessions recorded by non-clergy.

Documented case of demonic possession in the city of Manila: There was a news back in the 70's or 80's about a person(can't recall the gender) that was claimed was possessed by a demon. Psychologists and priests can't do anything to cure the person until a foreign preacher named Lester Sumrall. He went and prayed for the person which resulted to an actual exorcism. Word spread out about what happened and Lester Sumrall was rewarded with a piece of land property where he based his church named Cathedral of Praise now stands.

Also posted at  http://mvlnunez.blogspot.com/2011/01/movie-review-rite.html#ixzz1CTss7yvB

“THE RITE” – A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER ON DEMONIC POSSESSION

Exorcists and the darkness they witness firsthand have long held a cultural fascination, regardless of one’s faith or background.  Interest in them is bound to get more fervent with the release of New Line Cinema's new supernatural thriller “The Rite” which deals on the controversial topic of exorcism.

            Director Mikael Håfström attests, “There is universal interest in the rite of exorcism.  Much of it comes from religion, but a lot also comes from popular culture, with ‘The Exorcist,’ from back in the ‘70s, still being the most famous film about this phenomenon.  All over the world, people are drawn to the subject, despite the fact—or perhaps even because—it can’t be proven or entirely understood.  The more you look into it, the more you see there are no easy answers.”

            Inspired by true events, “The Rite” follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican.  While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith.

            The story of “The Rite” began as a book proposal by Matt Baglio, a reporter living in Rome, who was struck by the Vatican’s 2007 announcement of its initiative to reinstruct the clergy on the rite of exorcism with the goal of installing an exorcist in every diocese worldwide. 

            When Baglio’s 10-page proposal found its way to the producers, they were immediately intrigued.  Producer Beau Flynn relates, “Matt heard about an exorcism school that was opening in the Vatican and became fascinated by that concept.  And in the course of his investigation, he met an American priest who was undergoing this training.  So, rather than an article, Matt decided to write a book.”

            The result was The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, which chronicles the events that inspired the film.  “Exorcism itself is something that few people are privy to,” says Baglio.  “I wanted to not only understand it myself but also to unlock the mystery for others.  I met an American priest, Father Gary Thomas, who’d come to the Regina Apostolorum Seminary in Rome to learn and become an exorcist, and his experiences informed the central character of Michael Kovak in the script.”

            Producer Tripp Vinson offers, “When you make a movie like this, you need to treat the subject seriously and with absolute respect.  Dealing with really big themes like good and evil, you don’t have to add a lot of bells and whistles.  The truth is more compelling than anything we can make up.”

            The producers enlisted screenwriter Michael Petroni to adapt the concept into a screenplay, even as Baglio was writing his book.  “People are fascinated by the subject of possession because its existence remains an unanswered question,” says Petroni.  “The story was thoroughly researched through interviews with priests and chronicles of real experiences, and what they witnessed was frightening.”

            Father Gary, now a Northern California pastor and exorcist who served as a consultant on the film, explains, “The rite of exorcism has been in effect since 1614.  And yet, many bishops and priests have no idea what to expect in an exorcism, except that it has to do with Satan.  The opportunity that I had to train in Rome provided me with great grounding, insofar as I was able to work alongside an experienced exorcist and ask clarifying questions.  What really resonated with me is the fact that it is a healing ministry and gives priests like me an opportunity to help people who are truly suffering.”

            Håfström was intrigued by the notion of exploring the subject of exorcism with such a solid basis in fact.  “It’s not a straightforward horror movie,” he notes.  “It’s a fictional film but within a very real and factual framework.  When I read the script, I felt it approached the whole idea of demonic possession from an angle we haven’t really seen before, and it draws you into this world in such a suspenseful, powerful and entertaining way.”

            Opening soon across the Philippines, New Line Cinema’s “The Rite” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

SNEAK PEEK: “THE RITE”

Inspired by true events, New Line Cinema's supernatural thriller “The Rite” follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican.  While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith.

            Directed by Mikael Håfström (“1408”), “The Rite” uncovers the devil’s reach to even one of the holiest places on Earth.  The film stars Oscar® winner Anthony Hopkins (“Silence of the Lambs,” “Wolfman”), Colin O’Donoghue in his feature film debut, Alice Braga (“Predators”), Ciarán Hinds  (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” films), Toby Jones (“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”) and Rutger Hauer (“Batman Begins,” “Blade Runner”).

            Contrafilms’ Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson (“The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) produced the film.  The screenplay was penned by Michael Petroni (“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”), suggested by the book by Matt Baglio.  Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Merideth Finn and Robert Bernacchi serve as executive producers.