A Remnant Film Review…

Archbishop Lefebvre: A Documentary

By Tess Mullins

It's difficult to think of appropriate praise for the milestone documentary of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s life without using clichés such as, "Riveting!" "Two enthusiastic thumbs up!" "The season's best film!" The standard film-review lingo is insufficient to describe two hours within which the viewer witnesses the birth of the Traditional Catholic movement, the life support of the Church during a critical illness. No matter which "branch" of traditionalism you subscribe to, you owe gratitude to His Excellency. True, without his efforts the Latin Mass might have survived in small, scattered pockets, but the worldwide presence which exists today was obviously made possible by his clear vision and unflagging devotion to the Church.

His simple desire was to transmit what he had received, but unprecedented obstacles were flung in his path. Most of us are already familiar with the story of his struggles, but the tale is forcibly brought to life in the documentary with an impressive degree of professionalism. It deftly navigates through interviews of those who knew Marcel Lefebvre most intimately—his siblings and the priests and laity who were with him throughout his career.

Their testimonies offer an in-depth narrative of the Archbishop’s formative years, his call to the religious life, and his subsequent assignments as a priest of the Church.

Live recordings of the man himself defending his position in front of large audiences provide a uniquely compelling experience. We hear from his own lips the motives and logic behind rejecting the Council and founding a priestly society. As one who is too young to have met the Archbishop, I was struck by his touching candor and objectivity.

I am not the only young person to have been affected.

One of the film's greatest accomplishments, in my opinion, is its ability to bring to life the bishop and his mission, and the medium of film renders the story more relevant for younger generations. It will of course have a special meaning to those who knew him personally.

Bishop Bernard Fellay, for example, professes to be deeply moved every time he watches it.

It is the chronicle of a life which greatly impacted the recent history of the Church and a tasteful, heartfelt tribute to a good man. Even the musical score is welldone. French, with English subtitles. A must-see film for all ages! Four stars! v