Kler: A Controversial Film that Exposes the Dark Side of the Catholic Church in Poland

Kler (Clergy) is a 2018 Polish film directed by Wojciech Smarzowski that depicts the lives and sins of three Catholic priests who struggle with their faith, morality, and corruption. The film is based on the stories and testimonies of real victims and witnesses of the clergy abuse scandals in Poland. The film has sparked a heated debate and controversy in Poland, where the Catholic Church is a powerful and influential institution.

In this blog post, we will review the film and its main themes, characters, and messages. We will also discuss the reactions and criticisms that the film has received from various groups and individuals, such as the Church, the media, the politicians, or the public. We will also share our own opinion and evaluation of the film.

The Plot and Themes of Kler

The film follows the stories of three priests who are friends since their seminary days. They are:

• Andrzej Trybus (Arkadiusz Jakubik): He is a parish priest in a small town who is involved in various illegal activities, such as money laundering, tax evasion, or bribery. He is also addicted to alcohol and gambling. He is blackmailed by a local gangster who threatens to expose his secrets.
• Tadeusz Lisowski (Jacek Braciak): He is a successful priest in Warsaw who enjoys a luxurious lifestyle and has connections with influential people. He is also ambitious and greedy, and plans to become a bishop. He is accused of sexual abuse by a former altar boy who demands compensation.
• Leszek Kukula (Robert Więckiewicz): He is a rural priest who suffers from depression and suicidal thoughts. He is also tormented by his past trauma of being molested by his mentor. He tries to find solace in a relationship with a young woman who works as a housekeeper.

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The film shows how these three priests face their personal and professional crises, as well as how they interact with each other and with other characters, such as their superiors, colleagues, families, or parishioners. The film also exposes the various problems and scandals that plague the Catholic Church in Poland, such as pedophilia, corruption, hypocrisy, or cover-ups.

The film explores several themes that are relevant to the contemporary Polish society and culture, such as:

• The role and influence of the Catholic Church in Poland: The film shows how the Church has a strong and pervasive presence and impact on various aspects of Polish life, such as politics, education, media, or family. The film also shows how the Church enjoys a high level of respect and trust from many Poles, especially the older generations.
• The crisis and reform of the Catholic Church in Poland: The film shows how the Church faces a serious crisis of credibility and legitimacy due to its involvement in various scandals and abuses. The film also shows how some people within or outside the Church call for a reform or renewal of the Church’s structure, doctrine, or practice.
• The morality and spirituality of the clergy and the faithful in Poland: The film shows how some priests and believers struggle with their faith, morality, or conscience due to their personal or professional challenges or temptations. The film also shows how some priests and believers try to live according to their faith, morality, or conscience despite their personal or professional difficulties or risks.

The Reactions and Criticisms of Kler

The film has received mixed reactions and criticisms from various groups and individuals in Poland. Some of them include:

• The Church: The Church has condemned the film as an unfair and biased attack on its reputation and dignity. The Church has also accused the film of being anti-Catholic propaganda that aims to undermine its authority and influence in Poland. The Church has also discouraged or forbidden its members from watching or discussing the film.
• The media: The media has given the film mostly positive reviews and praises for its artistic quality and social relevance. The media has also praised the film for its courage and honesty in exposing the dark side of the Church in Poland. The media has also encouraged or facilitated public debate and dialogue on the issues raised by the film.
• The politicians: The politicians have expressed different opinions on the film depending on their political affiliation or agenda. Some politicians have supported or endorsed the film as a valuable contribution to Polish culture and democracy. Some politicians have criticized or denounced the film as a harmful or hateful provocation that threatens Polish values and identity.
• The public: The public has shown a high level of interest and curiosity about the film. The film has attracted a large number of viewers and has become one of the most successful Polish films in history. The film has also sparked a lot of discussion and controversy among the viewers who have different opinions or emotions about the film.

Our Opinion and Evaluation of Kler

We think that Kler is a powerful and provocative film that challenges and questions the status quo and the norms of the Polish society and culture. We think that the film is well-made and well-acted, and that it delivers a compelling and realistic story and message. We think that the film is not anti-Catholic, but rather anti-clerical, and that it does not attack the faith, but rather the institution of the Church.

We think that the film is important and necessary for the Polish society and culture, as it raises awareness and consciousness about the problems and scandals that affect the Church in Poland. We think that the film also invites reflection and dialogue among the clergy and the faithful, as well as among the different sectors and groups of the Polish society and culture. We think that the film also offers hope and inspiration for those who seek a change or a reform of the Church in Poland.

We recommend that you watch Kler if you are interested in the Polish society and culture, or if you are curious about the Catholic Church in Poland. We also recommend that you watch Kler with an open mind and a critical eye, and that you form your own opinion and evaluation of the film.

Conclusion

Kler is a 2018 Polish film directed by Wojciech Smarzowski that depicts the lives and sins of three Catholic priests who struggle with their faith, morality, and corruption. The film is based on the stories and testimonies of real victims and witnesses of the clergy abuse scandals in Poland. The film has sparked a heated debate and controversy in Poland, where the Catholic Church is a powerful and influential institution.

The film follows the stories of three priests who are friends since their seminary days. They are Andrzej Trybus, Tadeusz Lisowski, and Leszek Kukula. The film shows how these three priests face their personal and professional crises, as well as how they interact with each other and with other characters. The film also exposes the various problems and scandals that plague the Catholic Church in Poland, such as pedophilia, corruption, hypocrisy, or cover-ups.