Any movie that discusses the problems going on with the Catholic church is and always will be a subject of controversy. "The Crime of Padre Amaro" is not the exception to the rule. However, I looked at it from an actor's point of view rather than from a religious point. This is (I feel) a very well made movie, the acting is excellent from the entire cast as well as the writing of the script and director Carlos Carrera who I believe did an outstanding job directing this rather controversial film.

I saw the movie because like a lot of people I'm a big Gael Garcia Bernal fan. I have (so far) liked every movie that he has be in. He is truly a fine and gifted actor one of the best from today's generation of young actors. I really enjoyed this movie and even a man of the cloth is allowed to make mistakes (even though they take their vows that they will never break any of the Catholic Church cardinal rules especially never to engage in sexual intercourse with a woman. But after all a priest is no different than any other man simply because he swore off temptation. That is why many of them after years of sacrifice cannot go on hiding their feelings and emotions and leave the priesthood for a chance at a normal life with a woman and a family. Overall this movie is excellent and Gael Garcia Bernal proved one more time what a great actor he is. I encourage everyone to see this film it is really fantastic. Even if you don't speak Spanish (it does come with subtitles) the story is very easy to follow and the language becomes second nature once the film gets going. THE CRIME OF PADRE AMARO, was nominated for an Academy award as Best Foreign film and is a shame that it did not win because I feel that it really deserved it.

Let me start off by saying I am a huge Gael García Bernal fan. This was the movie to take the cake for me with his acting. His portrayal as a lust-striken youthful priest was so convincing it took my breath away. I was thoroughly impressed with being able to see in his eyes the desire and gradual compromises he disolved to. The movie did dish out some pretty hard-hitting statements about corruption within the Catholic church, but what of it? There lacked a certain something in the film's commentary, somewhat one-sided, I'll admit, but I felt this was justified given the story focuses over one man's plight, between his (apparently shakey) convictions and his new-found desires. The title says it all--it's about the sins of one man, Padre Amaro. It is not a thorough exposé of all the Catholic church, in which case there would be truths regarding the bad and the good. Now the reason I gave the movie 4 instead of 5 stars, was simple. The ending was anticlimatic in that it seemed to take the easy way out of a big problem created by our protagonist. The film did too good a job building up the problem making you eagerly anticipate the resolution. The way Padre Amaro takes his final step into "the other side" as a priest, was too easy and quick. I wondered how a character who started off so devout to God's service could not see through his own transparent attempt to explain away his final actions. When people sell out, it tends to be more gradual. Well then again I suppose that's the limitation of films over books. I would recommend this to those who are not overly-defensive of the Catholic church, who can simply enjoy it as a tale of one man's flaws. After all, no one's perfect and that's called humanity.

This movie does in fact make a hit at the Cathoic church.
However, you have to remember that this is a movie.
Movies are made for entertainment purposes.

This movie left me with quite a bit of anger, not because of the fact that I'm catholic, but because he was basically a character that has no idea what he's done. He cant seem to graps that fact that the's done something wrong, the fact that he has taken something away from others.
I was furious to be quite frank with the character...so i would have to say that it is a good movie, for those that speak spanish it will make more sense.

I love Bernal in almost everything he does, but I felt that this vehicle lacks one crucial element: credibility. I never quite believed Bernal as a priest, nor did I believe Amelia to be a pious virgin. As others have observed, no one's hands are clean. Point made, point taken. However, the film devolves into melodrama and is resolved far too easily.

Certainly the film is more complex and provocative than the trailer would have you believe. The production is good, as is the cast. But the film never quite rises to the level of being a great film, settling instead for a focus on taboo-breaking rather than genuine introspection and repentance. Does Padre Amaro learn anything except everyone is corrupt? We'll never know.

I love Spanish-language movies and so when I saw this one in the 'Best Foreign Language Film category', I had to see it. It's the story of a handsome young priest who comes to a rural town in Mexico to begin his work. There he meets the beautiful Amelia and is soon drawn into a sexual relationship with her. Their actions eventually lead to tragedy.

I thought that Y Tu Mama Tambien was the best Spanish film ever until I saw Amores Perros. Now that I have seen 'El Crimen del Padre Amaro', I will have to change that assertion as well. This movie has a more organised plot than the two aforementioned films and is just better all the way around. Gael Garcia Bernal is at his peak as Padre Amaro. He pulls off a rather difficult role with ease and passion.

I highly recommend this movie to everyone.(unless you're a staunch Catholic.)