Black Robe (film)

Black Robe is a 1991 historical drama film directed by Bruce Beresford, based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Brian Moore, who also wrote the screenplay. The film is a Canadian-Australian co-production.

The story is set in 17th-century New France (modern-day Canada) and follows the journey of a Jesuit missionary, Father Laforgue (Lothaire Bluteau), and a young Algonquin man named Daniel (Aden Young), as they travel upriver to a remote mission. The film explores themes of cultural clash, religious faith, survival in the wilderness, and the complex relationships between the French colonists and the Indigenous peoples of North America.

Black Robe is notable for its realistic portrayal of the historical period, including the harsh conditions of travel and the dangers posed by disease, starvation, and intertribal warfare. The film is also lauded for its sensitive depiction of Indigenous cultures and languages, with dialogue spoken in Algonquin and Iroquois languages.

The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, cinematography, and its unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by both the missionaries and the Indigenous populations during this period of early colonial history. It won several Genie Awards (Canada's equivalent of the Academy Awards), including Best Motion Picture. It is considered a significant contribution to Canadian cinema.