White Elephant (2012)
Elefante blanco
Film details
Drama · Pablo Trapero · 1h 45min
Synopsis
While working alongside his long-time friend and colleague in building a hospital for the residents of a Buenos Aries shantytown, a troubled priest finds solace in a young, atheist social worker.
Verdict
Priests who live their faith by serving the poor in the face of corruption.
In-depth analysis
The film narrates the lives of two priests who, after an attack in Central America, continue their apostolate in a Buenos Aires shantytown. Their social work confronts them with police and governmental corruption and, at times, with the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The story highlights the protagonists' loyalty to the neighborhood residents and their willingness to take risks to defend human dignity. There are no elements that question human nature, the family, or sexuality. On the contrary, the work realistically presents Christian service, sacrifice, and fidelity to the Gospel amidst injustice. Violence appears in a restrained manner, linked to the context of marginalization and abuse of power, without resorting to sensationalism. The language is moderate, and sexual content is absent. It is a story that values personal responsibility and commitment to the common good, without introducing ideas that distort the Christian vision of man.