Black Robe

Black Robe “Annuka told me they believe that in the forest at night the dead can see. The souls of men hunt the souls of animals,” said Daniel in the 1991 film, Black Robe. Based in the 17th century, Black Robe follows a French Jesuit priest (Father LaForgue) and a fellow companion through Quebec’s wilderness during the peak of the harsh winter months. Their escorts, the Algonquin native tribe, make attempts to lead them to a Christian mission in a Huron village too which Father LaForgue will become head priest and manage the settlement. Along the way, however, the young Priest hurtles multiple obstacles in both his faith, and with the native people. The struggle between what the natives already believe, and what the French, specifically Father LaForgue, are trying to make them understand is the cause to most the conflict, betrayal, and inevitable death in the film. Before Father LaForgue had even left the small French settlement with the Algonquin tribe, his companion, Daniel, was shown staring at the tribe’s princess and Chiefs daughter, Annuka. Obviously displaying some sort of interest for her, Daniel convinced the head council of the town to allow him to tag alone with Father LaForgue. Before you know it, Annuka and Daniel have an obvious connection forming. Her father makes it clear that she could have any man she wanted because of her beauty, and advises her to forget about the French boy. However, against her father’s wishes, Annuka pursues Daniel, just as Daniel was doing to her. Father LaForgue, before this point, was oblivious to their blooming relationship. It eventually smacks him clear across the face when he catches the two have sex early in the morning, buried in the trees. This is one of the first major obstacles Father LaForgue faces on his journey to the mission. As a Priest and a man of God, LaForgue has taken an oath of celibacy. To him, Annuka’s and Daniel’s relationship represents everything he has given up to become a Priest. On one