The Churchmen (2012)

At the heart of Paris, within the solemn walls of a Capuchin monastery, unfolds the absorbing narrative of "The Churchmen", originally released as "Ainsi soient-ils". This compelling drama, celebrated as the Best Film at the International Catholic Film Festival, delves into the lives of five young seminarians, each bearing their own burdens and hidden desires. As they step into the hallowed halls of the seminary, their fervor for the holy cloth is put to the ultimate test. The narrative is a potent blend of political intrigue and the age-old struggle of faith against temptation. It respects the core humanitarianism of Christianity, yet boldly scrutinizes the church hierarchy. The Churchmen shines a light on the power struggle between the seminary head, a figure rooted in tradition, and his superiors in Rome, who are desperately trying to keep the church relevant in an increasingly secular world. This series is not a melodramatic tableau but a stark revelation of the discord between a medieval religious institution and the realities of modern society. The Churchmen pulls no punches in its portrayal of the church’s internal politics and the personal journeys of its future priests. As the seminarians grapple with temptations both within and beyond the monastery walls, viewers are drawn into their world, witnessing their trials, triumphs, and the ultimate test of their commitment to the cross.

The Churchmen is a drama show featuring Julien Bouanich.

The Churchmen is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Amazon Prime Video.