The Forgiven

Unfortunately the story's emotional impact is limited by the overstated performances and the heavy-handed direction of Roland Joffé.

No attempt is made to win over the audience. This welcome absence of sentimentality allows us to experience Tutu's own crisis of faith as he attempts to reconcile this man's actions with his bedrock belief in forgiveness.

[The Forgiven] only succeeds as an ugly, empty-headed provocation.

Strong performances from an international cast raise the interest level, and it's a vivid exploration of mercy that transcends some rather sentimental storytelling.