Entertainment
Exploring the Lives of Saints: A New Docuseries by Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese, an acclaimed filmmaker, presents «The Saints,» a riveting docuseries exploring the lives and sacrifices of some of history’s most legendary saints. This highly anticipated series, now available on Fox Nation, showcases stories of unquestionable devotion and resilience, encapsulating the enduring impact these saints had throughout history.
«The Saints» features a broad range of figures, including Joan of Arc, who, at 14, took on a pivotal role in leading French forces against English domination. Her journey from military leader to heretic condemned by the Church highlights her profound courage and the complex interplay of politics and faith. Joan of Arc’s sainthood, attained in 1920, offers a poignant narrative of redemption and recognition.
Scorsese, acting as the «creative Godfather» of the series, expressed his lifelong fascination with the saints. At a panel discussion held after an exclusive screening in New York City, he discussed the challenges faced in bringing these historical figures to the screen. «I grew up contemplating those statues of saints,» he shared, emphasizing their human qualities rather than viewing them as superhuman.
One episode focuses on Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish friar who made the ultimate sacrifice at Auschwitz, volunteering to die in place of another prisoner. His act of profound compassion represents the highest form of humanity and has been canonized by the Church. The details of his story, alongside other saints, emphasize themes of faith, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Scorsese, known for works such as «Silence» and «The Last Temptation of Christ,» aims with this series to resonate with modern audiences by drawing parallels between the sacrifices of saints and contemporary acts of courage and kindness. His intention is to keep the legacy of these spiritual figures alive, as he believes, «we thought this was a good attempt to try and understand what faith is, really.»
«The Saints» will be released in two parts, featuring episodes on Joan of Arc, John the Baptist, Sebastian, and more. Each story promises to explore over 2,000 years of history through the lens of their extreme acts of kindness and sacrifice.