Priest Daens

Set in the late 1800s, this gripping historical drama centers around Father Adolf Daens, a passionate priest who arrives in the textile town of Aalst. There, he discovers widespread issues such as child labor abuse, poor working conditions, and an unjust voting system. As he writes articles for the local Catholic newspaper, his words resonate with the oppressed workers while causing unrest among the elite. Expelled from the Catholic party, Father Daens forms the Christian Democrats and gets elected to Parliament. Struggling between his religious duties and his new role as a defender of the working class, he faces intense scrutiny from Rome. Meanwhile, interwoven subplots depict stories of love and struggle: a brave woman fights for her relationship with a socialist amidst societal pressure, while facing tragedy at the hands of an abusive foreman; innocent children tragically lose their lives due to unregulated work environments; and within the hallowed walls of the church, high-ranking officials engage in trivial pursuits. This poignant film artfully explores themes of social reform, religious conflict, and personal sacrifice against a historical backdrop.