The Bowen Island Film Society’s upcoming film is Saint Ralph, a Canadian production first released in 2004.
An inspirational story from Canadian writer/director Michael McGowan, Saint Ralph celebrates the healing power of innocence and faith. Set in Hamilton in 1954, this film tells the unlikely story of Ralph Walker (Adam Butcher), a ninth grader who outruns everybody's expectations in his bold quest to win the Boston Marathon and save his ailing mother. The film quickly establishes Ralph as the bane of his school’s headmaster (Gordon Pinsent). A good-natured rebel completely undone by puberty, Ralph tries to be a model student, but he spends more time in confession than in the classroom. What no one suspects is that he is basically alone in the world; his father died in World War II and his gravely ill mother (Shauna MacDonald) is hospitalized. With the single-minded idealism which a 14-year-old might be expected to muster, Ralph concludes that taking on the quest of winning the marathon will qualify as the ‘miracle’ his mother needs to recover from her illness.
The movie has its share of engaging moments, thanks largely to McGowan's affectionate portrait of the 14-year-old hero's futile attempts to rid himself of impure thoughts and avoid earthly temptations, which proves far more difficult than training for the marathon. Backed by an able supporting cast which includes Campbell Scott and Jennifer Tilly, newcomer Adam Butcher gives a winning performance in Saint Ralph.
This deliciously offbeat Canadian comedy gets its charm from marvelous acting and from a screenplay bursting with ideas. Great fun.’ David Sterritt, Christian Science Monitor.
Saint Ralph screens on Saturday,January 28, 2006 at 7:30 pm at Collins Hall. The running time is 97 minutes. Rated PG with an advisory for some sexual content and partial nudity. As always, facilities for the hearing impaired will be available. Bring your own pillow to improve seating comfort. Doors and concession open at 7 pm. Reserved tickets are available for film society members only by phoning 604-947-0450 and will be held until 7:15 pm. Ten percent of all door admissions are donated to the Bowen Island Performing Arts Centre fund. For further information, Bowen Island Film Society membership forms are available at the Ruddy Potato, V0N1G0 and the Office at Artisan Square.
Michael Epp
