Writer-director Brian Helgeland tried something different with The Order, and surely that counts for something. This brooding supernatural thriller was immediately dismissed by critics, and it's easy to see why it flopped:... more » it's full of solemn, quasi-religious ruminations, it's murky in both visual and thematic content, and it demands the viewer's focused attention, which amounts to pissing in the shallow pool of big-studio filmmaking. And yet those qualities also give The Order some modest cult potential, as it tells the story of Alex (Heath Ledger, star of Helgeland's A Knight's Tale), a rebellious priest from an arcane fringe of Catholicism, who investigates the death of his excommunicated mentor and discovers the existence of a modern day "sin eater," capable of cleansing souls of evil, who has chosen Alex as his would-be successor. A troubled love interest (Knight's Tale costar Shannyn Sossamon) and an evil cardinal (Peter Weller) offer hope and damnation, respectively, but it's up to individual viewers to decide if The Order offers anything of lasting interest. --Jeff Shannon« less
Craig S. (InnerMacro) from WAUSAU, WI Reviewed on 6/13/2024...
The Order postulates that there is an 'Other' who can grant absolution of sin outside the church via the arcane practice of sin-eating. The film assumes the viewer is knowledgeable about Catholic faith with respect to reaching heaven - non-churchgoers will likely find the plot confusing and perhaps even nonsensical. For that matter, the plot will likely seem nonsensical to many non-Catholic Christians as well. All that aside, The Order is more intellectual than your average horror movie, and can at least spur some philosophical discussion, even if it is weak in some areas. Probably best for a niche audience, or viewers looking for something out of the ordinary. One can see the ending coming from midway through the film, so it's not a surprise ending or even particularly suspenseful by that point.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
K. K. (GAMER) Reviewed on 9/28/2023...
Well crafted. Rest in Peace Heath Ledger.
Linda L. (angelstar) from TAOS, NM Reviewed on 2/26/2018...
I love this movie. I've watched it a bunch of times and will watch it a bunch more times, I'm sure. Heath Ledger is awesome. I'm surprised there aren't more reviews for this movie.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Joyce S. from COLON, MI Reviewed on 8/5/2010...
anything done by Heath Ledger is a work of art!
4 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
B Doris D. (Frenchie300) from DETROIT, MI Reviewed on 2/18/2009...
I have been reluctant to watch this film because it has been compared to the Exorcist, a film I cannot watch because of my vivid imagination. Not even close! Yes, there is violence and supernatural stuff, but it is not ultra frightening to those who like mysteries. Heath Ledger does a great job as Father Alex Bernier. Definitely, not for children.