The title of this wry, engaging documentary stems from an 1879 newspaper headline referring to mysterious events that allegedly took place in the tiny village of Knock, Ireland, where 15 residents claimed to see holy apparitions. Filmmaker Aoife Kelleher begins by letting contemporary descendants of the venerated witnesses tell the tale of that special day (which was certified by the Catholic Church as a genuine miracle), after which she goes beyond the lore to examine life in Knock, including the arrangement of holy water for visitors to the apparition site, a visit to a tourist-trap shop that sells little statues of Jesus and other biblical trinkets, and testimonies from those who claim to have been cured of disease and affliction. Most intriguing are the efforts of savvy priest Fr. Richard Gibbons, who has successfully advocated for Knock’s targeted growth—e.g., building a small airport—as a tourist town. Enlisting such heavy-hitters as an American cardinal to galvanize the community, Gibbons is intent on leveraging the old story in order to bring the world to Knock. Kelleher allows the people and the details to speak for themselves, never becoming satirical but rather approaching the material with lightly bemused affection. Extras include additional scenes. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
Strange Occurrences in a Small Irish Village
(2016) 90 min. DVD: $23.99. DRA. Janson Media (avail. from Midwest Tape). Volume 33, Issue 5
Strange Occurrences in a Small Irish Village
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