The Crime of Padre Amaro (2002)

Gael García Bernal is a young priest sent to provide back-up in a small Mexican town’s parish. He’s egotistical and self-righteous in his condemnation of the sins of the nearby priests all while committing similar acts himself, leading a devout young woman hard and fast into a downward spiral. Their ‘love’ story is certain to be considered blasphemous to anyone who holds Catholic doctrine dear and not just because of the disintegration of his celibacy vow. Any narrative not involving these two characters falls away as the film builds to its ugly and disastrous ending.

Oscar Nomination: Best Foreign Language Film