For those who have never seen it, watch with open eyes. For those who condemn it, consider what exactly you are defending. And for Father Amaro himself? He is still smiling, still shaking hands with the Bishop, still waiting for his next confession.

Moving away from the slow-paced "art house" style typical of Portuguese cinema at the time, the film utilized a more commercial, fast-paced aesthetic that appealed to younger audiences. Behind the Scenes: The Director’s Vision

The film utilized contemporary Portuguese music to bridge the gap between the old world and the new.

: Groups like the Soldiers of Christ threatened to bomb theaters, while others launched internet campaigns to boycott the movie.