Retaliation
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Brutal drama about sex abuse within the church.

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Retaliation
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What's the Story?
RETALIATION centers around demolition worker Malky (Orlando Bloom) whose painful memories resurface after he sees the priest who sexually abused him as a child. Overcome with a desire for revenge, Malky is forced to face his past and is left with a decision as to what to do next.
Is It Any Good?
A movie about historical sexual abuse within the church is never going to be an easy watch, nor should it be. Malky is a man whose sexual abuse when he was just 12 years old impacts every aspect of his life. It's led to him self-harming -- both physically and sexually -- and being unable to maintain any emotional relationships. But then -- after over 20 years -- he sees the priest who abused him. Malky's world starts to crumble, mirroring the churches he demolishes with his sledgehammer as part of his laboring job -- one of the many examples of symbolism used in Retaliation.
The title is somewhat misleading (in some markets it's called Romans). It's far more character study than revenge thriller. Written by a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, there is an authenticity to the film. However, while the writer is perfectly placed to recount the feelings of anger, shame, and ultimately forgiveness, the material does not naturally lend itself to a cinematic experience. The movie starts in one vein but becomes something else entirely, as Malky begins to make peace with himself. Bloom gives a committed performance in a role that perhaps you wouldn't immediately associate him with. The scene in the confession booth is particularly powerful. This is a hard-hitting movie about a serious subject matter. It just may not take you in the direction you thought it would.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Retaliation. What are Malky's motivations, and are you sympathetic to them? What scenes did you find most troublesome to watch?
The movie is about the sexual abuse of a child within the church. Why is it important to tell stories like this movie? How did what happened to Malky as a child impact him as an adult?
There is a lot of strong and sexual language in the movie. Does it seem necessary to the story? What does it contribute to the movie?
How is sex portrayed in the movie? Is it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 8, 2020
- Cast: Orlando Bloom, Janet Montgomery, Charlie Creed-Miles
- Directors: Ludwig Shammasian, Paul Shammasian
- Studio: Saban Films
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 91 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: disturbing violent/sexual content, language throughout, and some nudity
- Last updated: July 25, 2022
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