Absolution

Absolution starts off slow, I mean really slow but the tension starts to tighten during the second half until the satisfying conclusion. Richard Burton's performance is the only reason this film works as well as it does.

Very clever plot at the end - Burton outstanding as you would expect but so ultimately was the real baddie played by a child actor.

The plot is slightly far-fetched, but it pretty much succeeds due to the commitment and talent of the cast. Also, boarding schools and priests generally make for good dramatic fare. Burton is always great to see in action, Billy Connolly turns up as Billy Connolly, and the two main young actors put in strong turns. Bonus points for an unexpected Brian Glover cameo. It is quite bleak, but this is another competent 1970s effort that I'm surprised isn't better known.

Believe me, the synopsis is a lot better than the movie.