“Father Joseph” is a fascinating look at Joseph Philippe, the man behind the good deeds, who founded various organizations to help the poor of Haiti. He founded the Association of the Peasants, an organization set up to help meet the needs of the poor. He solicited various people to set up a bank in Fonkoze, as well as a university and clinic. Despite setbacks, including a devastating earthquake that damaged much of the newly built properties, Philippe always maintains an optimistic outlook. In one scene, he sings, “I am a peasant and I am happy.”
The hardships include the kidnapping of a bank employee named Amos, and the result is tragic. Due to the scene of a bloody back of a corpse and a few content concerns listed under the “other” category, we are awarding this film our “Faith-Friendly” Seal for ages 12-plus. “Father Joseph” shows the difference one life of faith can make.