In ‘Silence,’ Renowned Director Martin Scorsese Explores Freedom of Belief

Director Martin Scorsese at the American Cinematheque conversation with Director Martin Scorsese and Producer Irwin Winkler at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. on Dec. 3. Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

What is it like to face the ultimate test of your most fundamental beliefs?

Director Martin Scorsese explores this question in his latest film, based on a 1966 novel about two 17th century Portuguese Jesuit priests who travel to Japan as missionaries amidst the peak of a horrifying persecution against the Christian faith.