TAIPEI (AFP): Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese said Monday his decision to shoot the historic-drama “Silence” was inspired by his religious childhood, despite the Hollywood heavyweight not typically being known for spiritual outpourings. Lauded for his direction of often violent box office hits such as “Gangs of New York” and “The Departed”, Scorsese said at a press conference in Taipei that his Christian beliefs and faith had helped him face the world. “The subject matter presented by Shusaku Endo was in my life since I was very very young.
I was very much involved in religion, I was raised in a strong Catholic family,” he said during a press conference that wrapped up the shooting of the film in Taiwan. “Further reflection is how (we) want to lead our life in the Christian faith... so ultimately this book drew my attention when it was given to me in 1988.” The film is based on a novel by Shusaku Endo and tells the story of Portuguese Jesuits in the 17th Century who suffered persecution while working in isolated parts of Japan.