Shimabara Rebellion Screenplay

Scene 1: A Hidden Mass

INT. HIDDEN CAVE - NIGHT

A damp, earthen cave. Rough-hewn stone

walls. A small group of Japanese

Christians, faces etched with fear and

devotion, huddle in the dim light of a

single flickering candle. The air is

thick with the scent of incense and damp

earth. A simple altar stands at the far

end, adorned with a small crucifix.

PRIEST

...and the Lord gave us this day, a testament to

His enduring love, even in the face of darkness.

The Priest, a kindly old man with eyes

that hold both sorrow and unwavering

faith, gestures towards the crucifix.

WOMAN 1

Father, forgive my trepidation. The whispers grow

louder each day.

MAN 1

They watch us, I feel it in my bones. The

Shogun's edict hangs over us like a shroud.

PRIEST

calmly

Fear not, my children. Our faith is our shield.

Let our hearts be as steadfast as the mountains.

A young girl, barely a teenager,

clutches a rosary tightly. An older man,

his face lined with worry, subtly

crosses himself.

WOMAN 2

But what if they find us here, Father? What then?

PRIEST

Then we will face them with the strength of our

belief. For even in death, our faith will endure.

He raises his hands, beginning the final

prayer. The group joins him, their

voices a soft murmur in the darkness.

PRIEST

Our Father, who art in Heaven...

The hushed chanting of the Lord's Prayer

fills the cave. The candlelight

flickers, casting dancing shadows on the

walls. The scene is one of quiet,

desperate faith.

FADE OUT.