The Keys of the Kingdom

The narrative begins with Francis as a child in 1878 and follows decades of missionary work through natural disasters, social upheaval, and war. It spans the late Qing era in China and continues into the early 20th century as new missions arise and old ones endure. The timeline tracks Francis’s aging, retirement, and the evolving church amid shifting political tides.

The action centers on a Scottish parish in Tynecastle, Tweedside, where Father Francis Chisholm serves a humble, enduring community. The story then shifts to Pai-tan, China, where a fragile mission is rebuilt amid floods, poverty, and political upheaval. The settings juxtapose a quiet rural parish with a missionary outpost under threat from imperial and republican forces.

✝️ Faith in Action

Francis’s faith drives concrete deeds rather than mere beliefs. He builds and sustains the St Andrews Christian Mission, tending the sick and rebuilding after disasters. The narrative shows how conviction translates into enduring service, even when results are slow or contested. True faith is tested by hardship and perseverance.

💪 Sacrifice

Personal happiness is forgone for the greater good. Nora’s death and Willie’s sacrifice, along with the mission’s destruction, demand resilience from Francis. The story frames sacrifice as central to vocation, shaping humility and resolve. He bears injury and carries on for others.

🌍 Cross-Cultural Mission

A Western missionary operates within a Chinese context, facing cultural differences and material hardship. Interactions with local converts, officials, and rival missions reveal the complexity of religious outreach amid imperial and republican conflict. The film questions whether faith can truly bridge cultures or become entwined with politics and power.