This movie has been the hardest one to interpret so far out of all the ones we have watched.  It seems to be, at least in part, a contrast in how the Japanese view their role in WWII and their role in the world moving forward.  The different interpretations of the story represent the different interpretations how the Japanese role can be interpreted, either as aggressor,  manipulator, or victim.  Then the priest is meant to be the catalyst for moral interpretation of not only the actions portrayed in the story, but interpret the actions of all men due to their nature.