The Innocents
Highlights:
Warsaw, December 1945: the second World War is finally over and Mathilde is treating the last of the French survivors of the German camps. When a panicked Benedictine nun appears at the clinic one night begging Mathilde to follow her back to the convent, what she finds there is shocking: a holy sister about to give birth and several more in advanced stages of pregnancy. A non-believer, Mathilde enters the sisters’ fiercely private world, dictated by the rituals of their order and the strict Rev. Mother (Agata Kulesza, Ida). Fearing the shame of exposure, the hostility of the new anti-Catholic Communist government, and facing an unprecedented crisis of faith, the nuns increasingly turn to Mathilde as their belief and traditions clash with harsh realities.
Director:
Anne Fontaine
Cast:
Lou de Laâge, Agata Buzek, Agata Kulesza
Screenplay:
Sabrina B. Karine, Alice Vial
Screening Date:
May 07, 2016
Studio:
Music Box Films
Running Time:
115 minutes
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70.0% | 25.0% | 2.5% | 0.0% | 2.5% |
“Absolutely wonderfully done for a story that needed to be told.”
“I attended a Catholic boarding school. Many of the nuns were harsh, mean and cruel. Denied of physical love, it was taken out on students. This story does not surprise me. Wonderful film!”
“An incredible film. I was so involved in the story, I felt tension and emotion. Subtitles were large and not too fast.”
“The subtitles were excellent, not too fast and not too slow and large. The cinematography looked like a Vermeer.”
“Amazing film, what a statement about the right to life on folks, not to mention the ravages of war. The acting, scenes pacing were so well done and moving. The character of Mathilde was quite embracing.”
“A very powerful depiction of forgotten victims of war and the heroes who saved them. Compelling, yet the ending was hopeful.”
“Philippe Carcassonne is a delightful guest, unfortunately the equipment made the transmission spotty. Amazing story, interesting back-story about how they combined different stories. The actress who played Mathilde is riveting to watch, quiet elegant. The cinematography is gorgeous.”
“The tranquil rhythm and quiet palette worked subtlety as a counterpoint of chaos. A thoughtful and strong film.”
“A very interesting story idea. When the producer discussed the true-life circumstances I sort of wished the film had stayed true to them. It would have made it all the more compelling, not that this movie was ineffective it just sounds as though the further tragedies would have made for an even more memorable film experience. I suppose the savagery of men is eternal but, thank god, there always seem to come angels to try and soothe the hurt. The movie well illustrates this human conundrum. This film makes one reflect on the current conditions in the world and reminds us how we seemed to have not learned from the travesties of war as we continue to repeat them. The producer was a brilliant guest. Invite him every week.”
“Very slow, but very moving and very interesting. Study of the nature of personal strength, generosity of spirit and silliness of religious obedience. Very rich.”
“What a magnificent and moving film! Gorgeous cinematography, beautifully acted and a wonderfully intense and understated script. Excellent input from the producer too. Thank you!”
“It is impossible to critique a film in Poland 1945-1946 that leaves the impression that Soviet occupation was brutal but that the previous few years were benign.”
“Wonderful film!”
“A sensitive handling of an initial horrific incident, the moral and religious outcomes. Even though it is not the real story I guess the screenwriters wanted to portray the struggle these nuns had with obedience. I can understand why Mother Superior didn’t think of starting an orphanage with all those homeless kids around. Thanks for this film. Even the Russian soldiers were portrayed as rapists and murderers. I think all armies have some members who behave that way. What happened when Americans liberated places, surely there were incidents involving Americans?”
“This was easily one of the best films you’ve brought to us in MEA. The screenplay and acting were all wonderful.”
“Anne Fontaine’s Les Innocents is a tremendous achievement and remarkable piece of storytelling. The story of Mathilde and the Polish nuns is one of the most powerfully told cinematic narratives I have ever had the privilege to experience.”
“One of the most memorable filmic experiences I have ever had in the theater. Elegant in it’s examination of belief and faith versus responsibility and free will. And yes, John your question was valid – the story resonates with today’s religious fanatics willing to send babies or children to their deaths with blind beliefs and unspeakable violence while shouting the name of God.”
“An amazing story that challenges religions of all kinds, and Lord know they need challenging. But also a beautiful film to watch moment to moment. It will live with me for a very long time.”
If you'd like to know more about the film...
The film highlights the sexual crimes which took place during WWII. More specifically it highlights the sexual crimes which took place during WWII on behalf of the Soviet soldiers. The articles below discuss this issue from two perspectives. The first highlights the treatment of German women by Soviet soldiers during WWII. The second discusses ways in which war crimes of this type can be prevented as opposed to simply punished.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2002/may/01/news.features11
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/29/opinion/how-to-counter-rape-during-war...
This film focuses largely on a group of nuns in World War II Poland. The way in which they are portayed is a bit varied as some seem a bit more liberal in their beliefs while others are much more conservative. The link below leads to an article an interview about how Christians are portayed in film. In the interview the concept comes up of christian's being portrayed as somewhat radical and a bit unrealistic in media and with that film.
http://www.breakpoint.org/features-columns/booktrends/entry/12/14187
