Spiritual Films

	Song of Bernadette. About the life of Catholic Saint Bernadette Soubirous. The film is very well done. The acting of Jennifer Jones is remarkable, you feel like you are watching a saint, which must be one of the most difficult acting performances. The film won 4 Oscars in 1943 and is genuinely moving. It avoids slipping into romanticised sentimentalism. In fact the most impressive moments of the film are listening to implacably calm Bernadette offer reposts to the aggresively sceptical people in positions of power.Song of Bernadette Review
	Therese A beautiful film about the life of St Therese of Lisieux. St Therese felt an inner call to enter a convent at the age of 15. Initially she was refused permission so she went to the Vatican to petition the Pope. Her inspirational life and writings have encouraged many to follow her approach of the "simple way" - doing small things with love. The films is well made on a low budget. It is almost all focused on the family and sisters of St Therese. View: Biography of St Therese of Lisieux
	The Flowers of St Francis of Assisi Imaginative adaption of scenes about the life of St Francis of Assisi and his followers. Film manages to convey the genuine happiness of the monks who live an austere life of renunciation and poverty. See: Review of St Francis of Assisi
	The Gospel according to St Matthew Italian film about life of Jesus Christ based on gospel of St Matthew. Film is directed by an Italian Communist and highlights the radical / revolutionary role of Jesus Christ. Sticks fairly closely to the Gospel. After initial concerns because of the Communist director the film was apparently highly recommended by the Vatican. Good film but you still feel although you feel there is much more to the life of Christ than was portrayed by film.
	A Nuns Story A Nun’s story is a film directed by Fred Zimmerman about the life and inner struggles of a young Belgian woman who decides to become a nun. The film revolves around the life and disciplines of living in a holy order. If you have little interest in religion or spiritual life you may find the first 40 minutes rather uneventful. The first part of the film is basically a description of the disciplines that novice nuns must learn to adhere to. On the surface this beginning sequence appears quite austere but at the same time provides an intriguing insight into the life of a convent. See: Nuns Story review
	Kundun A film about the early life of the Dalai Lama growing up in Tibet against a backdrop of political difficulties. The film is quite meditative with the sounds of Tibetan Buddhist music chants and excellent photography. You get a real feeling for the life of Tibetan Buddhism, although the sadness of the political developments is a striking contrast to the peaceful religious practices. More on: Kundun
	Seven Years in Tibet Based on a true story about an ambitious and egotistic Italian mountaineer who travelled to Himalayas to climb a mountain. On outbreak of WW2 he was captured as POW but escaped and after a treacherous journey made his way with a companion to the Capital of Tibet. Here he befriended the young Dalai Lama. Good movie, convincing and show ones man's gradual transformation.
	Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima Based on true story of apparitions which appeared in Portugal 1917 to 3 poor children Miracle of Fatima review
	Sophie Scholl About German student resistance to Nazi regime in 1931. Pretty tragic and painful look into the nature of the Nazi regime, but the power of the human spirit still manages to shine. Uplifting in a poignant way. Sophie Scholl Review
	Three Seasons I really enjoyed this film. It was very well made with beautiful photography and superb acting. Very little actually happens in terms of action and dialogue but it offers much through merely capturing the emotions and expressions of the disparate collection of people in the story. There are 4 or 5 different threads which run throughout the film, seemingly unconnected but come together at the end. The plot might appear a little contrived in places but that need not detract from a generally uplifting film.