A drama based on the life of Spain's mystic Saint Teresa , set in the Catholic Castilla , in the middle of the Sixteenth Century

This yarn concerns the essential story of Saint Teresa of Ávila , also called Saint Teresa of Jesús , baptized as Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada (28 March 1515 – 4 October 1582), she was a prominent Spanish mystic , Roman Catholic saint , Carmelite nun and author during the Counter Reformation , and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer . The film deals with the struggles against all odds to reform the Order of Carmelites in the sixteenth century Spain . She was a reformer in the Carmelite Order of her time and the movement she initiated , later joined by Saint John of the Cross , eventually led to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites , though neither she nor John were alive when the two orders separated . The flick also concerns about her relationships to important people as Francisco de Borja , Saint Juan De La Cruz , Princess of Eboli (Maria Luz Galicia) , Father Gracián , Duchess of Alba , and Bishop of Ávila (José María Cafarell) . Teresa was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI . Her books, which include her autobiography : The Life of Teresa of Jesus and her seminal work The Interior Castle , and The Way of Perfection are an integral part of Spanish Renaissance literature as well as Christian mysticism and Christian meditation practices . At the beginning of the film Teresa , who is the daughter of a nobleman has a socialite life , has suitors (Antonio Durán) who fight for her by fencing . Later on , Teresa fascinated by accounts of the lives of the saints joins a convent administrated by the Superior Mother (Eugenia Zúffoli) seeking God and a spiritual as well as peaceful life . As Teresa entered a Carmelite Monastery of the Incarnation in Ávila , 1535 , but she found herself increasingly in disharmony with the spiritual malaise prevailing at the monastery . After a period of prays and sacrifice in which she embraces a deeper devotion to the Virgin Mary as her spiritual mother , she claims that she has visions with Jesus attracting the attention of the Inquisition in times of religious pursue and Protestant Reform . In the cloister -an area where only monastics have access- , she suffered greatly from illness ; early in her sickness, she experienced periods of religious ecstasy through the use of devotional books and prays . Saint Teresa carried out mystic attitudes following the example of similar writings of medieval mystics , consisted of directions for examinations of conscience and for spiritual self-concentration and inner contemplation . She claimed that during her illness she rose from the lowest stage, "recollection", to the "devotions of silence" or even to the ¨Mysticism¨ and "devotions of ecstasy", which was one of perfect union with God . During this final stage, she said she frequently experienced a rich "blessing of tears" . She , then began to inflict various tortures and mortification of the flesh upon herself . But her confessor, the Jesuit Saint Francis Borgia (Alfredo Mayo) , reassured her of the divine inspiration of her thoughts . Teresa became firmly convinced that Jesus Christ presented himself to her in bodily form , though invisible.

This classic Spanish movie turns out to be an acceptable flick , but dated , being a spectacular portrayal of the greatest religious woman , made in enough budget but with mediocre interpretation by an excessive Aurora Bautista . This picture contains a lot of historical remarks , adding known characters of the Spain history . The film was panned by critics , suffering the extreme contempt , being really scorned ; that's why Orduña was impulsed to make an extremely religious movie in the forties style , when in the sixties the traditional habits and times had changed . The flick is spoiled by overacting , most play similarly to stage actors ; as the influence of the theatrical acting in players results to be extreme and embarrassing , specially by Aurora Bautista who gives a ridiculous performance , usually looking at horizon and declaiming silly and symbolic sentences . It packs decent cinematography in black and white by the prestigious José F. Aguayo . Atmospheric and evocative musical score by Manuel Parada. 

Directed by Juán De Orduña who made a passable but dated film . Orduña was a craftsman who made a great number of epic movies in ¨carton/stone¨ , being his last one : ¨Alba De America¨ that is considered to be one of the worst super-productions of the powerful Francoist company CIFESA and it caused its fall and it went subsequently bankrupt . With director Florian Rey , Orduña formed the production company "Goya Films" . After filming the military epic "¡A Mí La Legión!" and the sentimental drama "El Frente De Los Suspiros" (1942) he specialized in comedies . Juán adapted to cinema famous novels such as : ¨Zalacaín El Aventurero¨ , ¨Cañas Y Barro¨ , ¨El Frente De Los Suspiros¨ , ¨Nobleza Baturra¨ , ¨Lola Se Va a Los Huertos¨ , being especially known for his historical renditions , praising Spanish past grandeur, a style highly favored by Franco's regime , such as : ¨Teresa De Jesús¨ , ¨La Leona De Castilla¨ , ¨Agustina De Aragón¨ and ¨Locura De Amor¨ . His most successful picture was ¨El Ultimo Cuple¨ with Sara Montiel . 

Other films regarding this famous Saint are the followings : ¨Teresa Cuerpo De Cristo¨ by Ray Loriga with Paz Vega , Leonor Watling , Eusebio Poncela , Geraldine Chaplin , Manuel Morón , Francesc Garrido and ¨Teresa¨ (2015) by Jorge Dorado with Marian Alvarez , Carla Diaz , Terele Pavez , Antonio De La Torre , Aitiana Sanchez Gijón . And the best results to be the TV series ¨Teresa De Jesús¨ (1985) by Josefina Molina with Concha Velasco , Virginia Mataix , Silvia Munt , Maria Massip , Magui Mira.

Spanish-language cinema across Spain and Latin America is united by its engagement with history, cultural identity, and social transformation. In Spain, films often balance artistic experimentation with popular genres while reflecting on memory, politics, and family. In Latin America, cinema has been deeply tied to questions of colonial legacy, resistance, and community resilience, ranging from intimate dramas to bold political allegories.

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The life and tribulations of Carmelist nun Teresa de Jesús, who had transcendental experiences. She would write several works and would reform the Carmelist order.

Agrupa Films Cooperativa Cinematográfica

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Teresa de Jesús

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