Sydney Penny stars as the visionary saint from France and learned the language for the role. Any Catholic is familiar with the story of the little girl who claimed to be visited by the Virgin Mary in a small village where she was both praised by some and mocked by others of the faith. This film picks up at the time Bernadette joined a convent and worked as a simple nun while remaining a humble young sister. Penny is excellent in the lead and the movie is a moving account of the well known woman who made Lourdes a land mark for desperate people seeking miraculous cures, often from terminal illnesses. I grew up with a Catholic education but am now a lapsed one and describe myself as a Catholic atheist. Even as a skeptic I was moved by the American actress's beautiful performance as the future saint.

French-language cinema, whether in France, Québec, or other Francophone regions, explores cultural identity, social change, and the tension between the individual and society. French cinema is not only celebrated for its intellectual experimentation and auteur traditions, but also its success in mainstream comedy, romance, and commercial entertainment. In Québec, films often focus on questions of language, belonging, and community within a distinct cultural landscape.

Jean-Pierre Léaud in The 400 Blows (1959)

The biography, or "biopic", is a genre that portrays the life story of a real person, often a notable individual or historical figure. They aim to provide a depiction of the subject's personal history, achievements, challenges, and impact on society.

Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, and Geraldine James in Gandhi (1982)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The history genre features recounting and analyzing past events, societies, cultures, and historical figures. This genre aims to provide insights into the development of civilizations, the causes and consequences of historical events, and the impact of individuals and ideas on the course of history.

Bernadette knows she's been chosen to be the Bride of the Lord.

Sydney Penny in The Passion of Bernadette (1990)

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"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

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Jennifer Jones in The Song of Bernadette (1943)

Faustina: The Apostle of Divine Mercy (1994)

Malka Ribowska in The Passion of Bernadette (1990)

The Passion of Bernadette

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