The Nun [DVD]

I am surprised that this film has missed me so far and I only came across it due to the automated recommendations that this site throws out at us. The reason I write that I am surprised this has missed me is because it is based on Diderot’s wonderful novel that I absolutely love, although I know quite a few people do not. Admittedly this is not quite the same as the book, but the vision here perhaps breathes life into an old tale that many people do not realise is steeped in truth.Today us in the western world go about doing what we want within reason and have really a pretty good life for the vast majority, however it is easy to overlook what others still experience in other parts of the world and what our ancestors had to endure. Becoming a monk or a nun (as here) was not a calling for a number of people, as when children their parents had already dedicated them to God and the Church, for numerous reasons such as atonement for their sins (as here) or for other reasons, and for Suzanne Simonin (played by the brilliant Pauline Étienne) so she is expected to atone for her mother’s indiscretion as well as because money is tight as her two older sisters have been married off.Although Suzanne does not mind being a novitiate so much, she does not wish to be a fully-fledged nun, as she has no particular calling and wants to make her own way in the world. Set in the 18th Century so we have great locations and costumes as you only usually get with quality productions, with excellent actors, and Pauline Étienne really excels in the role of Suzanne. By not giving us a music track through most of this so we are able to appreciate more the atmosphere that is created by the world around the nuns, with just their religious duties and so on.This could have all fallen apart into an old style nunsploitation film, but fortunately this does not happen as a tight reign has been kept on the writing and directing, so although of course taking in lesbian behaviour this is kept restrained as in Diderot’s classic novel, and also taking in the bullying and manipulation. There is nothing to really dislike here and this shows that Europe can easily out do Hollywood any time it wants to, and this has style and substance stamped all over it. Certainly something that is well worth watching this is a French language film and thus has subtitles.

Rather a long film which came across as a bit of a shaggy dog story, The Nun is nevertheless 'blessed' with a great performance by Pauline Etienne as the modern-thinking 16 year old girl forced into a miserable existence of prayer and sacrifice. She communicates her endless suffering and degradation to us well, and however padded out events seem occasionally, never loses our sympathy or interest.I came away from the film afterwards knowing a lot more about the historical hierarchy in nunneries and how easy it would be to abuse your position there as Mother Superior, but not exactly feeling that entertained. The costume and set design is a marvel, but apart from the aforementioned star turn by the lead actress, there isn't a lot here to make it worth investing your valuable time into.Still, at least it's better than a much more well-known movie, also called 'The Nun', that was released recently... 5/10

“The Nun” is a superb film. At its heart is a fairly simple story (check the synopsis for details) but a story that is told very well indeed.Aspects of 1760’s Bourgeois society, religion and the formality and pious bigotry that go with it are portrayed very cleverly.Very good performances from all the cast and especially Pauline Étienne in the lead role as Suzanne. The directing, cinematography, sound, costumes and everything that goes to make this film are all very good.“The Nun” should not only appeal to those with a religious bent – I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates well-made historical French films.As stated I would give the film five stars but where the DVD is concerned I would have to give a lower rating, possibly a considerably lower rating.Not being fluent in the French language I rely on subtitles to understand the dialogue. Like many other people I do not have a problem with subtitles per se, but they do need to be legible. The subtitles in the DVD of The Nun are at the bottom of the picture, that is to say laid on top of the picture rather than below and not obscuring the picture. This would not necessarily be problematic, but we are given white subtitles that are frequently (and possibly even the majority of the time) laid on top of a white background.To be fair, the film is presumably aimed primarily at a French speaking audience and I would say that the film is worthy of five stars, but for non-French speakers, the DVD’s subtitles are poorly and incompetently presented on the screen.

I was gripped by this film from beginning to end. The costumes and sets are lovely and it is so nice to see a film lit so that scenes appear natural and of the time period. I was enthralled by the story and so glad it ended the way it did. If you're looking for cheap thrills you won't find them here but just a good solid plot and effective storytelling.

A girl is abused in two Convents, but proves her strength of character in harrowing circumstances. Strong performances from cast. Believable characters.

WARNING. NOT IN ENGLISH IN FRENCH. Wish Amazon would stop saying foreign films are in english when they are not. Disappointing and annoying. Sounded promising but hate movies with subtitles!

I was caught by Susanne story. Great performances. Excellent locations and customs. Willpower, love, evil, power, friendship, obsession, a myriad of human feelings, values and believes.

I bought this as I am a fan of the French actor Isabel Huppert. She plays her usual 'tortured', weird or demented characters so well on screen and her lustful Mother Superior is no exception. Isabel apart, I really enjoyed this film. It has French dialogue and English subtitles. It was an interesting drama and a great period piece. Will stand repeated viewing!