Classics: A Review of The Nun's Story By Lauren Ennis

Can we mere mortals ever fully give ourselves over to God? Does God want our collective obedience or individual fulfillment? Can we maintain faith in an all seeing, all powerful, God in a world rife with suffering and tragedy? These are just some of the difficult questions explored in the 1959 drama The Nun's Story. Offering neither answers nor judgment, this film presents arguably the most complex and nuanced depiction of religion ever put to celluloid. At once ahead of its time and timeless, The Nun's Story is essential Easter viewing.

The story begins in late 1920's Belgium with willful teen and aspiring nun Gabrielle entering an order of sisters at a local convent. While she is a Catholic, her choice is more inspired by her desire to offer medical care to the local population in Belgian occupied Congo than her devotion to God. This lack of religious devotion, combined with the intellect and independence encouraged by her surgeon father, make her adjustment to convent life especially difficult. Despite her best efforts towards obedience and humility, she is continually forced to contend with arbitrary rules and unreasonable demands. As a result, she is faced with the dilemma of choosing between  her own individuality and the collective of the sisters and what they insist is the will of God.

The film's exploration of vital religious and existential questions make it a must see for the faithful and non-believers alike. The film depicts Gabrielle's struggles with an empathy and humanity that will leave viewers rooting for her on every step of her journey. Even as it sympathizes with its heroine's plight the film refuses to offer easy answers by condemning the sisters whom she continually finds herself at odds with. Instead, the film allows viewers to understand the motives and reasoning of both sides. In this way, the film allows viewers to grapple with the same questions as Gabrielle and come to their own conclusions. As a result, the film explores religion with an emotional complexity and intellectual curiosity rarely seen in modern religious discourse, let alone that of the culturally conservative 1950s. In a world of economic, political, and cultural tumult Gabrielle's struggles and the questions that propel them are more timely than ever. This Easter, join Gabrielle through the reality of religious life in The Nun's Story.

The film brings Kathryn Hulme's best selling novel to compelling life thanks to the work of its cast. Dean Jagger portrays Gabrielle's surgeon father with warmth and understanding. Edith Evans perfectly captures the single-mindedness and rigidity of the convent's Mother Superior. Peter Finch portrays Gabrielle's colleague in Congo, Dr. Fortunati, with an apt blend of cynicism, intelligence, and charm. Even in the midst of excellent supporting performances the film belongs to Audrey Hepburn as the title nun. In a stark departure from the romantic comedies that made her a star, Hepburn turns in the performance of a lifetime in a portrayal that captures Gabrielle's journey with complexity, maturity, and empathy along with her signature charm. 

At once a deeply personal depiction of one woman's experiences in religious life and a universal meditation upon faith The Nun's Story remains one of the most compelling religious tales ever put to the screen. Through its emotionally raw and intellectually honest depiction of its heroine's journey the film relates a gripping story while raising thought provoking questions. As a result, the film manages to do the impossible; tell an essentially Catholic story that even non-believers will be moved by. The cast transports viewers to twentieth century Europe and Africa through a series of rich and complex performances. Put aside the chocolate bunnies and chew on the questions presented by The Nun's Story.

Classics: A Review of Wolfwalkers By Lauren Ennis

 In an era dominated by predictable plots, personal politics, and corporate conformity, the magic of animation seems all but lost. The unfortunate state of modern animation makes the discovery of those rare films that still inspire child-like wonder that much more previous. One such film is the 2020 Celtic fantasy Wolfwalkers. Blending werewolf legends with Irish history and folklore the film relates an adventure that is refreshingly original and visually stunning. This St. Patrick's Day discover the magic of the Emerald Isle with the Wolfwalkers.

The story begins in 1650 Kilkenny, Ireland. The city has fallen to British occupation, leaving its citizens under the oppressive rule of the cruel Lord Protector. In the midst of their struggle against the Lord Protector's regime the people are also engaged in an ongoing battle against the wolves who live just outside of the city gates. As the city expands it has begun to encroach on the wolves' territory, leading them to lash out in a series of attacks. These attacks have served to add to the existing public unrest, leading the Lord Protector to enlist the aid of top wolf hunter, Bill Goodfellowe. Goodfellow arrives in Kilkenny with his rebellious daughter, Robyn, in tow. Determined to become an accomplished wolf hunter like her father, Robyn breaks the city's law explores the woods. There, she meets the mysterious Mebh, a feral girl who claims to be one of the legendary wolfwalkers, who live as humans in their waking hours but transform into wolves when they sleep. the two form a fast friendship that is put to the test when Mebh's mother is captured by the Lord Protector. What ensues is an epic battle that pits wolf against human, friend against friend, and father against daughter.

Wolfwalkers sets itself apart from most modern Western animated films by abandoning formulas in favor of originality. While the film explores such familiar themes as friendship, prejudice, war, and redemption, it does so in the context of a mythology and history that has rarely been depicted on screen. As a result, the film is able to relay universal truths and vital lessons in a way that still makes for a fresh viewing experience. The inclusion of the wolfwalker myth in particular is sure to spark viewers interest as it inverts the conventions of both fairy tales and horror. In this way, the film is able to ensure that viewers will invest in the story while keeping them on the edge of their seats. The film also succeeds through its refusal to talk down to young viewers. Rather than playing it safe with a tried and true formula the film trusts its young viewers to engage with an unfamiliar mythology. The inclusion of such historical allusions as the thinly veiled depiction of Oliver Cromwell in the form of the Lord Protector also offers a more adult perspective to the proceedings. Through its inclusion of this historical context the film lends the story gravitas and provides viewers with the opportunity to learn about a culture and history they may be unfamiliar with. For viewing that the whole family can sink their teeth into take a bite out of Wolfwalkers.

The film's combination of lush animation and haunting musical score transports viewers to 17th century Ireland. Like Cartoon Saloon's previous projects the film is lovingly made in traditional 2D animation. Even as the film utilizes traditional animation techniques it showcases an entirely innovative style which recalls woodblock painting and storybook art. the soundtrack firmly places viewers in the world of Celtic lore a series of ethereal tracks that perfectly underscore the characters' emotions. Combined, the film's score and visuals immerse viewers in its world of magic and mystery for an experience that is a feast for the ears and eyes alike.

At once a celebration of tradition and a bold foray in animated innovation Wolfwalkers is more than just family entertainment. The script aptly blends history, Celtic lore, and human drama to relate one of the most original tales to grace Western animation in years. The dazzling visuals and hypnotic score cast a spell viewers will be hard-pressed to wake up from. Take a walk on the wild side with the Wolfwalkers.

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship