Thérèse

Enjoyed this film starring Catherine Mouchet, (St. Therese of Lisieux) who wanted at a very early age to become a Nun and was refused by her own Priest and clergy of her faith. Therese also went to the Pope and was declined and had to wait for about two years. This film shows the deep love Therese had for her Lord and other sister's whom she pours her heart and soul into helping others. There is a grave illness that Therese develops and she refuses to take any medicine for the pain and suffering and prays constantly to her Lord and Savior. Great look into the life of a young girl who wanted nothing else in life but to become a loving person for others.

I recall this being shown one Friday afternoon while in secondary school (a Catholic college no less); rewatching THERESE now, I can't fathom what my reaction might have been at the time – since it is far more stark (to the point where there are barely any sets!) than the Vittorio Cottafavi TV-film about the same subject which preceded the viewing. Incidentally, while the latter was interesting in depicting the inquiry into the Carmelite nun's canonization (without her ever appearing on-screen), this purports to present her actual life – but does it in a such a fragmentary, low-key manner (evoking memories of the work of one of my favorite auteurs, Robert Bresson) as to shed no more light on her professed saintliness: in this respect, the two films are in perfect agreement…while rendering the version under review somewhat pointless! Mind you, artistically, THERESE is undeniably sound – if drawing unwarranted attention to itself (especially in the obscure insistence on detail which is sometimes decidedly revolting!) – with Catherine Mouchet's central performance proving similarly compelling. Anyway, the film caught the critics' attention at the time – winning a great many Cesar awards (France's equivalent to the Oscar) and, as I intimated in my introduction, made the rounds internationally in an English-dubbed version (in spite of its limited commercial appeal).

The transparent simplicity of this film seems to match the spirituality and sanctity of St. Theresa, who said that after her death she wished to be referred to as "Little Therese." Her spirituality was unique in that Little Therese sought to please God by accepting whatever came her way. She did not engage in the rigors of physical asceticism and penance. Acceptance of the will of God and humility are the hallmarks of her spiritual system. Information about her life was taken from her note book, written in pencil. The Mother superior, obviously an insightful woman, told her to write about herself. This is an excellent film that depicts the spirituality of Little Therese and also of the other Carmelite nuns who lived with her. There are many details depicted about her illness and personal habits. Curiously, the actress who portrays Saint Therese bears a remarkable resemblance to her. Little Therese died at the age of 24. Pope John Paul II declared Little Therese a Doctor of the Catholic Church, a title given only rarely to individual saints who contributed in some way to spirituality or learning.

I'm a believer, but that one is really too much for me. "Thérèse" might be the most boring film ever made. One might say that subject is not precisely a cheerful one, and that it's all interiority, but Cavalier plays it too austere, mistaking Ste Thérèse for Jansenius. There must be a way to show faith on the screen other than Hollywood or Robert Bresson.

The life of little St. Therese of Lisieux, depicted in minimalist vignettes. Therese and her sisters are all nuns in a Carmelite convent. Her devotion to Jesus and her concept of "the little way" to God are shown clearly, using plain modern language.

It won the 1987 César Awards for Best Film, Best Writing, and Best Editing. The film also won the Jury Prize at the 1986 Cannes Film Festival. Catherine Mouchet won the César Award for Most Promising Actress for 1987 for her performance. Did she fulfill that promise? Although still acting thirty years later (2016), I think it is safe to say that "Therese" remains Mouchet's best known film.

Which is not to say she shouldn't be known for it, because it really does capture the lie of a saint in a modest and respectful way. I am not terribly religious, but I see the appeal and this would make an excellent film to show to younger people about devotion and faith. The world has fewer nuns these days, and perhaps that is a mistake.