Sacrificio fatale

A haunting movie -- one that lingers in the mind (and the heart) for a long time afterwards. Mimi Rogers turns in a stunning performance as a woman trapped in a cycle of dull work and duller play, whose life is transformed twice -- first by a religious conversion, and then by coming face to face with the literal meaning of that conversion. She is incandescent in her belief, and in the movie's final scenes, takes on the epic proportions of a Job or King Lear. You may be puzzled, conflicted, or even offended by what the movie "means," but you won't be able to walk away from it untouched.

Since I have always been a Christian from childhood and agreeably conspire to my faith today, I am always curious about what causes others to "be saved" later in life. "The Rapture" tells this story with fascinating insights into the modern Christian perspective and what scares the public about its predictions. Mimi Rogers (in a heart-wrenching performance) plays Sharon, a telephone operator who leads a tedious and extremely boring life by day, but resorts to group sex and orgies to add excitement to her nightlife. She discovers Christianity through people pamphleting at her door and other employees in her office she never cared to talk to before. They use the imagery of a pearl to describe their experience of being saved, and Sharon longs to discover what it is about this religion that can bring fulfillment to her own life. David Duchovney, before his stint on "The X-Files," co-stars as Sharon's boyfriend and later husband she meets through her reckless "dates," and whom she induces to join her spiritual quest to find God. After their marriage and birth of their daughter, her faith is tested to intense extemes in ways I would not dare describe, but can honestly say are truly harrowing. I was surprised that, even though I am a devout Christian, I was not offended by this film, what can be seen as a blatantly sacreligious movie. I think every religious individual should see it to get a better understanding of what they conspire to, as well as how others may conceive of their faith. "The Rapture" is not a tame flick, and does not shy away from controversial discourse, but all in all, this is a rewarding picture that gets its viewers to think about their lives and what they believe in. No doubt you will be entranced. Rating: Three stars and a half.

One of the most intriguing movies I've ever seen and most underrated I might add. I'm not religious but this movie is mesmerizing from the performances to the script and poses a lot of interesting questions about life as well as religion. Why Mimi Rogers didn't become a Star after this, I don't know. Now she's reduced to movie to movies like Lost in Space and guest appearances on X-files with her costar of Rapture, David Duchovney. Check this out. You won't be sorry.

Uncommon mix of sex and religion is hard hitting and thought provoking. Mimi Rogers, giving easily the finest performance of 1991 (and many other years), was completely overlooked by the industry, and that's unfortunate for us. She is so superb in this film, that it is inconceivable that she doesn't work more than she does. She is supported by a fine cast, most notably, Kimberly Cullum, as Mary. It's too bad that Mimi Rogers isn't given more roles in Hollywood; but we do have this performance, in this film, and I highly recommend it!

First, this movie is very sexually graphic so don't watch it with mom or dad or the kids. But I think it speaks to the idea of the loss and confusion of humanity. Sharon is representative of most human beings. A boring job, a boring life, searching for meaning.. possibly with sex and then with religion (ironic that Rogers was a scientologist). It is just something to help you get through this life. What got me about this script is the moving ending. After being disappointed so many times in life, in god, Sharon would rather be in purgatory for eternity than say she loves god. Isn't that the human way? Stubborn and self destructive. But i have to admit if had been in Sharon's place I might have had the exactly same decision. I also enjoy that they actually try to do the Rapture.. in a vey serious and haunting way. The final minutes of this movie I think will always remember.