Vision - Aus dem Leben der Hildegard von Bingen

The movie follows the life of Hildegard Von Bingen a famous medieval nun/magistra/convent founder who had religious visions and was interested in science, music, medicine, and much more...

The cinematography was absolutely beautiful and the story captivated me even with its modern feminist sensibilities every where....from the suitably milque toast priest Volmar to her renaissance passion for all intellectual pursuits....The cliché over veneration of books learning etc comes off as nerdy and dumb when exaggerated too much as it was in this movie. That said I wish I had read up on Hildegard before watching; there was apparently much substance to the woman--the movie fails here..having her oohing and aawing over stacks of books or staging an avant garde (for the era) play doesn't do her credit.

The part of her that captivated me of course were the visions. Everyone hopes things like that are not mental illness. You grow to really like this woman and that is the key to good cinema no?

The character of Richardis is good too...more than a hint of female homosexuality that was sublimated by both parties.

This movie would have been a 10 if the visions had been shown better and the pseudo intellectual nerd and feminist stuff toned down.

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Woman's Work is Never Done - This movie, a true story about an unstoppable12th century woman who advanced theology, philosophy, music and women's rights is interesting and informative. Hildegard von Bingen rose above the men around her to forge changes. The oppressive patriarchal atmosphere in which she functioned is almost tangible. The prevailing religious mood of 12th c. Germany is so vividly portrayed as to sting the senses, and underlines the importance of Hildegard's opposition. She preached love and refused to endorse the harsh religious practices of the day. Mercy was better than sacrifice she said, and she was passionate about the right to self-determination. The movie captures this pure emotional passion, (not sexual), by its brilliant casting and fine acting.

The film "Vision, from the Life of Hildegard von Bingen," written and directed by Margarethe von Trotta, is an inspiration, and we are grateful she brought the accomplishments of this woman to the screen. Barbara Sukowa in the title role convincingly portrays the commitment of a woman compelled to live out her destiny.

This is an opportunity to learn about a woman a thousand years ahead of her time. Living within the walls of the Benedictine order, Hildegard von Bingen accomplished so much in so many areas of life, and the history of the whole era comes to life in this film, much like the history of John Keats' era came to life in "Bright Star." The powerful insights von Bingen received from her visions of God are shown being recorded in manuscripts by her male secretary - Volmar sympathetically played by Heino Ferch. The healing powers of her music are witnessed in the film and remain available for all to enjoy today, but what a treat to see it all happen in Technicolor in 2010 in America.

Independent German film was for decades the mainstay of the European cinematography. Brave, original thinking and the courage of the expression made it a breath of fresh air for the movie lovers. Unfortunately these days are long gone. Almost everybody tries so hard to be hip and Hollywoodlike. If we explode few things and simplify the plot for every simpleton, how can we miss? Well, we miss time and time again. The eternal beauty of filmmaking is about trying and having an idea, and a story to tell. It seems that there are no stories left to tell, or there are no people left who like the stories to be told to them." Vision" is a strange, unfinished movie, but it is an honest attempt to feel and think, and that is all one needs in this art form.

Films about spiritual teachers tend to be solemn affairs, although anybody who has spent time with a mystic knows they often possess charismatic charm and a subversive sense of humor. 'Vision' is an uninspired biopic about Hildegard Von Bingen, who was a Benedictine nun in medieval Germany. History relates she taught her own method of contemplation, became the 'magistra' of her order, founded two convents, and wrote books on medicine and musical composition. Her teachings discouraged severe ascetic practices, reflecting her belief that God intended humans to pursue contented lives devoted to hard work, charity and spiritual invocation.

'Vision' focuses on various intrigues within Hildegard's world of nuns, monks and bishops, as well as the nobility who provided financial backing for cloistered orders. No doubt there was some jealousy within that circle which obstructed some of her endeavors, but she was a formidable figure in 12th century Germany, traveling widely on preaching tours at a time when women were traditionally banned from such pursuits. Hildegard's contemplative disciplines were a crucial aspect of her life's work but being impossible to film, they are mostly ignored in favor of her worldly activities. The acting and cinematography are sufficient for the task at hand, but anyone hoping to learn about Hildegard's esoteric philosophy is likely to be disappointed.

The film is named Vision. It is very appropriate as the music that weaves the visuals to greater experiences by the viewer is from the CD of Hildegard's music by Richard Souther called by the same name, Vision. music) both stir the soul of her demographic to height upon height. Well done German filmmakers!!! The film was visually stunning. It is difficult to tell the tale of the most powerful female in Western Culture and do it in a universal manner. It is obvious that this film had a team that had their own Vision to do more than make a film, but create a digital film footprint of a globally known and loved academic, spiritual, and feminist historical icon and mentor.