As a result of her experiences in Africa for this film (as well as her childhood wartime experiences) Audrey worked the rest of her life in roles helping children, traveling throughout Africa for various charities, being a representative for United Nations and for UNICEF.
Shandor, I really love your reactions, and I think you are really criminally under rated. I give every one of your movies you react to a thumbs up and have even told friends who are lovers of fine cinema about you. Please keep with it, you are one of the best. I would really love to see you react to "To Kill a Mockingbird". It's a story set in a small southern town in the early 1930s. It told through the eyes of a young girl, and about her life growing up and her father, a lawyer brave enough to defend a black man accused of a heinous crime.
OMG!! I can't believer that someone is reacting to this film. I learned a very valuable life lesson from this movie. It is one of my favorites. It follows the book very well.
Excellent and unique reaction! There are so many outstanding movies that I have seen, but are hidden in the recesses of my memory. Thank you for choosing these hidden gems! 💎
The film is based on a book written by a nun, so it reflects much of her experience. There are many, many different religious orders for nuns, priests, and monks. They vary by country and what time period when they were first established and the intent of the people in them. Some are more cloistered than others, and some specialize in specific types of work (nursing, teaching, etc.) Today, the clothing expectations (called the habit) are much less restrictive except for the most cloistered, traditional or conservative communities. From what I have read, this film tried to be very faithful to a specific order which existed in The Netherlands and Belgium in the 1920’s and 30’s. However, some aspects will be similar to all the others. Another (BEAUTIFUL!) film about nuns is the 1947 British film “Black Narcissus.” Instead of being based on Roman Catholic practices as in The Nun’s Story, “Black Narcissus” is about nuns in the English Protestant tradition of the Anglican faith.
Very thoughtful and honest reaction. Fred Zinnemann was such a classy director. He made so many great movies. As another commenter suggested, I think you would love 'The Day of the Jackal' too.
Hi Shandor. Nights of Cabiria (1957) directed by Federico Fellini. One of the greatest films. Stars Giulietta Masina in an Oscar winning performance. A perfect entry to the work of 'The Maestro' Fellini.
The ring kissing is an ancient symbol of showing respect and obedience in many cultures, just as bowing to show respect or loyalty is an ancient ritual in many cultures. The priests, Mother Superiors, and other members were people who had advanced in their religious development and were now acting as symbols of Christ in their community during ceremonies - they were not idols (idols were physical objects that were considered greater than God) and the people were not being worshipped, just respected as leaders in the church.
Audrey lived through the Nazi occupation of Belgium as a child and nearly starved to death. 3:48 That's what Martin Luther eventually concluded, "Why shouldn't we all go directly to God?" He was a Roman Catholic priest who started the Reformation. 6:30 I'm not Catholic, but dated quite a few in high school & college. This looks pretty authentic to how things were run before the Second Vatican Council changed a lot of practices in the early 1960's. I think the new nuns still go through periods as novices and then postulants to get used to the life before making a permanent commitment. 15:22 The Scriptures say that The Church is the Bride of Christ. I'm not sure how the Catholics interpreted or maybe mis-interpreted that teaching.
There are also nuns, priests and monks in the various Eastern Orthodox churches (Greek, Russian, Serbian, Armenian, Ethiopian, etc.) and they both share and differ in practices, beliefs, traditions, etc in how they dress, what work they may do, how cloistered they are, from other religions. Like other religions, Buddhist nuns and monks also shave their heads, dress alike and follow a hierarchy in their communities. Hinduism does not have a large tradition of nuns, but does have a long history of monks. The emphasis we have today on individual development, rights and expression is relatively new in the history of human society on Earth. Women in past centuries sometimes selected a life as a nun because it gave them some physical protection, a higher social status, relived them of the expectation to constantly give birth (which often was a deadly threat to the mother), allowed women to pursue interests in the arts, sciences and academic studies, whereas in normal life - except for the wealthy- their lives were consumed with household duties, cooking, childcare, farming duties and were a backbreaking experience.
The start of this reaction would apply equally well to FULL MEATL JACKET. Some very distinguished supporting cast members, including Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft and Colleen Dewhurst.
By your disparaging remarks at the beginning, it's clear the religious life of nuns evoked some negative emotions in you. Yes the life of nuns was not easy in that era. The life of a religious aesthetic is very complex, and there are many misconceptions especially for those who do not understand the depth of spirituality. Thanks in part by the beautiful production, music, cinematography, and acting of all those involved, that by the end of the film it all came to light for you. And that's where the beauty of your review came in, and your own lens of social theory, spirituality and philosophy gave way to a better understanding. One of your best.
Thank you so much! Your comment really warmed my heart! I'm not here to disparage anyone, or anyone's belief. At the same time, my reaction wouldn't be genuine if I didn't say "my truth". Which is nothing more than anopinion of an insignificant speck of dust in this universe. There are so many things I don't understand, organised religion being one of them. This movie was beautiful. I feel like I learned a lot thanks to this. Have an amazing day!
Great review Shandor. Audrey Hepburn is mesmerizing in anything and beautiful even when dressed in a sack. In real life, and on screen, she was amazing. Regarding the Nun's Story, I'm an atheist. I don't understand how subduing self helps anyone. If a god, or gods exist, why would they ask for such sacrifice? It's cruel and unnecessary and infuriating.
How wrong you are, as, i.e., Hepburn's self-important grandiose narcissist. Oh, the entire organization, the only source of medical aid for all these abandoned peoples that has been continuously providing essential aid amid indescribable difficulties, should change how they do their selfless work and instead do things the way Saint Hepburn proposes. Her advice results from her vast experience building and maintaining a brave philanthropic institution where no other help has ever existed. Oh, that's right, she doesn't actually have such extensive experience; she has, well, NONE. Like you, your total ignorance of the realities of the situation is no hindrance to your assertion of what would work best. God spare us from fools... a prayer yet to be answered.
A masterpiece by the great Fred Zinnemann.
Another great Zinneman film that I hope Shandor reviews sometime is "The Day Of The Jackal" from 1973.
@@billolsen4360Yes. I was going to suggest this. Fantastic movie.
I've always liked this movie. Audrey Hepburn has always been a favorite of mine.
As a result of her experiences in Africa for this film (as well as her childhood wartime experiences) Audrey worked the rest of her life in roles helping children, traveling throughout Africa for various charities, being a representative for United Nations and for UNICEF.
Shandor, I really love your reactions, and I think you are really criminally under rated. I give every one of your movies you react to a thumbs up and have even told friends who are lovers of fine cinema about you. Please keep with it, you are one of the best.
I would really love to see you react to "To Kill a Mockingbird". It's a story set in a small southern town in the early 1930s. It told through the eyes of a young girl, and about her life growing up and her father, a lawyer brave enough to defend a black man accused of a heinous crime.
OMG!! I can't believer that someone is reacting to this film. I learned a very valuable life lesson from this movie. It is one of my favorites. It follows the book very well.
Excellent and unique reaction! There are so many outstanding movies that I have seen, but are hidden in the recesses of my memory. Thank you for choosing these hidden gems! 💎
The film is based on a book written by a nun, so it reflects much of her experience. There are many, many different religious orders for nuns, priests, and monks. They vary by country and what time period when they were first established and the intent of the people in them. Some are more cloistered than others, and some specialize in specific types of work (nursing, teaching, etc.) Today, the clothing expectations (called the habit) are much less restrictive except for the most cloistered, traditional or conservative communities. From what I have read, this film tried to be very faithful to a specific order which existed in The Netherlands and Belgium in the 1920’s and 30’s. However, some aspects will be similar to all the others.
Another (BEAUTIFUL!) film about nuns is the 1947 British film “Black Narcissus.” Instead of being based on Roman Catholic practices as in The Nun’s Story, “Black Narcissus” is about nuns in the English Protestant tradition of the Anglican faith.
Very thoughtful and honest reaction. Fred Zinnemann was such a classy director. He made so many great movies. As another commenter suggested, I think you would love 'The Day of the Jackal' too.
The leaving part was captured painfully beautiful and truthful. When you leave after years of service, you DO feel like a traitor and a leper
Hi Shandor. Nights of Cabiria (1957) directed by Federico Fellini. One of the greatest films. Stars Giulietta Masina in an Oscar winning performance. A perfect entry to the work of 'The Maestro' Fellini.
Great reaction!
For more Audrey, checkout
My Fair Lady
The ring kissing is an ancient symbol of showing respect and obedience in many cultures, just as bowing to show respect or loyalty is an ancient ritual in many cultures. The priests, Mother Superiors, and other members were people who had advanced in their religious development and were now acting as symbols of Christ in their community during ceremonies - they were not idols (idols were physical objects that were considered greater than God) and the people were not being worshipped, just respected as leaders in the church.
Audrey lived through the Nazi occupation of Belgium as a child and nearly starved to death. 3:48 That's what Martin Luther eventually concluded, "Why shouldn't we all go directly to God?" He was a Roman Catholic priest who started the Reformation. 6:30 I'm not Catholic, but dated quite a few in high school & college. This looks pretty authentic to how things were run before the Second Vatican Council changed a lot of practices in the early 1960's. I think the new nuns still go through periods as novices and then postulants to get used to the life before making a permanent commitment. 15:22 The Scriptures say that The Church is the Bride of Christ. I'm not sure how the Catholics interpreted or maybe mis-interpreted that teaching.
I'm excited to see a reaction to this. Everyone does the comedies, usually.
There are also nuns, priests and monks in the various Eastern Orthodox churches (Greek, Russian, Serbian, Armenian, Ethiopian, etc.) and they both share and differ in practices, beliefs, traditions, etc in how they dress, what work they may do, how cloistered they are, from other religions. Like other religions, Buddhist nuns and monks also shave their heads, dress alike and follow a hierarchy in their communities. Hinduism does not have a large tradition of nuns, but does have a long history of monks.
The emphasis we have today on individual development, rights and expression is relatively new in the history of human society on Earth.
Women in past centuries sometimes selected a life as a nun because it gave them some physical protection, a higher social status, relived them of the expectation to constantly give birth (which often was a deadly threat to the mother), allowed women to pursue interests in the arts, sciences and academic studies, whereas in normal life - except for the wealthy- their lives were consumed with household duties, cooking, childcare, farming duties and were a backbreaking experience.
That makes a lot of sense. Thank you!
Well done Shandor!
The start of this reaction would apply equally well to FULL MEATL JACKET. Some very distinguished supporting cast members, including Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft and Colleen Dewhurst.
By your disparaging remarks at the beginning, it's clear the religious life of nuns evoked some negative emotions in you. Yes the life of nuns was not easy in that era. The life of a religious aesthetic is very complex, and there are many misconceptions especially for those who do not understand the depth of spirituality. Thanks in part by the beautiful production, music, cinematography, and acting of all those involved, that by the end of the film it all came to light for you. And that's where the beauty of your review came in, and your own lens of social theory, spirituality and philosophy gave way to a better understanding. One of your best.
Thank you so much! Your comment really warmed my heart! I'm not here to disparage anyone, or anyone's belief. At the same time, my reaction wouldn't be genuine if I didn't say "my truth". Which is nothing more than anopinion of an insignificant speck of dust in this universe. There are so many things I don't understand, organised religion being one of them. This movie was beautiful. I feel like I learned a lot thanks to this. Have an amazing day!
Great review Shandor. Audrey Hepburn is mesmerizing in anything and beautiful even when dressed in a sack. In real life, and on screen, she was amazing. Regarding the Nun's Story, I'm an atheist. I don't understand how subduing self helps anyone. If a god, or gods exist, why would they ask for such sacrifice? It's cruel and unnecessary and infuriating.
God exists to guide those He has created, if they'll listen.
The great Colleen Dewhurst in a small role here as the mental patient who thinks she's the archangel Gabriel. (How do we know she isn't?)
[15:12] Hahaha, Shandor, you're a card.
Sometimes!
After you watch Roman Holiday, every other woman will pale in comparison to Audrey Hepburn…well if they don’t already haha
How wrong you are, as, i.e., Hepburn's self-important grandiose narcissist. Oh, the entire organization, the only source of medical aid for all these abandoned peoples that has been continuously providing essential aid amid indescribable difficulties, should change how they do their selfless work and instead do things the way Saint Hepburn proposes. Her advice results from her vast experience building and maintaining a brave philanthropic institution where no other help has ever existed. Oh, that's right, she doesn't actually have such extensive experience; she has, well, NONE. Like you, your total ignorance of the realities of the situation is no hindrance to your assertion of what would work best. God spare us from fools... a prayer yet to be answered.
....Shoud rea "as is Hepburn's...etc "
I've never been so happy being a fool.