Opening 1 Apr 2010
Directed by:
Jessica Hausner
Writing credits:
Jessica Hausner
Principal actors:
Sylvie Testud, Léa Seydoux, Gilette Barbier, Gerhard Liebmann, Bruno Todeschini
The southwest region of France displays the grandeur of the Pyrenees mountain range, and tucked away
among the regions’ foothills is a small market town:
Lourdes – known for its famous stone castle
built in 1858 and the extraordinary event of Marian Apparition. It is believed that in the picturesque town of Lourdes, the Virgin Mary (Marian Apparition) supernaturally
appeared to one or more persons in the community on several occasions, healing
them of various ailments. Equivalent to biblical chronicles passed down through
the generations, the French could not avoid the reality of the miraculous
accounts, nor could they stop a yearly pilgrimage by those hoping for a miracle
that would be life-changing.
Christine (Sylvie Testud), knew the story well from childhood: the historical
account, the place of the yearly Roman Catholic pilgrimage and the alleged
miraculous healings. She never dreamed she would one day long for such a quest
until an incurable disease strikes her adult body. The desire to be healed from
the blight destiny of life in a wheelchair thrusts Christine to actively
expect her own providential miracle. The expectancy proves to be Christine’s
virtue, along with the aid of Madame Hartl’s specific prayers
and her daily assistance. Their journey takes place after healing occurs, and
doubts surface whether they are but in a dream. (Karen Pecota)
