Therese

The legend of Therese Martin, canonized as a saint and popularly known as "the Little Flower of Jesus," is affectionately related in this 1986 French film. At 15, Therese (Catherine Mouchet) enters the convent, hoping to become a Carmelite nun. While preparing for her life as a "Bride of Jesus," Therese begins keeping a journal, eloquently pouring out her fervent spiritualism between its pages. Her unbending devotion to her calling seems to literally sap her of all strength; in 1897, she dies of tuberculosis, a profound loss for the other Carmelites who have come to love her as much as she loves Jesus. Therese is one of those rare films that is able to thoroughly convey the euphoria of spiritualism, rather than pay it mere lip service. After sweeping the 1986 Cesar Awards (France's equivalent of the Oscar), Therese went on to win the Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize.

-Hal Erickson

AWARDS:
Ecumenical Special Mention (win) - 1986 Cannes Film Festival