Review of The Magdalene Sisters (2002) by Matthew F. J — 02 Dec 2013
When the Magdalene convents finally closed in 1996, more than 30,000 Irish women were made to work in laundry sweatshops to help the Catholic Church's profits. Director Peter Mullan sets his script--taken from actual testimony--in 1964 Dublin.
The alleged sinners include rape victim Margaret (Anne-Marie Duff), unwed mother Crispina (Eileen Walsh) and Bernadette (Nora-Jane Noone, absolutely terrific) guilty of being a simple flirt. Geraldine McEwan is outstanding as Sister Bridget, allowing for flickers of humanity and grit to transcend the cruelty.
Mullan mistakenly tries making the women a little too caricature-like. But his film gets to you. You can't shake it.
This review of The Magdalene Sisters (2002) was written by Matthew F. J on 02 Dec 2013.
The Magdalene Sisters has generally received very positive reviews.
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