Review of The Magdalene Sisters (2002) by Jonathan P — 07 Jan 2009
A harrowing movie that still manages to add some depth, warmth, humanity and humour to it's story despite everything.
Based on true accounts involving the Magdalene Asylums, convents where "fallen women" in Ireland would be sent in order to work in laundries and basically become imprisoned. This film questions who exactly these fallen women were, not just prostitutes but women who had given birth our of wedlock, women who had been raped, or were simply too beautiful and therefore deemed provocative.
It is interesting to note that instead of hyping up events, former inmates of the Magdalene Asylums have stated that the reality was far worse than anything the film depicts.
The film does a brilliant job of portraying fundamentalism, in the guise of nuns...brutal, twisted and bitter women who take out their rage and frustrations on the women of the Asylums, and who seem to truly believe what they are doing is right.
Wonderfully acted by a strong ensemble cast, and very reminiscent of Girl, Interrupted. Themes of class division, sexual discrimination and the horrors of power that makes people think they have a right to judge, punish and torture others.
This review of The Magdalene Sisters (2002) was written by Jonathan P on 07 Jan 2009.
The Magdalene Sisters has generally received very positive reviews.
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