Review of The Magdalene Sisters (2002) by Ian D — 05 Dec 2010
Can we discuss the meaning of the word "overrated"? Here we have a film from Peter Mullan, an excellent actor who proves a surprisingly atrocious writer/director. Sensationalist melodrama at its most mediocre, 'The Magdalene Sisters' received rave reviews from the critics upon its release in 2003, winning Best Picture at the Venice Film Festival, and I'm sure made today it would win that "Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award".
Yeah, there's lots of suffering and torture and struggle and obstacles to overcome. It's a FANTASTIC story for a movie, but Mullan is clueless when it comes to successfully adapting reality to the sui generis medium of cinema.
The actresses, their faces fresh and innocent as lambs, are put through the emotional ringer in a way that the audience is not, are at least I wasn't. 'The Magdalene Sisters' tries to be some kind of anti-Catholic 'Schindler's List' but fails; it is trash, and never even whiffs the power and artistry of that film's best scenes.
This review of The Magdalene Sisters (2002) was written by Ian D on 05 Dec 2010.
The Magdalene Sisters has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
