Stigmata Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

A bold, spiritual masterpiece!

The film can only be described in one word - masterpiece. It has been adapted from the true discovery of the Nag Hammadi scrolls in 1945, and has altered parts to suit the plot slightly, and locally, to emphasise and expose the conspiracy theories of the Vatican with regards to such phenomenon. At times, it tends to ridicule the Orthodox religion of Christianity, but this is done through the scrolls that have actually been discovered. The film delievers not only an entertaining and gripping story, but also allows faith in general to be viewed at a much more broader perspective. Performances by the entire cast are strong and lasting; the music could have been better to suit the story, though it works fine. Top marks to the entire unit for coming up with a daring and wholly exciting film!

Disturbing Theology 101

Its no suprise that the more films I watch the more often I'm disappointed, having heard some good things about Stigmata, but largely having heard nothing, I held off watching this until now.

Well, one of the plus points about films whose subject is Christianity, or Catholicism in this case, is that they have a good stock of subject matter. So it is here. When a girl is inflicted with the signs of the cross a religious investigator is sent out to find out what is happening.

The film unfolds revealing some strange mysteries and what greats the investigating priest is an ever frightening level of events for both him and the girl.

Overall the ultimate question of why this girl is suffering and how she can be saved make for some tense entertainment. But couple that with the forces of political and personal conflict, that exist within the church, and we are treated with a delightful questioning of the fidelity of the goals of senior officials within the institution.

Another little known gem well worth the watch.