The Third Miracle Details

Beautifully powerful, ambiguous and provocative

The Third Miracle is a modern fable about the power of faith. It is the fictitious story of a humble Chicago woman who is being considered for sainthood and the priest entrusted with her canonization. Maria Witkowski spent most of her life in America living and working at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. During her lifetime, the grateful parishioners - especially the children, considered Maria a saint. At a memorial service for her, a statue of the Virgin Mary cried blood and cured a girl with terminal lupus. The Catholic Church will only recognize someone as a saint if three or more miracles can be attributed to them. A sceptical Bishop (Armin Mueller-Stahl) sends a broken priest as Postulator to investigate the possible beatification. It is up to Father Frank Shore (Ed Harris) to determine whether Maria is worthy of sainthood. His already shaky faith is further put to the test when he meets Maria's agnostic daughter Roxane (Anne Heche) - the moment they meet it's lust at first sight. Powerful portrayal of fatalistic attraction of two abandoned souls. The performances and character are superb. Ed Harris is truly one of the screens most riveting actors and even his smaller screen parts are unforgettable for their realism, intensity and strength. He hits such diverse levels as the Catholic priest questioning his faith, challenged by Anne Heche who has beautiful orange hair, deep blue eyes, and looks marvellous. The cinematography is excellent with the darker interior scenes and the flashbacks with their blue tones.

In one sense the film offers a behind-the-scenes look at Catholic bureaucracy, suggesting that the Church is a huge multinational company like any other, full of middle-managers and unchecked egos. In another sense, it's a study of one man's search for faith - of the sense of hope that sometimes hides behind skepticism. Although it is definitely a 'Catholic Movie' and the Catholic theme is presented honestly and impartially, the movie rises above just one particular religion. In summation, many believers and non believers, those of strong faith and those who have doubts about their beliefs, will take something different away from this film.

This film is full of beautiful scenes, for instance – main characters dance on the grave of Roxane’s mother with a bottle of vodka. You have to see this. Armin Mueller-Stahl, who plays 'the devil's advocate' during the tribunal hearings needs to be mentioned as an outstanding actor. There are so many gems in this movie that it just needs to be seen and I highly recommend it. This is not a thriller or horror film like Stigmata, this is beautify narrated story such as ”Lady in Lavender”, “Iris” or “Notes on a Scandal”. Enjoy !