St. Teresa of Avila
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Movie Reviews of St. Teresa of Avila
Movie Review: Must See for St. Teresa of Avila Devotees
Summary: 5 Stars
Back in '83 I found this series by accident on the primary Mexican channel while living in the San Francisco area. I was absolutely riveted to this portrayal of the saint, even though I could recall only very little of my high school Spanish.
At the time I was out of work, so I was glued to my TV as the series progressed during the week. I had just recently re-read Marcelle Auclair's definitive biography, Saint Teresa of Avila, which the series follows in detail. There was no mistaking major events in Teresa's life in the series, even for a non-Spanish speaking person. There was no mistaking her spirituality, either, which, for me, transcended language. I credit the very fine Spanish actor, Concha Velasco, as well as the other actors & the director, Josefina Molina, "the first woman to earn a degree in directing from Spain's Official Film School" for these accomplishments.
Immediately after I viewed the mini-series in '83, I contacted the Mexican TV station to request that they make the mini-series available to the public with English dubbing or subtitles. They referred me to a production group in Spain that I could contact only by telegram. I never got a reply, but imagine my joy a mere 27 years later to discover this gem's availability on Amazon!
With the English subtitles, you don't lose the nuances of Velasco's voice, & the subtitles are large, clear, & offer just a minor distraction to the beautiful filming of the life of this saint for all eras. Now I am going to re-read Auclair's book again, followed by watching the series again. Yes, it's that good!
Movie Review: Concise portrayal of a great mystic and woman.
Summary: 5 Stars
Finally this great mini series is coming out on DVD. I first saw it on EWTN and then found a copy on VHS and watch it all the time. Even though this series came out in 1983, it is timeless in its telling of the incrediable life of this great saint. It is vivid in the portrayal of Teresa and the world she lived in. Concha Velasco is brilliant as Teresa, revealing to us a saint that was both very human and at the same time a great mystic. She shows us a woman who was struggling with inner demons as her spiritual vocation was evolving towards the union she shared with her God as well as the difficulties of the era she lived in and the re-organization of the Carmelite order she was a part of and that had turned away from its original austere charisma. She found herself with enemies on both sides of the spectrum, from the laity as well as her own religious communities. Only a few churchmen and nuns along with St. John of the Cross understood her mission. Another enemy fighting against her was her own body as she was always sickly throughout her life, getting worse as she grew older. For anyone interested in the life and spirituality of Teresa of Avila, this series is for you.Movie Review: Perfect filmmaking
Summary: 5 Stars
The vast spiritual legacy of the gifted Teresa of Jesus is given brilliant telling in this near perfect Spanish film. I've watched the series several times and can find nary a false note. The choice aspect of this universally praised piece is the pride of place it affords S. Teresa's radiant spiritual doctrine; whole scenes admit an exposition of her teaching, with a beguiling screenplay, quietly artful filming, and a filmmaker's heroic patience, patience, patience. Nothing is hurried. Concha Velasco succeeds in a diamond-like portrayal of the saint; absolutely nothing stops an intense interior concentration on the screen every minute, every frame. A thoroughly remarkable performance to be treasured. Recommended especially for students of the Carmelite saint's teaching, and, happily enough, for those deeply familiar with Teresa's own writings. In this film, Teresa comes to heart-stopping life. What more can be asked? I'm not generally a fan of the mini-series format, but this pungent film conquers me. A film in such harmony with itself, its subject, its ultimate message, you cannot be disappointed.Movie Review: Wow!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie came quickly. It was as seller described.
This movie was wonderful, even with the English sub-titles. I had to pause at times, to take notes of St. Teresa's instructions to her sisters. To see the reality of the opposition of those in the same faith who do not understand deeper devotion to Jesus, was heart breaking. This sad reality is pretty much across the board in all Christ denominations. The wonderful thing to watch is Teresa' resolve to obey the invitation of Jesus to come closer and live simply. She is one of my mentors....in my own journey of spiritual marriage.
If you like Teresa' books and want to see her life on film, then this movie is for you. If you sense a drawing from Holy Spirit to come closer to Jesus' heart....do not fear the opposition...He will be worth it all....LET'S RUN TO HIM TOGETHER...
Movie Review: Superior TV biopic
Summary: 5 Stars
This is without doubt the best miniseries I've ever seen and I would daresay the best ever made. Concha Velasco brilliantly portrays the great 16th century Carmelite mystic and saint. Her portrayal brings out the warmth, humor, humility, hard-headed common sense and incredible spiritual depth of this amazing woman who is also one of my favorite saints. All the actors are superb, as is the writing, the production values, sets, costumes, direction - everything. For those who think a story about a nun several hundred years ago would be boring, think again. This story has passion, intrigue, suspense - even an evil queen - the Princess of Eboli. But above all it is an amazing story of what God can do with someone who gives herself completely over to His guiding hand. I cannot recommend this film highly enough!