The Song of Bernadette
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Movie Reviews of The Song of Bernadette
Movie Review: A pure heart can see heavenly visions!
Summary: 5 Stars
The life and story of Bernadette Soubirous is one of tradjedy and redemption all roled up into a mystery, I think to this day, which no one really fully understands.
Never at any time did Bernadette say she saw the "Virgin Mary"; which is made clear in the commentary section of this film. Who did visit her was more the same apparation the children of Fatima viewed it seems, but in this case "The Lady", as Bernadette called her, identified herself as "the immaculate conception", a form of abstraction taking on a personified or human form. The commentary makes it clear that not even Bernadette, to her dying day, fully understood the apparation she had received from heaven, which resulted in the famed "Lourdes" and the healings that came forth from the spring Bernadette helped bring forth out of the earth under direction of the Lady that appeared to her.
What this simple, innocent young 14 year old girl experienced from the Church and authorities of the time, I think would have sent most of us running in the other direction when it comes to persecution, with our hearts utterly broken. Yet she prevailed through it all. The message of redemption and love is so uplifting, you are totally mesmorized throughout the entire film.
Jennifer Jones' performance is magnetic in this 2 1/2 hour story, a movie time duration unheard of back in those days of making motion picture films. You really don't get bored watching this film at any time. If nothing else, this film is enough to inspire anyone walking through their own trials in life, not to give up hope and that miracles are not only possible, but more probable than most of us realize. You just never know when one will occur it seems.
In the book of Job, taken from the Holy Bible, it asks the quesiton "I would seek unto God and unto God I would commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable marvelous things without number". (Job 5:9) Still in the end, it really is the message behind the miracle, it seems, this story tells us to seek out, not the miracle itself.
This is simply great for the whole family, whether you are religious or not. Young children, especially, will enjoy this representation and rendition of the true to life story.
Movie Review: A Miracle!
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Song of Bernadette" is one of my favorite films. The bleak poverty, the depth of winter, the chilling remoteness of the Pyrenean village is captured magnificently, so that it appears as the most unlikely spot for miracles that would shake the world. There are few more majestic moments in cinema than when the dying baby is plunged into the newly dug spring at the grotto of Massabielle, to come forth with a hearty, healthy cry. (Such a miracle did happen at Lourdes. I always cry at that scene.) Jennifer Jones becomes St. Bernadette; she resembles her a great deal, other than the divergence in height. The tall Jennifer communicates quite masterfully the littleness of the petite Bernadette, as well as her purity and simplicity. Charles Bickford's portrayal of the crusty, skeptical Abbé Peyramale, who becomes Bernadette's indefatigable champion, inspired me to visit the Abbé's tomb in the crypt of the parish church of Lourdes. The Abbé died two years before Bernadette, and so was not at her deathbed as shown in the movie.
The film was based upon the novel by Franz Werfel, one of the greatest Catholic novels written by a non-Catholic. When Werfel, who was Jewish, was escaping the Nazis, he and his wife (the notorious Alma Mahler) stopped in Lourdes on their way to Spain. Werfel found a great deal of spiritual consolation in Lourdes, and promised the long dead Bernadette that he would write down her story. The novel and film romanticize some aspects of Bernadette's life; a few historical liberties are taken. But the portrayal of Bernadette and her family, particularly her horrified parents, already overwhelmed by trials, is fairly accurate, as is the recounting of the amazing events at the grotto.
Particularly remarkable is how both the book and film emphasize that it was not the apparitions that made Bernadette into a saint; it was rather how she accepted the trials sent by God, from the humiliations in the convent to the debilitating and agonizing health problems that killed her. In the final scene, the faith of a dying nun illuminates a darkening world. I rejoice that her moment of light is artistically captured on film for posterity.
Movie Review: Transforming
Summary: 5 Stars
The first time I saw "The Song of Bernadette" was over 30 years ago. I was a teenager and not inclined to watch black and white movies. One day, "The Song of Bernadette" was broadcast on television. My mother was excited about this because "Bernadette" had always remained one of her favorites.
Being the wise and wonderful person that she was, my mother convinced me to watch the entire movie with her in spite of my protests that black and white movies were "outdated" and "creepy-looking". And I am so grateful to her that she did this. After seeing "The Song of Bernadette", my opinion of "old" movies changed forever. I began to realize why so many old movies are considered classics.
"The Song of Bernadette" tells the story of a young peasant girl Bernadette, played by Jennifer Jones, whose visions of the Virgin Mary make her the object of suspicion and scorn among the local townfolk and clergy. The town's politicians consider Bernadette a disruption and an impediment to their future plans. They attempt, unsuccessfully, to have her deemed insane or a fraud. But Bernadette's pure heart and devotion sustain her against her enemies.
Every component of this movie is praiseworthy including the assured, compassionate direction by Henry King; the vivid photography by Arthur Miller; the reverential music score by Alfred Newman; the intelligent screenplay; the authentic sets and costumes; and the acting.
Most crucial to "The Song of Bernadette's" success is the quality of the lead performance. In the role of Bernadette, Jennifer Jones (in her film debut) delivers and then some! With extraordinary skill and sensitivity, Miss Jones "becomes" the humble peasant girl whose self-sacrifice, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion inspire multitudes. I can think of few actresses other than Miss Jones who could render a performance so profound in its simplicity and truthfulness.
"The Song of Bernadette" is one of those rare movies that has the power to transform even the staunchest skeptics.
Movie Review: Both the subject matter and the film, stand the test of time
Summary: 5 Stars
The story of Bernadette of Lourdes is a testament to Truth and Faith rewarded with spiritual reality. An acknowledgement of an inner world made manifest in love and healing. This film depicting the life of Bernadette and the events which swirled around her, has also stood the test of time, as a beautiful, moving and inspiring experience. The film could have become top-heavy with all the Hollywood effects,splendid sets and crowd scenes submerging the conviction and the message of the miracle of Lourdes. But it is in the acting, coveyed with great sincerity and understanding that uplifts this film and saves it from becoming another Americanis-ed sanctimonious effort.
The book upon which the film is based, was written as a " thank-you" to the people of Lourdes, who had hidden and looked after the author during WW2, saving his life. A huge best seller the book was well researched and movingly written.
This same sincerity and honesty of feeling is carried through the film, and right at the centre Jennifer Jones stands alone-- superb and supreme in her portrayal of the chronically ill, very under-priviledged, uneducated peasant girl, who through her love and faith never doubted,denied or deserted her Visitations. Jennifer Jones certainly deserved her Best Actress Oscar, giving a performance that is resrained yet glowing; subdued yet powerful; humble but inspired.
The film is broken into two parts. The first depicts the events leading up to the revelation of the spring in the grotto and the second half, its effect upon the village, its inhabitants and upon Bernadette and her family.
The DVD brings a clearer print of this magnificent film. It is crisp, with fine tones. the extras add to the interest of the film, and altogether this is an intensely moving film experience. I bought this DVD and highly reccommend it.
Movie Review: A Wonderful Film for Adults and For the Family
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Song of Bernadette" led all movies with 12 Oscar nominations (including Best Picture and 4 acting nods) as the most predigious film of 1943. A stellar ensemble cast examines the conflict between faith and reason when Bernadette Soubirious (played by Jennifer Jones in her major screen debut) has visons of the Virgin Mary in the garbage dump of Lourdes, France in 1858.
Ridiculed, scorned and threatened by the ecclesiastical and political establishments, Bernadette must hold on to her integrity in order to survive. The realistic plotting and manipulations of the petty local politicians (led by Vincent Price) is worth the price of the DVD alone. Charles Bickford (nominated for best supporting actor) portrays the skeptical local priest who believes that he knows what is best for Bernadette in the end.
Gladys Cooper (nominated for best supporting actress) is the vitriolic nun who despises and persecutes the poorly educated, sickly and simple minded Bernadette. The shattering emotional climax where the nun realizes the enormity of her sin is a master class in acting.
This remains the most realistic religious film of the Studio era. Its hard hitting depictions of the poverty of Bernadette's family, of the blindness of the Church and of a town's small-mindedness is balanced by its literal depiction of the validity of Bernadette's visions.
As the big winner of its year with 4 Oscars for best actress (Jennifer Jones), cinematgraphy, art direction, and musical score, it was upset by "Casablanca" for the best picture and director awards. This B/W film rewards repeated viewings as something new is seen everytime. Bernadette was later canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1933.