Hail Mary (1985)

Introduction
"Hail Mary" (1985) is a French-Swiss film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. A re-interpretation of the Biblical story of Virgin Mary and Joseph, it triggered immense debate due to its modern-day and secular surroundings, nudity and sexual explicitness, and a non-traditional approach to a spiritual theme. Although it faced demonstrations and restrictions in numerous places, the movie was praised for its visual originality and speculative narrative style.

Plot
The film progresses around Mary (Myriem Roussel), a modern high school student, who also plays basketball and remains in a relationship with Joseph (Thierry Rode), a taxi driver. The standard measurement of their relationship is quickly interrupted upon the undeniably blasphemous idea of the Immaculate Conception, manifested through a mysterious, faceless complete stranger, reimagining the angel Gabriel.

Joseph becomes naturally troubled and confused when Mary reveals her inexplicable pregnancy. He has problem with sensations of jealousy, suspicion and anger until the very same angel-like entity that visited Mary sees him, encouraging him that her pregnancy is an unique one, guided by divine intervention, suggested to birth the Son of God.

Debate
The questionable themes, sexual material, and a non-orthodox representation of religious episodes have led to a strong backlash from the Catholic Church and religious communities worldwide. Several nations banned the movie, and protests were held outside movie theaters. Churches required a boycott, arguing that it was blasphemous to portray spiritual figures in contemporary and raunchy contexts.

Regardless of this, Godard protected his movie, mentioning that it was not implied to be an actual making of the Biblical story however rather an interpretation intending to humanize these spiritual figures by putting them into a modern-day environment and challenging them with daily problems.

Reception
Critics presented combined views. While some valued Godard's artistic expressiveness and the film's capability to provoke meaningful discourse on religious belief and modernity, others disliked the overt depiction of sexuality including spiritual figures. The film got the International Critics' Prize at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival. Notably, despite dealing with extreme scrutiny and criticism, the film acquired a faithful following amongst subsets of both the cinematic and academic communities.

Conclusion
"Hail Mary" from 1985 is a movie that dared to provide a various view of an old and revered story. It challenges the audience's preconceived notions and welcomes them to take part in an argument about religious narratives, beliefs and how they intersect with the realities of modern life. Regardless of the extreme controversy, the film stands as a cinematic expression of boldness and development. Godard's unique visual design, together with his plain and thought-provoking narrative, evokes a lasting impression on the viewer, pressing them to believe beyond conventional lines. The film represents Godard's expedition of a religious style in a contemporary and de-sacralized setting, aiming to humanize the divine and link to the commoner's experience.

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