Sacred Hearts (1985)

Sacred Hearts Poster

A tough nun (Anna Massey) demands belief and obedience from convent schoolgirls (Katrin Cartlidge, Oona Kirsch) in World War II England.

Film Overview
"Sacred Hearts", is an Italian drama film launched in 1985, directed by Roberto Benigni and Giuseppe Bertolucci. The storyline mostly revolves around a passionate love affair that blooms in an overbearing spiritual and socio-political backdrop. The main characters include a zealous priest and a liberal-minded nun at a Catholic convent in Italy.

Set Design and Plot
The movie is embeded in the 15th century in a closed, overbearing Italian convent, providing a realistic representation of the state of religion and society throughout the era. The cinematography and stunning visuals develop a vivid, genuine environment that shows the historical backdrop. The plot follows a handsome priest named Father Don Carlos, signing up with the convent, who shakes things up and starts succumbing to a beautiful young nun named Sister Agata.

Main Characters and their Development
Benigni plays the charming and spiritually dedicated Father Don Carlos, whose faith is tested as soon as he meets Sister Agata, played by Annette Haven. While Don Carlos has lots of passion and zealously committed to his holy duties, he begins to question his faith after satisfying Sister Agata. On the other hand, Sister Agata is an open-minded totally free spirit who thinks in challenging established standards in spite of her convent's overbearing regime.

Love Affair and its Consequences
As Don Carlos and Sister Agata start hanging out together, they begin falling in love, sustaining an enthusiastic, illegal affair that kicks off a series of conflicts within their spiritual sorority. Their affair creates ripples of dissent in the convent, causing a remarkable conflict that gives the forefront a clash in between faith and human desires.

Final Outcome
The movie culminates in a significant conclusion, revealing the outcome of Don Carlos and Agata's illegal relationship. As a result of their affair, Don Carlos is required to pick in between his religious vocation and his love for Agata. Ultimately, the relatively uncrossable border between love and responsibility brings upon a tragedy, resulting in the couple's fate being sealed by the oppressive guidelines of the Catholic Church.

Effect and Reception
"Sacred Hearts" is a thought-provoking piece checking out the battle between spiritual tasks and human passions, within the shackles of a 15th-century Italian convent. The stars' performances were well gotten, with Benigni and Haven's on-screen chemistry artfully portraying a forbidden love story. Nevertheless, the film dealt with criticism for its contentious portrayal of the Church.

To sum it up, "Sacred Hearts" is a compelling narrative about religious oppression, censorship, and the eternal conflict between task and desire. It immerses the audience in a historical setting where spiritual faith is shown in a clash with human feelings, framing a passionate love story against the austere background of a Catholic convent.

Top Cast

  • Anna Massey (small)
    Anna Massey
    Sister Thomas
  • Katrin Cartlidge (small)
    Katrin Cartlidge
    Doris
  • Oona Kirsch
    Maggie
  • Fiona Shaw (small)
    Fiona Shaw
    Sister Felicity
  • Anne Dyson (small)
    Anne Dyson
    Sister Perpetua
  • Gerard Murphy (small)
    Gerard Murphy
    Father Larkin
  • Annette Badland (small)
    Annette Badland
    Sister Mercy
  • Sadie Wearing
    Mary
  • Anne-Marie Gwatkin
    Lizzie
  • Kathy Burke (small)
    Kathy Burke
    Tillie
  • Jenna Russell (small)
    Jenna Russell
    Kate