This is about the execution of 21 carmelite nuns in the latter stages of the terror during the French Revolution.This is about the execution of 21 carmelite nuns in the latter stages of the terror during the French Revolution.This is about the execution of 21 carmelite nuns in the latter stages of the terror during the French Revolution.
- Awards
- 2 wins
Simone Angèle
- Soeur Agnès
- (as Simone Angele)
Hélène Dieudonné
- Soeur Jeanne de la Divine Enfance
- (as Helene Dieudonne)
Yvette Etiévant
- Soeur Lucie, la tourière
- (as Yvette Etievant)
Storyline
Did you know
- ConnectionsVersion of Dialogues of the Carmelites (1984)
Featured review
Based on a true story (as well as a book and a play): In 1794, during the Reign of Terror phase of the French Revolution, Carmelite nuns in the city of Compiègne are threatened by revolutionaries to either renounce their faith or face prosecution.
The opening credits are shown against a caged wall in a cathedral behind which members of the convent live. This is a reminder that we, as viewers, are outsiders of a cloistered convent where only the residents are allowed to set foot. Even when higher members of the Catholic Church want to speak to a Carmelite nun, they can do so only from behind this wall.
From this point, the viewer is taken inside the exclusive area and sees the daily convent life within a beautiful and peaceful setting of cloistered halls, small-sized rooms, and a collective commitment of a dedicated, spiritual life. The beautiful black-and-white cinematography (by André Bac) enhances the experience.
While the greater drama happens in the later half, directors Raymond Léopold Bruckberger and Philippe Agostini still manage to keep the viewer intrigued in the earlier section even with routine activities that are the opposite of dramatic. This is a great setup for the grander drama of events that happen later on. The directors also succeed in creating a beautiful and soulful atmosphere of not only another time and place but with a specific religious mindset which would not exist today even within the same religion.
"Dialogue of the Carmelites" has a dramatic finale that raises the bar for all dramatic finales. Its melding of a well-known period of history with a spiritual community whose faith is strong enough to overcome fear of death is utterly fascinating in its uniqueness. With a fine cast lead by Jeanne Moreau and Alida Valli, this film qualifies as an under-rated gem. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 9 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Directing by Raymond Léopold Bruckberger and Philippe Agostini
The opening credits are shown against a caged wall in a cathedral behind which members of the convent live. This is a reminder that we, as viewers, are outsiders of a cloistered convent where only the residents are allowed to set foot. Even when higher members of the Catholic Church want to speak to a Carmelite nun, they can do so only from behind this wall.
From this point, the viewer is taken inside the exclusive area and sees the daily convent life within a beautiful and peaceful setting of cloistered halls, small-sized rooms, and a collective commitment of a dedicated, spiritual life. The beautiful black-and-white cinematography (by André Bac) enhances the experience.
While the greater drama happens in the later half, directors Raymond Léopold Bruckberger and Philippe Agostini still manage to keep the viewer intrigued in the earlier section even with routine activities that are the opposite of dramatic. This is a great setup for the grander drama of events that happen later on. The directors also succeed in creating a beautiful and soulful atmosphere of not only another time and place but with a specific religious mindset which would not exist today even within the same religion.
"Dialogue of the Carmelites" has a dramatic finale that raises the bar for all dramatic finales. Its melding of a well-known period of history with a spiritual community whose faith is strong enough to overcome fear of death is utterly fascinating in its uniqueness. With a fine cast lead by Jeanne Moreau and Alida Valli, this film qualifies as an under-rated gem. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 9 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Directing by Raymond Léopold Bruckberger and Philippe Agostini
- proud_luddite
- Sep 29, 2019
- Permalink
Details
- Runtime1 hour 52 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
Top Gap
By what name was Le dialogue des Carmélites (1960) officially released in India in English?
Answer