St. Teresa of Avila
by Josefina Molina
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DVD details
Actor: Concha Velasco, Francisco Rabal, Hector Alterio, Patricia AdrianiDirector: Josefina Molina
Brand: Ignatius Press
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: Spanish (Original Language)
Format: NTSC
Running Time: 450 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-02-11
Studio: Ignatius Press
DVD Reviews of St. Teresa of Avila
DVD Review: not the real Saint Teresa....but still a good movie
Summary: 3 Stars
The movie is well made, and there are many redeeming aspects to it. It was undoubtedly a very good effort, and you can tell that the director was familiar with her autobiography and book of her Foundations. However, as with many movies on saints, there is still much lacking. The real Saint Teresa was much more discrete than the one portrayed here. For example, she would not have gotten drawn into bickering about a broken wagon wheel for instance, nor would she or Fr. Gracian have expressed such outward anxiety over threats from others, or the Inquisition. Their trust in God would have been of such great account, that she would always be at peace through even the most trying external affairs (only openly expressing her struggles with her spiritual fathers).
Also, there are parts of the film where she asserts her will very forcefully with others, in order to get her way. It is a subtle distinction, but perhaps worth mentioning. If you have seen the documentary about Mother Teresa by the Petrie's, the way Mother Teresa handles conflicts in that documentary would likely be similar to the way Saint Teresa did in real life; persistent, yes, but also very gently and trustingly. She would have been more critical of herself, and her self-will...and...perhaps a bit less dramatic and less *publicly* self-afflicted (especially towards the end of the movie), as when she met Fr. Gracian for the first time for example. Her first impression of him, which she wrote was very great, would have been through that of subtleties; as with the movement of a hand, or a glance of the eyes. But movie actors tend to dramatize their actions with great gestures and exaggerated movements.
Saint Teresa would also have been more calculating and deliberate in her every action, but equally docile as a dove; always seeking the counsel of wise priests (especially from the Jesuits, whom she esteemed greatly). She also stated in her Foundations that she purposely restrained herself, especially in her love for her nuns, so that they would not develop an attachment to her, nor she to them. Also, the movie portrays her as yearning to travel once she founded the first foundation, but in the book of her Foundations, she says explicitly that she would rather spend her life in solitude within the enclosure than traveling---she only did so out of obedience, not out of her own will.
Furthermore, when she was confined to the convent and barred from founding further convents, the movie portrays her as afflicted and regretful. Yet she wrote in her Foundation that she was actually relieved to have been given the opportunity to live in peace for a while and not have to worry about the trials involved with founding new convents.
But again, these are all minor points, considering this is a genre of movies that is difficult to produce, because it means getting inside the head of a saint. How can any of us really understand the mind of a saint; we who are so far less united to God than they were? But despite difficulties, the movie does well; I hope I do not give the wrong impression. It does try to be faithful to her writings, which places itself above many others. What is already good deserves a thorough examination, so that the good can be made better. If I could have given it 3.5 stars, I would have.
Description of St. Teresa of Avila
A powerful epic mini-series shot on location in Spain that tells the story of one of the most amazing women in history, St. Teresa of Avila. With meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, outstanding production values, and an incredible performance by actress Concha Velasco as Teresa, this acclaimed major film production is the definitive film on the life of this great saint.Teresa of Avila was called by God to reform and renew the Carmelite order, a daunting task. She was joined in this work by her great fellow Carmelite and spiritual director, St. John of the Cross. This film reveals the conversion that Teresa herself had to go thru to deepen her own union with Christ as she endeavored to bring about that same deeper spiritual reform of her Carmelite order. It shows the tremendous opposition that she and John both faced within (and without) their order to bring about this much needed spiritual renewal. She and John of the Cross were both great mystics who combined the essential dimensions of a profound spiritual life with the very practical aspects of being completely dedicated to the human tasks necessary for such a reform.
This DVD has the following language tracks: Spanish with English subtitles.
Includes a 16 page Collector's booklet. Also has many Special Features, including: Documentary on the Making of the Film, Behind the Scenes Footage, Interviews with Actress and Director, Biography of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross and much more!
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