Thérèse (1986)

83% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(805 ratings)

The legend of Therese Martin, canonized as a saint and popularly known as "the Little Flower of Jesus," is affectionately related in this 1986 French film. At 15, Therese (Catherine Mouchet) enters the convent, hoping to become a Carmelite nun. While preparing for her life as a "Bride of Jesus,"… More The legend of Therese Martin, canonized as a saint and popularly known as "the Little Flower of Jesus," is affectionately related in this 1986 French film. At 15, Therese (Catherine Mouchet) enters the convent, hoping to become a Carmelite nun. While preparing for her life as a "Bride of Jesus," Therese begins keeping a journal, eloquently pouring out her fervent spiritualism between its pages. Her unbending devotion to her calling seems to literally sap her of all strength; in 1897, she dies of tuberculosis, a profound loss for the other Carmelites who have come to love her as much as she loves Jesus. Therese is one of those rare films that is able to thoroughly convey the euphoria of spiritualism, rather than pay it mere lip service. After sweeping the 1986 Cesar Awards (France's equivalent of the Oscar), Therese went on to win the Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Alain Cavalier
Written By: Alain Cavalier
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Dec 17, 1986 Limited
On DVD: Feb 4, 2003
Studio: Circle Releasing Corporation

Critic Reviews

Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
Built of fleeting minimalist vignettes, almost snapshots, glimpses of its subject rather than an integral portrait. Is the final explanation from below or from above?
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Extraordinary film as a work of art and as a meditation on spirituality

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

No Featured Audience Ratings Found…

Cast

            Catherine Mouchet as Therese Martin

            Helene Alexandridis as Lucie

            Aurore Prieto as Celine

            Sylvie Habault as Pauline

            Clemence Massart as Prioress

            Jean Pelegri as Father

            Nathalie Bernart as Aimeee

            Beatrice de Vigan as Singer

            Noele Chantre as Old Woman

            Anna Bernelat as Cripple

            Jacqueline Bouvier as Novice

            M.C. Brown-Sarda as Gatekeeper

            M.L. Eberschweiler as Painter

            Gilberte Laurain as Nun

            Josette Lefevre as Nun

            Sylvaine Massart as The Nurse

            Ghislaine Mona as Marie

            Edmond Levy
            
            Georges Aranyossy as Cardinal

            Pierre Baillot as Priest

            Evy Carcassonne as Picture Framer

            Renee Cretien as Les Petales

            Simone Dubocq as Embroideress

            Guy Faucon as Aimee's Fiance

            Lucien Folet as Old Man with Flowers

            Jacqueline Lagrain as Violinist

            Joël Lefrançois as Young Doctor

            Pierre Maintigneux as Convent Doctor

            Armand Meppiel as Pope

            Veronique Muller as Novice

            Jean Pieuchot as The Bishop

            Quentin as Child in the Chorus

            Michel Rivelin as Pranzini

            Sylvia Habault
            
            Ghislaine Mona-Hefre
            
            Clemence Massart-Weit
            
See full cast

Trailers & Clips

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

Discover movies your friends are watching
Keep track of what you want to see
Add your reviews to your Timeline

Get Started