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43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lessons in Faith, October 5, 2006
Surely most everyone has at least some sketchy knowledge of the legacy of Mother Teresa. There is great power in grace, in kindness, in doing good unto others with little or no regard for oneself. But I've long been curious to know more: who is this selfless woman? is it really possible to be completely altruistic? or, is doing good for the pleasure it brings us to be good, or for our reward in the afterlife, motive that negates true altruism? and, what kind of background gave birth to such a modern-day saint?
The movie, "Mother Teresa," directed by Fabrizio Costa and with Olivia Hussey in the lead role, did little to answer any of these questions for me. Indeed, that it begins with Mother Teresa already in Calcutta as a nun, quite disappointed me. I gained no knowledge of what kind of background had formed this remarkable woman. Nevertheless, I was enthralled. Hussey's careful and completely believable portrayal (the viewer forgets it is an actress on the screen and not indeed Mother Teresa herself, which is surely the goal of any actor) matched any actual history I had glimpsed in media during the latter years of her life.
From what was shown in this portrayal did entice to find out more. This woman is surely as awe-inspiring as I had expected. I found myself thinking back to this movie, to her life and her deep faith, days, even weeks, after watching it. In an age of violence and self-indulgence, of pleasure seeking and materialism, to view this life and all the lives affected by hers lifts one out of the mire for a moment and gives great pause. We can do better.
Mother Teresa teaches us not with words but with actions. How she lived her life, devoted to helping those who were too weak or poor to help themselves, in a manner of strength and simplicity, unfalteringly trusting that God will provide, inspires all, and of whatever belief system.
Highly recommended.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A moving and humbling experience, July 5, 2006
Movies with spiritual themes often fall short, but this outstanding portrayal of Mother Teresa succeeds brilliantly in capturing the simplicity and unwavering faith of one of the most remarkable personages of the 20th century. The cinematography and production values of this movie are excellent, but what really makes this a great viewing experience is Olivia Hussey's acting. Her performance is deserving of high praise and recognition. Just as Ben Kingsley succeeded in doing in the movie "Gandhi," I always felt I was actually watching Mother Teresa. Talk about a suspension of disbelief! To watch such a convincing portrayal of such a pure and devoted soul is a very humbling experience. It can make a person question the values they hold and whether what they are doing with their life is really all that worthwhile and important. Mother Teresa was not about proselytizing or trying to convert anyone to Catholicism. As the movie shows, she was simply moved to help the forgotten and the hopelessly infirmed of Calcutta. Her faith in God and her determination to really help those in need overcame many obstacles in her path. Also, the generosity of thousands of individuals who resonated with her "cause" helped enable Mother Teresa to accomplish all that she did. A person like Mother Teresa can bring out the best and most noble instincts in others, even if sometimes begrudgingly. There are many poignant moments in this movie, and the movie as a whole is an important reminder that despite all the problems and misery in the world today, what is most pressing for each of us is to find our own way of serving the greater good. Mother Teresa's life was not an easy one, nor, I'm quite sure, was this an easy movie to make. It cannot be easy to decide what to include and exclude in a movie about someone like Mother Teresa. The bottom line for Mother Teresa was simple. She saw Christ in the suffering and misery of the poor in Calcutta. It would not have been possible for her to somehow turn away. Pay close attention, for example, to the opening scene where Mother Teresa happens upon an Indian woman and her child. With the animals in the background, the scene is designed to be reminiscent of the familiar manger scene of baby Jesus. This scene captures the essence of Mother Teresa's spirit. She saw the Christ Child and the Holy Mother in the individual children and mothers she felt called upon to help. Above all else, Mother Teresa recognized that it was not enough to simply feed the hungry and tend to the sick. There was another hunger, another need among people. And that was the need for love. What a remarkable soul! What a remarkable movie!
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Beautiful Film In Which Every Viewer Can Benefit From Watching, September 17, 2007
Wow, what a nice movie! It exceeded my expectations. Most "religious" films don't have the funding for first-class production values, but this one must have because it looks great.
That beautiful photography throughout the 115 minutes was one of the two biggest reasons I enjoyed watching this. The other was the number of profound truths said by Mother Teresa (Olivia Hussey). This was an inspiring film with some great statements. By the way, those production values included decent acting, too, at least by all of the adults. Some of the kids were so-so, but they didn't have many lines anyway.
What I appreciated what that the filmmakers did not water down the Christian aspect of Mother Teresa's life. Everything she said and did was for God's glory, as she states several times, only trying to please Jesus. Obviously, she succeeded like few others have with an amazing compassion and selfless attitude. There is no ego here, no pride, only what she can do for the sick and poverty-stricken.
This movie can be enjoyed by all. You don't have be a Catholic. I'm not, and I have total respect for Mother Teresa and cannot find fault with anything she said or did. For Believers, this should inspire them to act a little more Christ-like. For non-believers, this story is a great example for anyone who simply needs a nudge to go help someone less fortunate. There is no heavy-handing "preaching," either, for those concerned about that matter.
This is simply a quality film about an extremely quality person whose life should inspire all of us to become better people. This film did a great job in that respect.
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