Film Review: The Song of Bernadette

The Song of Bernadette (Henry King, 1943)

Jennifer Jones in The Song of Bernadette
The film recounts the events in Lourdes, France after a young woman (Bernadette Soubirous) claims that a lady (Virgin Mary as The Immaculate Conception) appeared before her while hunting for fire wood. In the film, the clash between skepticism and faith is well-maneuvered so as to avoid appearing forcing religious truth into the audience. It's told as it was recorded in history, but with some touch of artfulness. There's no  tinge of  melodrama in it. Maybe if there is, it's so subtle I never noticed it.

This may not make the top of the list of greatest films ever made, but in my book it deserves a high mark for achievement in writing and (memorable) performances. Jennifer Jones won an Academy award for her rousing performance as Bernadette.

Rating: 4.0/4.0

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