rondine

This movie has always remained a puzzlement to me. It has barely any plot and yet I always find myself mesmerized by it. If it is on TV, I have to watch it.

I won't recap the story, since so many here have done so, but I will tell you why I think it mesmerizes me and so many others - in short - what makes it worth watching.

The movie has a very unique atmosphere and feeling. Of course a large part of this is the amazing cinematography of Jack Cardiff. His cinematography is a character in itself. Part of what is so amazing is the fact that they didn't film this on location yet there are moments when you would swear you are there in the Himalayas. The colors are so visually stunning & the lighting is just perfect - every scene is composed so carefully yet you still feel as if you are being allowed to "eavesdrop" and like a voyeur, watch these people and the things that happen- and do NOT happen to them.

Another thing in this movie is the amazing acting by all. When an actor holds your attention just waiting for them to say something- that's pretty powerful. Of course there is the sexual tension in this movie that also keeps you hanging on the edge of your chair. Will Sister Clodagh be like Father de Bricassart in The Thorn Birds? Or shall she remain true to her order? The flashbacks to her former life (which I'm reliably told weren't included originally) give you insight into the fact that this woman is not some pillar of strength, but a woman with the same desires and weaknesses as we all possess. It is partially the conflict between her and the "fragile" sister Ruth that give a lot of the tension. Hence my title, "nuns gone wild!" because they all start behaving erratically after a few months there.

This is a movie that presents questions without answers and I like that. Visually stunning, great acting and direction make this one a keeper! :)