The Third Miracle (1999)

The Vatican sends a priest to verify some miracles, performed by a woman who has been nominated for sainthood. During his investigation, the priest, who is experiencing a crisis of faith, ... See full summary »

Director:

Agnieszka Holland

Writers:

Richard Vetere (novel), John Romano (screenplay),

Stars:

Sofia Polanska, Pavol Simon, Ivan Lukac

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sofia Polanska	...	Young Helena
Pavol Simon	...	Helena's Father
Ivan Lukac	...	Young Priest
Patrik Minar	...	Young German Soldier
Michael Rispoli	...	John Leone
Kenny Robinson	...	Front Desk Manager
Rony Clanton	...	Higgins
Ed Harris	...	Frank Shore
Angela Fusco	...	Charity Woman
Charles Haid	...	Bishop Cahill
Susan Henley	...	Sister Margaret
Ken James	...	Father Paul Panak
Jade Smith	...	Young Maria
Monique Mojica	...	Sister Mary Catherine
James Gallanders	...	Brother Gregory

Storyline

The Vatican sends a priest to verify some miracles, performed by a woman who has been nominated for sainthood. During his investigation, the priest, who is experiencing a crisis of faith, re-discovers his own purpose in life.

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Plot Keywords:

priest | miracle | crisis of faith | bishop | beatification | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language, sex-related and violent images, and brief drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Pictures Classics

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 April 2000 (Singapore)

Also Known As:

El tercer milagro

Filming Locations:

Banská Stiavnica, Slovakia

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$29,459 (USA) (31 December 1999)

Gross:

$736,592 (USA) (19 May 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Zoetrope, Franchise Pictures, Haft Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The German expression "dummes Zeug", uttered by archbishop Werner during the tribunal, means "rubbish".

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Goofs

The Coca Cola cans and the flip-top plastic ketchup bottles When Frank is at the soup kitchen in 1979 were not introduced until later.

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Connections

Referenced in I Liza kai oloi oi alloi (2003)

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Soundtracks

"So Free"
Written and Performed by Barry Taylor

User Reviews

Beautiful and haunting

Being a non-Catholic and an atheist, I was wary of this film. I needn't have been. The church and its trappings are just a backdrop to a powerful and haunting story of human relationships. Although the idea of debunking miracles is an engaging backstory, this film is really character-driven. Ed Harris and Ann Heche are spectacular, and so are many of the supporting cast. The final scene and the enigma of the "third miracle" is just part of what makes this film so special. It's also nice to see that the F/X budget was kept to a minimum although the potential was there to overwhelm the acting. If you need car chases, spinning heads and projectile vomiting, this isn't the film for you. But if you can make do with 3-dimensional characters, lots of tension and an intriguing premise, this film will more than satisfy you. The only caution would be: Catholics beware. The Church comes across as far from infallible.