The life of little St. Therese of Lisieux, depicted in minimalist vignettes. Therese and her sisters are all nuns in a Carmelite convent. Her devotion to Jesus and her concept of "the little way" to God are shown clearly, using plain modern language.
It won the 1987 César Awards for Best Film, Best Writing, and Best Editing. The film also won the Jury Prize at the 1986 Cannes Film Festival. Catherine Mouchet won the César Award for Most Promising Actress for 1987 for her performance. Did she fulfill that promise? Although still acting thirty years later (2016), I think it is safe to say that "Therese" remains Mouchet's best known film.
Which is not to say she shouldn't be known for it, because it really does capture the lie of a saint in a modest and respectful way. I am not terribly religious, but I see the appeal and this would make an excellent film to show to younger people about devotion and faith. The world has fewer nuns these days, and perhaps that is a mistake.
