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, re-discovers his own purpose in life.

Director:

Agnieszka Holland

Writers:

Richard Vetere (novel), John Romano (screenplay)

Stars:

Sofia Polanska, Pavol Simon, Ivan Lukac

1 nomination.

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

A skeptical Bishop sends a broken priest as Postulator to investigate the possible beatification of a simple, devout woman whose death caused a statue of the Virgin Mary to bleed upon and cure a girl with terminal lupus. The politically weary priest unknowingly embarks on a spiritual journey that rebuilds his shattered faith and life.

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Plot Keywords:

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

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

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

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Goofs

At one point when Frank is reviewing the video of Helen and the children by himself, the children are playing ring-around-the-rosy and Helen is bending down in the middle of them. The shot then fades to a face forward close up shot of Helen just standing there looking at something, but the children are still singing/playing ring-around-the-rosy

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Quotes

Frank Shore: You were there, weren't you? What did you see? Did you see the miracIe?
Werner: No, it was an unwise miracIe. Unwise and capricious. To grant the wishes of a gypsy girI, to spare her famiIy when millions... when millions died! Caprice of God! I wouId say it to God if He were in this room. I wouId say it to Him!
Frank Shore: And He isn't in this room?
Werner: Don't debate with me. We are not before that pompous ass Sarrazin.

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Connections

Featured in Ahate pasa (2010)

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Soundtracks

Way Down in the Hole
Written and Performed by Tom Waits

User Reviews

Well played, well filmed- but I just don`t get it !

For a non-practising protestant this film poses somewhat of a mystery. Its well directed, the acting is good, and the filming is sensitive and beautiful.

The script however leaves me more or less clueless. The plot is basicly about a catholic priest who is assigned to test the possible sainthood of a recently deceased lady credited with two miracles. During the investigation he has has to face his own fears and doubts about his faith plus a various selection of earthly temptations.

Surprisingly the film seems to side with the whole catholic idea of sainthood, celibacy and a priesthood living their lives under the oath of obedience. This seems to be something as rare as a modern religious missionating movie.

The films other qualities makes it recommendable even to a non religious audience, but i think you have to be catholic to truly appreciate the script.

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Pictures Classics

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 April 2000 (Singapore)

Also Known As:

El tercer milagro

Filming Locations:

Toronto City Hall - 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$29,459, 2 January 2000

Gross USA:

$591,142

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$591,142

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Zoetrope, Franchise Pictures, Haft Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1