Mother Teresa (2003 TV Movie) User Reviews

Could have been so much better

[hitchs · 8/10 · 30 April 2005]

Making a film about a religious figure is a perilous enterprise, particularly if the person involved is still alive or recently dead, and even more so when she is one of the outstanding personalities of the twentieth century.

Happily this movie has managed to steer very effectively between the opposing dangers of cynicism and over-the-top enthusiasm which are the hallmarks of most religious movies. They have stuck very firmly to the facts, while allowing the personality of Mother Teresa to shine through, effectively revealing her powerful faith, her amazing strength, her heroic charity and self-sacrifice, but also her moments of doubt, weakness and vulnerability.

There are few really great religious movies. This could have been one of them.

The production is superb, the direction and the acting excellent, and Olivia Hussey does a magnificent job in a very difficult role. What spoils it is the structure: a series of excellent parts which do not really make a very coherent whole. The producers have tried to do too much, to include too many incidents, and as a result the storyline is sadly lacking in continuity.

I see from the IMDb notes that the Italian running time is 180 minutes, almost 40% longer than the English language version. Perhaps the problem lies with the editing, and the longer version does a much better job. All I can say is that they should have opted for doing some bits of Mother Teresa's story extremely well rather than attempting the whole thing and botching it.

Know That Voice, Timeless!

[GeoPierpont · 7/10 · 14 September 2014]

Thought I knew a lot about Mother Teresa and was ready to skip to next program when I heard "The Voice". Unchanged in over 45 years and unnerving: Lady Julietta by ear, but Mother Teresa by sight. Once again, she presents a near perfect rendition of a famous character with mannerisms and heartfelt simpatico within her sacred community.

I was unaware of the political infighting to promote her 'brand' with the Church and her adamant refusal to cooperate. The controversy over her policy of no condom use in HIV affected regions created serious concerns for supporting her canonization and saintly elevation. However, one is hard pressed to overlook her many passions to elevate the conditions of the impoverished, if only to remind them, they are not forgotten.

High recommend for Oliva fans, Christians and non-alike, Mother Teresa, her Sisters and bringing Hope alive!

Olivia is Awesome

[billcr12 · 8/10 · 12 September 2021]

Olivia Hussey is incredible as Mother Teresa. As an agnostic Catholic, I had to separate my personal issues with the One True Church from the intentions of a woman trying to make a difference. Recently, news stories have been published accusing Mother Teresa of being a cult figure. An ex-nun of her order left after twenty years and is a vicious critic of Mother Teresa. The movie does confront the controversies with a corrupt donor and a writer with a cynical outlook, probably based on Christopher Hitchens. Even with the criticisms, e movie is a beautiful portrayal of the future saint.

A Beautiful, Inspiring Film In Which Every Viewer Can Benefit From Watching

[ccthemovieman-1 · 9/10 · 29 December 2006]

Wow, what a nice story what a nice movie! It exceeded my expectations. Most "religous" don't have the funding for first-class production values, but this one must have because it looks great.

That beautiful photography throughout the 115 minutes was one of the two biggest reasons I enjoyed watching this. The other was the number of profound truths said by Mother Teresa (Olivia Hussey). This was an inspiring film with some great statements. By the way, those production values included decent acting, too, at least by all of the adults. Some of the kids were so-so, but they didn't have many lines anyway.

What I appreciated what that the filmmakers did not water down the Christian aspect of Mother Teresa's life. Everything she said and did was for God's glory, as she states several times, owning trying to please Jesus. Obviously, she succeeded like few others have with an amazing compassion and selfless attitude. There is no ego here, no pride, only what she can do for the sick and poverty-stricken.

This movie can be enjoyed by all. You don't have be a Catholic. I'm not, and I have total respect for Mother Teresa and cannot find fault with anything she said or did. For Believers, this should inspire them to act a little more Christ-like. For non-believers, this story is a great example for anyone who simply needs a nudge to go help someone less fortunate. There is no heavy-handing "preaching," either, for those concerned about that matter.

This is simply a quality film about an extremely quality person whose life should inspire all of us to become better people. This film did a great job in that respect.

Olivia Hussey

[Kirpianuscus · 7 April 2018]

Always, for me, her performance was a sort of revelation. as Saint Mary, mother of God. As Juliet. the delicacy to explore the role and give its entire chain of nuances remains admirable. "Mother Teresa" is just another example. for the inspired meeting between delicate precision of acting, a clear, useful message and beautiful cinematography. it is a generous film. and that does it a film for everybody. because it is a film about duty, God and sacrifices. about, in fact, the sense of life. not thesis, not lessons. only a travel across the signs of a world in sufferance and the answer who could be offered day by day. sure, for many people, Mother Teresa is a saint. for others - source of controverses. or cultural icon. the film is not exactly the tool of one of that directions. but only a sensitive testimony about a way to change the world helping the near man and woman near you. and it does that in the admirable manner. Olivia Hussey work is only one of basic motifs for see this beautiful film.

Powerful Film

[roac-1 · 9/10 · 12 August 2006]

Olivia Hussey has done a great job portraying Mother Teresa in this biopic. Her voice and mannerisms match those that Mother Teresa had. The production values are top notch. The DVD looks excellent on HDTV and the sound track is well scored. Though it wasn't actually filmed in Calcutta - the Shri Lankan locations used have a similar feel and atmosphere. The story focuses on Mother Teresa's struggle with the church leadership to move out to work with the poorest of the poor. A first for a nun - in a city like Calcutta. It deals with her motivation, not in a preachy way. I was moved to tears a couple of times while watching ... felt that the production as a whole was powerful and moving.

Mother Teresa is A Spiritual Mother for All Seasons ****

[edwagreen · 10/10 · 9 March 2008]

Marvelous film showcasing the excellent acting talent of Olivia Hussey. Hard to believe that it's over 35 years since her 1968 interpretation of "Romeo and Juliet."

This is an extremely inspiring story of the nun who looked for the most simplicity of life in aiding the impoverished. Her dedication to the suffering of mankind is definitely an inspiration to us all.

Not only does the picture beautifully capture what she must endure working among the impoverished, it also shows the problems that she goes through within the Catholic church, accusations of corruption and trying to accomplish her goals in a society that is not accustomed to handle what she wants done.

Hussey is simply magnificent in the part of this saintly woman. She has her down to every movement of her walking, talking, etc.

Too bad that the film did not bring out that Mother Teresa came from an affluent Albanian family.

A wonderful film of the human spirit.

Dry and factually wrong

[chefsockmonkeyofficial · 3/10 · 8 March 2020]

The film is very dull with horrible dubbing for children and side characters that would cause me to burst out laughing and would take me out of the film the acting was really corny and when addressing the controversies and focuses on her just building a big home and than shaming families who lost all there money.

Inspiring Nuns Story... A Passion for Christ

[gem4558 · 10/10 · 16 February 2006]

To me this movie did a wonderful job of presenting the life and Mission of one of the world's most recognisable persons. Her name, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu , known to all as Mother Theresa.

I had an initial expectation of a very Catholicy movie, but was most pleased with its realism and its relative simplicity.

OK, there were a few cinematic glitches, eg. sound synchronizations, but then again this movie did not have $100 million spent on it.

It's message was profoundly told and was for me quite an emotional experience, (yes I did cry a bit), gladness and Joy for a life well lived, sadness at its ending, hope for its continuing legacy.

I am not a catholic person so this movie added more to my scant knowledge of Theresa, and I am going to research this heroine of God a bit more. And in this humble writer the movie has inspired a desire to seek more for Christ, and live a life more worthy...what more can be asked of a movie than its inspiring viewers to greater things.

God bless you all

Propaganda and lies

[JerlskovFlunkhede · 1/10 · 4 January 2021]

The myth of Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu ('Mother Teresa') has been thoroughy debunked. She wasn't a saint at all.

The real Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was extremely evil, friend of brutal dictators and criminals and she worked to increase the suffering of the sick to 'bring them closer to christ'. (How sick is that?)

The money people donated to her 'charity' was never spent - the paper trail ends at the Vatican Bank, where it's probably still stored.

If this comes as a surprise to you, e few minutes on the internet should help you. Start with Wikipedia, read the terrible truth, read the sources.

There's unfortunately no doubt: She was evil.

One scene changed the course of my life.

[kvsmm1945 · 10/10 · 15 October 2016]

Spoiler Alert.

In one scene, Mother Teresa is walking along a train platform, just teeming with people. All of a sudden, the camera pans to one old man lying on the ground. As she watches, he lifts a hand and beckons her to come to him. She comes and kneels down to him; he grips her wrist, looks into her eyes and says, "I thirst." At that moment, she remembers Christ on the Cross as He said, "I thirst." From that moment, every beggar on the street became Christ to her, asking her for help.

I was working in social services, but after seeing that one scene, my heart changed. I felt a new compassion. I looked at my clients with new eyes.

Work became a way of showing the Love of Christ. I heard someone say, "Go and preach the Gospel to all nations - and if you must, use words."

This dear little soul knew what that meant, and that is how she lived her life.

Everyone in the world NEEDS to see this inspiring film!

[lyricsislife · 10/10 · 24 June 2007]

This film is so fantastic. Olivia's portrayal is outstanding! She plays it in such a real unaffected way, really a masterful performance! The film's two most beautiful characteristics, in my opinion, are that it's not a big-budget Hollywood film. It's simple, straightforward and inspiring: which in my opinion is, the way Mother Teresa would have wanted it. And, even though you think it won't, it has this internal power to make you weep when you look around and see the state of the world, and if there were only more people like this in the world, it would be a much better place. See this film. I guarantee you it will inspire you to be a better person.

Inspiring movie

[rafsilva24 · 10/10 · 5 February 2018]

Mother Teresa movie has 2 "versions" ...the long and the short...I highly recommend watching the long one. It shows the life of Mother Teresa from childhood. For me it's a very inspiring life that is portrayed in the brightest side possible. And this is a small warning about the story, especially for those that not big fans of what she did or even those that don't like Christianity. This movie takes only the best of Christianity and devotion of Mother Teresa. However I think the mission of this movie is to inspire people staying alert to injustices and it was extremely well done. I highly recommend it!

Glorious, Inspiring and Well-acted

[sidunrau · 9/10 · 13 September 2019]

I recently have read pretty harsh criticism of Mother Teresa and her ministries, mostly from a modern perspective. I own a Mother Teresa quote book and could not reconcile the criticisms with her words. I was delighted to find this movie, which is a well-done portrayal of a woman who had a clear vision and acted to bring it about.

The movie does not address the modern controversies, at all. It does portray Mother Teresa's attitude, faith, fortitude and myopic focus: caring for the poorest of the poor. Being a devout Roman Catholic, she (of course) did everything in the name of Christ - believing Him to be her direct inspiration. She stood up to her superiors in the Church, stood up to government officials, stood up to social pressures, and pressed forward in establishing refuges for sick, hungry, dying and leprous people.

She seemed to not understand business transactions, and when she was confronted with the fact that one of her main benefactors had contributed dirty money (from clients he had swindled) she simply resolved to give the money back (to those who were swindled) immediately.

For me, the movie is a perfect balance of tension, resolution (mostly through faith), and inspiration. Mother Teresa did not care to distinguish Christians from Muslims or Hindus - she just provided care for whomever needed it to the extent she could. Her attitude was: if things go well/quickly, that is the Lord's will; if things come to a halt/go slowly, that is the Lord's will. She simply did what she could and accepted the outcome.

The film at least gave me context for the controversies/criticisms of her work, but all in all, I believe she was a great blessing and inspiration to many. Her stance on abortion (completely anti) was briefly portrayed, and, of course, there are some who feel that such an attitude is misogynistic or worse.

I loved Olivia Hussey's portrayal

[kqyork · 9/10 · 9 September 2020]

I own this movie and watch it every so often. I had the great joy to actually see and hear Mother Teresa many years ago. Olivia Hussey has her movements down pretty well. I only wish they had included some more of her early life for contrast. But the focus is on what procurred her sainthood and that is most edifying. Especially the recounting if the events that lead to her decision to form her community. I read the other reviewer's comments and do not agree with his assessment.i do believe that a new movie should be made that would include her tormented years of spiritual dryness. This movie is worth watching especially for those who did not live in her time. She is a woman for all seasons!