The Nun's Story
Seen it?1959 | 151 min | Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It collected a shelf of major awards and it earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite almost no lasting buzz. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Zone of Interest or Lifeboat, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 31 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 2 hr 31 min.
- Made in 1959: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
After leaving a wealthy Belgian family to become a nun, Sister Luke struggles with her devotion to her vows during crisis, disappointment, and World War II.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best British Actress. Also nominated for 8 Oscars, 5 Golden Globes and 2 more BAFTAs. Plus 8 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$13 million worldwide on a $4 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
Not enough engagement data yet
Trailer
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Lifeboat Saturday SpecialAnother war drama that's easy to miss.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Fred Zinnemann
- Audrey HepburnSister Luke
- Peter FinchDr. Fortunati
- Edith EvansRev. Mother Emmanuel
- Peggy AshcroftMother Mathilde
- Dean JaggerDr. Hubert Van Der Mal
- Mildred DunnockSister Margharita
- Beatrice StraightMother Christophe
- Patricia CollingeSister William
- Rosalie CrutchleySister Eleanor
- Ruth WhiteMother Marcella