Rebel Hearts
Documentary on trailblazing nuns challenging Church norms
About Rebel Hearts
Released: 2021
Platform: Max
Rating: TV-PG
Run time:
Cast
Anita Caspary, Helen Kelley, Corita Kent, Pat Reif
About Rebel Hearts
"Rebel Hearts" is a riveting 2021 documentary movie that follows the journey of a daring group of nuns who stood up against the Catholic Church's patriarchy in the 1960s. The nuns are portrayed as fighting for their equality, convictions and livelihoods against an imposing cardinal. Progressing from the historic 1965 Selma March to the Women's March in 2018, these women reshape society with their audacious acts of defiance. With a content rating of TV-PG, this film delves into a stirring narrative about feminism, faith, and rebellious spirits in the church's heart.
Making / Production
The documentary is an adept blend of present-day interviews and stunningly animated sequences that bring to life archived footage and photos. Pedro Kos handled the directorial reins, with Shawnee Isaac-Smith and Judy Korin co-producing. Kos does a phenomenal job visually portraying the nuns' journey, maintaining a consistent emotional thread throughout the narrative.
Actors
- Anita Caspary: As herself, Caspary guides the audience through her experiences with grace and poise.
- Pat Reif: Playing herself, Reif's portrayal of her fight for reforms within the patriarchal structure is genuinely moving.
- Helen Kelley: As herself, Kelley delivers a powerfully earnest performance that encapsulates the spirit of resistance.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The film uses fullscreen animated sequences to bring the Sisters' archived photos and letters to life.
- This documentary not only covers the nuns' story but also explores broader social issues, including civil rights, feminism, and LGBTQ+ support.
Quotes
- "Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone."
- "The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort, but where they stand at times of challenge."
Music and Soundtrack
- The film’s score is done by composer Ariel Marx, who manages to create an atmospheric blend that hits all the right emotional notes.
- Iconic songs from the 60s and 70s are used to evoke the feeling of the era throughout the documentary.
About Rebel Hearts
Rebel Hearts is a documentary about avant-garde Los Angeles nuns challenging the Catholic Church's patriarchy.