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Supernatural Thriller Synopsis: When a young woman (Patricia Arquette) becomes the focus of brutal assaults by an unseen attacker, the spiritual implications of the incidents drive a Vatican official (Jonathan Pryce) to send a priest to investigate. Upon witnessing her affliction firsthand, the priest (Gabriel Byrne) becomes more concerned with saving her life than debunking her claims.  
  The story begins in a small Brazillian town where a priest has died and a statue of Mary begins to weep....blood. A Vatican investigator, Father Andrew (Gabriel Byrne) is on hand to investigate. When he goes back to the Vatican his superiour brushes it aside. Much later in Philadelphia a young woman, Frankie (Patricia Arquette) experiences painful and near life threatening wounds in the wrists. Much happens to her as she experiences visions and smells that confuse her and make her look mentally unstable. An incident in a subway train is video recorded and the tape soon ends up in the hands of the Vatican. Frankie is clearly seen experiencing the second wounds of the Stigmata. These scenes I found disturbing and they actually made me lurch in my seat. I guess if you are especially religious these scenes will affect you much more. Father Andrew is sent to investigate but after she says that she does not believe in God he figures she is not experiencing Stigmata as only highly religious people have been "blessed" with the experience. Events will occur that change his mind when she receives the next two wounds. He has to save her before she receives the final wound of the spear in the side which should kill her. Vatican intrigues and conspiracies cause roadblocks to be thrown in his way until he eventually discovers the truth and he must rush to Frankie's rescue even if he must sacrifice his own life. The story, acting and special effects in this thriller are outstanding. As I said this movie was very moving and disturbing to me. The background story of the Gospels are very important to this story and you will learn much about them. I am sure that some religious groups will be offended by it and others will just brush it off as a spookie story. Anyway you look at it, though, it should affect you. STIGMATA is well worth the money so do take the time to see this film . You know, a movie should affect you at some level to succed and this film will do just that. I recommend it heartily.  
  Starring: Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne, Jonathan Pryce, Nia Long, Rade Sherbedgia, Patrick Muldoon, Portia de Rossi Directed by Rupert Wainwright Produced by Sean Connery, Michael Hertzberg, Rhonda Tollefson Story by Tom Lazarus Written by Tom Lazarus and Rick Ramage Produced by Frank Mancuso, Jr. Distributed by MGM Read Another Review Of This Film Read Still Another Review Of This Film |
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vjm@metrocity.com
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