I almost overlooked this movie the first time around, simply because I found what I now realize was essential scene-setting for the plot too much; in that the so cool characters it first introduces us to and their so cool lives were such a successful personification of the soulless, shallow Hell that is the modern world that I wrote it off initially as propaganda for that philosophy. But I was only 17 at the time and lacked the patience that this movie was asking for. If anything it's to the credit of it's creators, both seen and unseen that the movie encompassed the impact so early on to stir a visceral reaction in it's viewer.Frankie's life is one of meaningless fun and the mere thought of anything meaningful to her and her peer-group is out of the question. Frankie clearly, from the outset is not as superficial as her friends; this we see as she takes seriously the prospect of being pregnant whilst her closest friend Donna simply implies that she should get an abortion, also that the casual nature of her relationship with Steven bothers her. As the reality of the Stigmata and all it's ramifications take over her life her friends and colleagues begin to distance themselves from her. I am pleased to say about this movie that as predictable as the involvement between Frankie and the Priest was it didn't degrade the story; Frankie, despite living a shallow existence is at root a kind and what you might say "Christian" person. She gives money to people begging, she doesn't jump to the choice of abortion as a reflex action because she understands that an abortion(termination) is the taking of a life, she resents being used for sex by her lover Steven, in short, subconsciously she is deeply desiring that her life should have meaning. Into this void, in timely fashion steps Father Andrew Kiernan; the interaction between Gabriel Byrne and Patricia Arquette really gives strength to the story for many reasons. One being the excellent chemistry between the two. He incites in her faith as she leads him into temptation. He is a stranger to her who displays genuine compassion when she is someone with many friends who all distance themselves from her as she begins to need them deeply. Underwriting this also is the fact that despite an age gap the prospect of a relationship between the two isn't a ridiculous thing to suggest, partly because the actors in question work well to convince us of it. Gabriel Byrne's character of Father Andrew Kiernan also helps us to see why he is so incongruous to the Priesthood in that he is too genuinely Christian to represent the Vatican. Practising real Christian values such as going out and associating with prostitutes without being judgmental or not feeling threatened by the possibility of the Vatican or organized church in general losing their monopoly on God.The Film's overall message of how Faith can exist in a world that seems determined to destroy it is a satisfying one. One might even say that the scenes of the extreme banal(a contradiction I realize) on which the film opens, but extremes, as terrible as they might be do nonetheless allow us to see if not what a thing is then at least what it is not and that Evil, if it is real(I think it is),would definitely harness Banality and Neutrality because at it's heart the Right decision isn't always an obvious one and that to do the Right thing we must take the chance of doing the Wrong thing and that the worst thing to do is acquiesce and fail to take part.

Although it may seem so, this is not only speculative effects and an effort to turn religion into a study of horrors. All the effects are unnecessary and actually disturbing the real argument, which is questioning the part of the church in messing up the true element of the Christian religion. Gabriel Byrne and Patricia Arquette, who both are used to these kind of roles, are both good in their parts and totally convincing, they don't have to overact at all since the artificial effects do it for them just to exaggerate the improbability and impossibility of the story, but things like these actually happen. There is no end to this story, these arguments can be debated interminably and will remain so as long as Christianity exists, and one of its greatest doubters and deepest thinkers in this issue was Teresa of Avila, who by coincidence is 500 years today. Many important facts are pointed out in the film, and of course there has to be an inquisitor on the case (Jonathan Pryce, perfect as usual). And the film does have a message of hope for the truth to ultimately prevail in spite of all. In conclusion, the film confesses to be based on the actual existence of the gospel of St. Thomas, discovered as late as in 1945, claimed by experts to be the closest to the truth, while the Vatican stigmatizes it as heresy. A very interesting film that will remain a foundation for the vital debate to remain sustained and go on interminably.

it is not one of ordinaries horrors but, in same measure, it represents expression of interesting good intentions. not credible at all but decent and interesting exercise to define the relation between every day life and religion. more than the script, it is seductive the acting. for the manner to discover the complexity of characters, for the art to be out by Hollywood recipes, for the science to not be exactly another part from The Exorcist imitations. a film about an accident, not real convincing for theologian but useful for rating. few good actors. and a kind of trip for discover the truth. not one of films in war against the Church. not scene for special effects. but a story who seems almost honest.that is all.

Regardless of if u fall under the category of you having faith or not, this movie will captivate you, we have all wondered at some point, if there is actually something else out there other than aliens or just ourselves, we where all so to speak, generally, brought up believing in the fact that God and his Son exists. Myself, personally never actually committing to this idea, but always wondering if there is a higher power, and if so could it actually be real and would it ever affect little old me, well, this is the movie to start u thinking, God never came into my life, so why should i believe he existed, the church claim only the worthy should manifest such claims as visits, stigmata, or blessings etc, what if,,,,, it actually happened to you, or your family/friends! would you then be a believer? and if so, would u then decide you had to attend a church to praise him? This movie opens and closes all chapters, and leaves u wanting more? You don't have to be religious to get this movie, you do have to have a mild understanding of whats its all about though, and if, like me, you tread the path of the unknown, this movie may yet make you wonder, there may actually be more to this whole game that i call life than i think, i still ain't a believer, well not in the church nor its foundations, but i now believe that i'm not alone with my thoughts. This is one of my all time favourite movies though. A must watch movie, again and again!