The Magdalene Sisters
2002 · Movie · R · 119 min · ★ 7.4 · 87% critics
Three young Irish women struggle to keep their spirits as they’re subjected to dehumanizing abuse inside a Magdalene Sisters Asylum. Sent there as punishment, they endure forced labor and harsh control meant to “redeem” them, while their hope is slowly tested.
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Details
- Years
- 2002
- Release date
- 2002-08-30
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Critic score
- 87/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.4/10 (460 votes)
About
You’ll likely like this if you want a gripping, claustrophobic survival drama rooted in reported real events and harsh institutional cruelty; Not for you if you’re sensitive to disturbing abuse themes or want something lighter than In the Name of the Father or The Keepers.
Pros: powerful true-story impact; intense survival drama; strong ensemble performances | Cons: very hard to watch; bleak, oppressive tone; includes disturbing abuse
Themes
- nun
- girls' boarding school
- based on true story
- sin
- psychological abuse
- punishment
- sexual harassment
- religion
- torture
- ireland
- human rights
- catholic
- +8 more
Awards & recognition
- Golden Lion · 2002
- European Film Award — Best Film · 2002 · nominated
Cast & crew
Anne-Marie Duff
as Margaret
Nora-Jane Noone
as Bernadette
Dorothy Duffy
as Rose
Geraldine McEwan
as Sister Bridget
Eileen Walsh
as Crispina
Mary Murray
as Una
Eamonn Owens
as Eamonn
- BS
Britta Smith
as Katy
Peter Mullan
as Mr O'Connor
- EM
Eithne McGuinness
as Sister Clementine
Directed by Peter Mullan