The Nun’s Story

Drama | English | 149 minutes

Info

In the late 1920s, Gabrielle “Gaby” van der Mal leaves her wealthy Belgian family to become a nun. After completing her training as a nurse, Sister Luke, as she is now known, is sent to the Belgian Congo to work with the brilliant Dr. Fortunati. She is then asked to accompany a VIP in his return to Belgium. With World War II imminent, Sister Luke cannot return to the Congo. Belgium is occupied by the Nazis and her father is killed. Bereft, Sister Luke’s struggle with obedience becomes impossible to sustain. She faces a heart-wrenching decision: should she request dispensation from her vows?

Cast

Audrey Hepburn (Sister Luke) / Peter Finch (Dr. Fortunati)

Why Stream This Film?

The Nun’s Story asks this tormenting question of Sister Luke: Should she remain silent as she has been trained or should she seek dispensation and speak out for what she feels is right?

Rotten Tomatoes Score (Critics Consensus): 88%
Metacritic Score: 78

Accolades

Academy Award Nominations: Best Picture; Best Actress in a Leading Role (Audrey Hepburn); Best Director (Fred Zinnemann); Best Screenplay (Robert Anderson); Best Cinematography, Color (Franz Planer)
BAFTA Awards: Winner, Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn)
National Board of Review: Winner, Best Film; Best Director (Fred Zinnemann); Listed, Top Ten Films of the Year

New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Winner, Best Director (Fred Zinnemann); Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn)

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