The Nun's Story poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch, Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft, Dean Jagger ... see more see more... , Mildred Dunnock , Beatrice Straight , Patricia Collinge , Rosalie Crutchley , Ruth White , Barbara O'Neil , Margaret Phillips , Patricia Bosworth , Colleen Dewhurst , Stephen Murray , Lionel Jeffries , Niall MacGinnis , Dorothy Alison , Giovanna Galletti , Penelope Horner , Errol John , Charles Lamb , Diana Lambert , Orlando Martins , Ave Ninchi , Richard O'Sullivan , Frank Singuineau , Jeannette Sterke , Molly Urquhart , Eva Kotthaus

Audrey Hepburn stars in The Nun's Story as Sister Luke, postulant of a Belgian order of nuns. Though frequently disillusioned in her efforts to spread good will -- at one point she is nearly killed by... read more read more... a mental patient (Colleen Dewhurst) -- Sister Luke perseveres. Sent as a nurse to the Belgian Congo, an assignment she'd been hoping for, Sister Luke is disappointed to learn that she will not be ministering to the natives but to European patients. Through the example of no-nonsense chief surgeon Peter Finch, the nun sheds her idealism and becomes a diligent worker -- so much so that she contracts tuberculosis. Upon the outbreak of World War II, Sister Luke tries to honor the edicts of her order and not take sides, but this becomes impossible when her father (Dean Jagger) is killed by the Nazis. Realizing that she cannot remain true to her vows, Sister Luke leaves the order and returns to "civilian" life. The Nun's Story ends with a long, silent sequence in which Sister Luke divests herself of her religious robes, dons street garb, and walks out to an uncertain future. There is no background music: director Fred Zinnemann decided that "triumphant" music would indicate that Sister Luke's decision was the right one, while "tragic" music would suggest that she is doing wrong. Rather than make an editorial comment, the director decided against music, allowing the audience members to fill in the blanks themselves. The Nun's Story is based on the book by Kathryn Hulme, whose depiction of convent life was a lot harsher and more judgmental than anything seen in the film. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

70% want to see it

5,170 ratings

Critics

93% liked it

14 critics

Unrated, 2 hr. 31 min.

Directed by: Fred Zinnemann

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: April 4, 2006

Get It:
report incorrect info

Photos

Audrey Hepburn in The Nun's Story Audrey Hepburn in The Nun's Story Audrey Hepburn in The Nun's Story The Nun's Story The Nun's Story Poster Audrey Hepburn in The Nun's Story The Nun's Story The Nun's Story Poster Poster Poster The Nun's Story The Nun's Story
Upload a Photo | View All The Nun's Story Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (240)

  • sainttom93
    February 1, 2012
    sainttom93
    Having been raised in a Catholic School, this paints a pretty accurate pic of nuns -- I'm sorry she left, because she had more common sense than all the others
  • dreamfaeries
    February 1, 2012
    dreamfaeries
    So very long, but it was alright besides.
  • fb611440691
    March 18, 2012
    fb611440691
    Audrey Hepburn stars in a based-on-true story of a woman who joins the religious outfit in order to pursue her dreams of helping people in Africa. Her problem lies in the fact that she's not allowed to have "dreams" or "aspirations". That's the constant struggle with Sister Luke... read more. It's not lust or order or possessions. But she's an accomplished scientist and nurse and she struggles with her pride in those accomplishments. And her desire to put her scientific mind to work. This all goes against the rule of order of Nunnery Row.

    If this was the only thing that was ever discussed in this movie - her praying and biting her frustrated lip - it would be a boring movie. It succeeds because the scenarios that the Sister is placed in find unique and challenging ways in showing her struggle. Not with faith in God; but certainly in the inhumane rites of being a nun.

    The efforts in starting her studies, her time working in a sanitarium, her time in the congo, war in Europe. In all of these settings, she follows her head and her heart. What others would call God's voice, she is only taught to know as disobedience. Peter Finch as the surgeon she works under in Africa is especially useful. Because while the film never breaches any real romantic element between the two, he is still clear to her that her own individuality will keep her from being a successful nun. And that being a successful nun will keep her from being an effective medical practitioner.

    The direction is effective but never quite as stark throughout the entire 2:30 as it is in its initial church locations, as well as the film's final scene. Also, I didn't see the need for the full run time. An extended illness may have been factual, but wasn't required. In the end, the film is not overtly inspirational- nor is it at all cynical. It's a very real portrayal of the line between right and righteous.
  • jam233
    February 1, 2012
    jam233
    Audrey Hepburn excels, the supporting cast is stellar and Fred Zinnemann?s direction is outstanding. Excellent camerawork. It is long but it is never boring. Beautifully done drama, and believable presented.
  • sepio41
    February 1, 2012
    sepio41
    audrey hepburn gives the performance of her career as headstrong nun sister luke. peter finch proves a formidable match for her as a doctor that challenges her belief in her faith.
  • wang90
    February 1, 2012
    wang90
    great! audrey hepburn gives a magnificent performance as a nun who's torn between her beliefs and her own feelings as a human being.
  • kenmyersmusic
    February 1, 2012
    kenmyersmusic
    I really didn't think it would be as good as it was when I first sat down to look at it. It is triumphant film for the fair lady.
  • placeinthesun455
    February 1, 2012
    placeinthesun455
    talk about your religious epics...not quite as grandiose as certain Charlton Heston projects from the same period, but equally as engaging and detail-oriented. even as long as this film was, I thought the character development could have been a little bit stronger. like many cl... read moreassic religious pieces, the story and message of this film is both timeless and sorely lacking in cinema today. loved Hepburn as always, and it was also kind of fun seeing her getting back to her Belgian roots.
  • phinomenal
    February 1, 2012
    phinomenal
    I'm really happy with Sister Luke's decision in the end. I probably would have been upset if she had chosen the other option... However, I am kind of disappointed with Audrey Hepburn's role though. She plays her role well, but this keeps her from having very much dialogue, which ... read moreI believe is her best attribute. I enjoy the way she speaks, and the witty remarks she usually makes in her films, and that was taken away from her in this film.
  • parisshopper
    February 1, 2012
    parisshopper
    Not as popular as some other Hepburn films and the clothing is not nearly as couture. But she still fills the screen with her sensitivity and boldness.

View All The Nun's Story Reviews

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff
November 1, 2007
Variety Staff, Variety

Fred Zinnemann's production is a soaring and luminous film. Full Review

Bosley Crowther
May 20, 2003
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

In the role of the nun, Miss Hepburn is fluent and luminous. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
April 8, 2010
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

... on target and godlike. Full Review

November 1, 2007
TV Guide's Movie Guide

A superbly restrained piece of filmmaking, with Zinnemann directing in simple, unadorned style and Hepburn giving a truly radiant performance. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
August 23, 2006
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Zinnemann's drama depicts the spiritual tug of war of a young nun, beautifully played by Audrey Hepburn, between adherence to vows of chastity and obedience and rebellion against those values for her ... Full Review

Tom Milne
June 24, 2006
Tom Milne, Time Out

It's still a long haul (made no lighter by Franz Waxman's abominably insistent score) for anyone not committed to theological problems of faith, conscience and obedience. Full Review

Steven D. Greydanus
April 12, 2006
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide

Certainly doesn't offer the positive depiction of religious life common in 1950s Hollywood, but it's not an anti-religious or anti-Catholic depiction either. Full Review

Steve Crum
August 1, 2005
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com

Moving, controversial (for its time) religious tale starring Audrey Hepburn.

May 24, 2003
Film4

Zinneman, an intelligent if dullish director, has avoided such obvious pitfalls in this adaptation of a factually based best-seller. Full Review

James Sanford
October 4, 2002
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette

One of Audrey's finest dramatic moments

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

This list looks lonely.
Add a suggestion!

Facts

No facts approved yet. Be the first

The Nun's Story : Watch Free on TV

The Nun's Story Trivia

  • Audrey Hepburn won an Oscar for her role in The Nun's Story?  Answer »
  • Audrey Hepburn won an Oscar for her role in The Nun's Story ?  Answer »
  • Where is as Sister Luke from in The Nun's Story ?  Answer »
  • What was Sister Luke's fathers occupation been in The Nun's Story ?  Answer »
More The Nun's Story Trivia

Movie Quizzes

No quizzes for The Nun's Story. Want to create one?

Video Clips

No video clips yet. Want to upload one?

Meet Other Fans

None yet...

Add The Nun's Story to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?