Rating: 
Summary: Before and After
Review: I orginally saw these movies on A&E, and I loved them. I was born in the 60's, so when I started Sunday School (CCD for those older Cathlics) many of the things my Mom learned as child and older were non-existent in the Church. It was as though the church did away with everything that was not nailed down. These movies brought the past Church to life for me. I was able to see the customs in their glory. For those who are not Cathlic you will also enjoy the rituals and customs. The Sisters are so believablly real. Change is hard for anyone, but the movie showed how hard it was on the Church.
Rating:
Summary: Aussie Nuns? Say G'day again?
Review: I purchased this set for no more reason that it is Russell Crowe's first acting job. Mr. Crowe doesn't appear until the 4th of 6 episodes, and then only in that one. I meant to play through it with the sound off until he appeared on screen. But within 10 minutes of the first episode's beginning, I found it impossible not to start listening, and watched the entire series in wrapt fascination.I'm neither Catholic nor Christian, but this program transcends its subject and looks directly into the hearts of its characters with a rare simplicity that avoids sentimentality while being infinitely touching. Brenda Fricker is lovely and moving, and holds centerstage without taking away one iota from the large supporting cast of mostly female players, young and old. This unusual series comes highly recommended as a look into a world I'd never even considered, yet one that is varied, fascinating, and wholely worthwhile. Oh! And Russell Crowe is BRILLIANT! Young, charismatic, charming, and just the right amount of awkward. From the start he had a nose for good material, and this show proves it.
Rating:
Summary: Aussie Nuns? Say G'day again?
Review: I purchased this set for no more reason that it is Russell Crowe's first acting job. Mr. Crowe doesn't appear until the 4th of 6 episodes, and then only in that one. I meant to play through it with the sound off until he appeared on screen. But within 10 minutes of the first episode's beginning, I found it impossible not to start listening, and watched the entire series in wrapt fascination. I'm neither Catholic nor Christian, but this program transcends its subject and looks directly into the hearts of its characters with a rare simplicity that avoids sentimentality while being infinitely touching. Brenda Fricker is lovely and moving, and holds centerstage without taking away one iota from the large supporting cast of mostly female players, young and old. This unusual series comes highly recommended as a look into a world I'd never even considered, yet one that is varied, fascinating, and wholely worthwhile. Oh! And Russell Crowe is BRILLIANT! Young, charismatic, charming, and just the right amount of awkward. From the start he had a nose for good material, and this show proves it.
Rating:
Summary: nicely handled delicate subject
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this video set. It actually shows the humaness of the sisters. Since having attended parochial grade, high, and college under the auspices of nuns I could relate to many instances that occured. Everyone in the cast actually was an excellent actress or actor. I would recommend this to everyone to gain some insight of what happened in this reform of the Catholic church.
Rating:
Summary: "Newcomer" Naomi Watts Back In The Day
Review: Like so many others, I first saw "Brides of Christ" on A&E in the early 90's. I would have to say that in terms of quality, it compares with "The Sopranos." There is never a false note, and it runs the gamut from the most enjoyable comedy to the most heartrending tragedy.
It was the first time I saw Naomi Watts, and I fell in love with her instantly. Her talent was very evident even then, and it is a real shame that it has taken so long for her to become well known. I looked for her after this series but was frustrated that she seemed to have "disappeared." Fortunately she is now experiencing considerable success, and it is much deserved. I went to "The Ring" on the day it opened, and I went solely because of Naomi. I was not disappointed! It was also gratifying to see her do well in "Mulholland Drive."
I certainly hope Naomi garners the kind of success and respect that has been attained by her good friend, Nicole Kidman.
Rating:
Summary: OUSTANDING MINI-SERIES
Review: Mini Series of this calibre come along only once in a blue moon. I first saw this Mini Series when it debuted on A&E in 1991 and have been in love with it ever since. The Brides of Christ provides the novice with an insider's view of the turmoil that hit the Catholic church after Vatican II. I love Australia and Australians and one of the high points of the Brides of Christ is it takes place in Australia from 1963-1973. The entire cast is nothing but talent, Brenda Fricker is superbly cast as the ulitmate authority figure / conservitive nun while American actress Josephine Byrnes , who does an amazing job of playing an Australian, is perfect for the role as the rebel nun. This Mini series is a must for your video collection.
Rating:
Summary: OUSTANDING MINI-SERIES
Review: Mini Series of this calibre come along only once in a blue moon. I first saw this Mini Series when it debuted on A&E in 1991 and have been in love with it ever since. The Brides of Christ provides the novice with an insider's view of the turmoil that hit the Catholic church after Vatican II. I love Australia and Australians and one of the high points of the Brides of Christ is it takes place in Australia from 1963-1973. The entire cast is nothing but talent, Brenda Fricker is superbly cast as the ulitmate authority figure / conservitive nun while American actress Josephine Byrnes , who does an amazing job of playing an Australian, is perfect for the role as the rebel nun. This Mini series is a must for your video collection.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Movie
Review: Religion and social change are backdrops to this critically acclaimed miniseries about teachers and students at a convent school in 1960s Australia.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent acting, interesting stories.
Review: The people who put this together seemed to be trying to present a story that showed both sides of issues in the Church that have caused so much pain and dissent over the past 35 years or so. They weren't completely successful, or maybe those who were "dissenting" simply came across louder. And in a more obnoxious way. Sister Ambrose came across as one who tried to tread as best she could through confusing times, and do the best she could without losing what was important. Sister Catherine annoyed me from the very beginning. She spent almost the entire time disagreeing with everything that was being taught, and presenting her ideas as if they were so perfectly correct that there was no way that anyone who had an opposing view might be right. Her arguments didn't impress me. The incident about the nun with the purple came across as so incredibly sad. Now THAT made me cry.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent acting, interesting stories.
Review: The people who put this together seemed to be trying to present a story that showed both sides of issues in the Church that have caused so much pain and dissent over the past 35 years or so. They weren't completely successful, or maybe those who were "dissenting" simply came across louder. And in a more obnoxious way. Sister Ambrose came across as one who tried to tread as best she could through confusing times, and do the best she could without losing what was important. Sister Catherine annoyed me from the very beginning. She spent almost the entire time disagreeing with everything that was being taught, and presenting her ideas as if they were so perfectly correct that there was no way that anyone who had an opposing view might be right. Her arguments didn't impress me. The incident about the nun with the purple came across as so incredibly sad. Now THAT made me cry.
| 
