Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: Written by a Jewish man, The Song of Bernadette, is wonderfully brought to the big screen. Typical of old black and white "Hollywood". Very well acted, full bodied characters. A great family movie.
Rating:
Summary: Universal Thematic Appeal
Review: The Song of Bernadette begins with the classic quote, "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necesary. For those who don't, no explanation is possible."That having been said, one need not be religious to enjoy this film. What makes the movie so enjoyable is that it contains man's universal struggle with religion and his sense of meaning. Vincent Price does an excellent job of portraying the fatalistic expert, while Church officials are accurately protrayed as questioners - but not outright denyers - of the possibility of miraculous events. Jennifer Jones is fantastic, and accurately portrays the reported humble nature of St. Bernadette. Definitely one to see at least once.
Rating:
Summary: The Song of Bernadette
Review: This movie had a deep and profound impact on me when I first watched it on television as a young teen. It is beautifully done a real tribute to film making. The acting is outstanding and I fully believed and empathized with young Bernadette as portrayed by Jennifer Jones. I was a protestant at the time I first watched the movie. The effect it had on me sent me on a journey that eventually lead me to Medjugorje and then to becomimg Catholic. I strongly would recommend this film to everyone. It is beautiful, moving, very touching, a profound experience for all who have an open heart.
Rating:
Summary: Both the subject matter and the film, stand the test of time
Review: The story of Bernadette of Lourdes is a testament to Truth and Faith rewarded with spiritual reality. An acknowledgement of an inner world made manifest in love and healing. This film depicting the life of Bernadette and the events which swirled around her, has also stood the test of time, as a beautiful, moving and inspiring experience. The film could have become top-heavy with all the Hollywood effects,splendid sets and crowd scenes submerging the conviction and the message of the miracle of Lourdes. But it is in the acting, coveyed with great sincerity and understanding that uplifts this film and saves it from becoming another Americanis-ed sanctimonious effort.
The book upon which the film is based, was written as a " thank-you" to the people of Lourdes, who had hidden and looked after the author during WW2, saving his life. A huge best seller the book was well researched and movingly written.
This same sincerity and honesty of feeling is carried through the film, and right at the centre Jennifer Jones stands alone-- superb and supreme in her portrayal of the chronically ill, very under-priviledged, uneducated peasant girl, who through her love and faith never doubted,denied or deserted her Visitations. Jennifer Jones certainly deserved her Best Actress Oscar, giving a performance that is resrained yet glowing; subdued yet powerful; humble but inspired.
The film is broken into two parts. The first depicts the events leading up to the revelation of the spring in the grotto and the second half, its effect upon the village, its inhabitants and upon Bernadette and her family.
The DVD brings a clearer print of this magnificent film. It is crisp, with fine tones. the extras add to the interest of the film, and altogether this is an intensely moving film experience. I bought this DVD and highly reccommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Transforming
Review: The first time I saw "The Song of Bernadette" was over 30 years ago. I was a teenager and not inclined to watch black and white movies. One day, "The Song of Bernadette" was broadcast on television. My mother was excited about this because "Bernadette" had always remained one of her favorites.
Being the wise and wonderful person that she was, my mother convinced me to watch the entire movie with her in spite of my protests that black and white movies were "outdated" and "creepy-looking". And I am so grateful to her that she did this. After seeing "The Song of Bernadette", my opinion of "old" movies changed forever. I began to realize why so many old movies are considered classics.
"The Song of Bernadette" tells the story of a young peasant girl Bernadette, played by Jennifer Jones, whose visions of the Virgin Mary make her the object of suspicion and scorn among the local townfolk and clergy. The town's politicians consider Bernadette a disruption and an impediment to their future plans. They attempt, unsuccessfully, to have her deemed insane or a fraud. But Bernadette's pure heart and devotion sustain her against her enemies.
Every component of this movie is praiseworthy including the assured, compassionate direction by Henry King; the vivid photography by Arthur Miller; the reverential music score by Alfred Newman; the intelligent screenplay; the authentic sets and costumes; and the acting.
Most crucial to "The Song of Bernadette's" success is the quality of the lead performance. In the role of Bernadette, Jennifer Jones (in her film debut) delivers and then some! With extraordinary skill and sensitivity, Miss Jones "becomes" the humble peasant girl whose self-sacrifice, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion inspire multitudes. I can think of few actresses other than Miss Jones who could render a performance so profound in its simplicity and truthfulness.
"The Song of Bernadette" is one of those rare movies that has the power to transform even the staunchest skeptics.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Film
Review: This movie is a evergreen Classic. Splendid direction, music, editing, set design, and casting. This is what every Christian film director should try to learn from. Bernadette is portrayed as a normal girl with desires and dreams of a girl her age. The Catholic Church is portrayed realistically, (something so rare in Hollywood), they are skeptical of the apparitions at first. This movie doesn't over do it. Everything in this movie is perfect. I do not know if anyone can point to a single error in this film.
The director doesn't take liberties in portraying Bernadette, he portrays her just as historical facts witness.
One scene I found missing in the DVD is the blooming of the roses in the Dean's garden. Somehow this scene has been left out. It is this miracle that makes the Dean believe in the authenticity of the apparitions and approach the Bishop for an Episcopal Commission to investigate the apparitions.
Rating:
Summary: I Really Liked This Movie!
Review: The Song of Bernadette is a movie that is based on the story of Bernadette Soubirous a young French Catholic girl who saw visions of The Virgin Mary at Lourdes. It's is a very wonderful and beautiful movie. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who likes religious movies!
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Film
Review: This film should be seen by everyone everywhere. Whatever your religion may be; Whether or not your a believer in God or the visions of the Bleesed Mother, this film is an inspiration. Beautifully written and directed with fine performances by everyone involved. Buy it. Watch it. And when you're done, share it with a friend. Better yet, share it with a stranger!
Love,
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Film for Adults and For the Family
Review: "The Song of Bernadette" led all movies with 12 Oscar nominations (including Best Picture and 4 acting nods) as the most predigious film of 1943. A stellar ensemble cast examines the conflict between faith and reason when Bernadette Soubirious (played by Jennifer Jones in her major screen debut) has visons of the Virgin Mary in the garbage dump of Lourdes, France in 1858.
Ridiculed, scorned and threatened by the ecclesiastical and political establishments, Bernadette must hold on to her integrity in order to survive. The realistic plotting and manipulations of the petty local politicians (led by Vincent Price) is worth the price of the DVD alone. Charles Bickford (nominated for best supporting actor) portrays the skeptical local priest who believes that he knows what is best for Bernadette in the end.
Gladys Cooper (nominated for best supporting actress) is the vitriolic nun who despises and persecutes the poorly educated, sickly and simple minded Bernadette. The shattering emotional climax where the nun realizes the enormity of her sin is a master class in acting.
This remains the most realistic religious film of the Studio era. Its hard hitting depictions of the poverty of Bernadette's family, of the blindness of the Church and of a town's small-mindedness is balanced by its literal depiction of the validity of Bernadette's visions.
As the big winner of its year with 4 Oscars for best actress (Jennifer Jones), cinematgraphy, art direction, and musical score, it was upset by "Casablanca" for the best picture and director awards. This B/W film rewards repeated viewings as something new is seen everytime. Bernadette was later canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1933.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Waiting For
Review: For everyone who has waited for The Song Of Bernadette on DVD. There are no complaints whatsoever. The picture restoration and serious thought undertaken for this release is evident in every way imaginable. Excellent Quality
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