Behind the Veil: Nuns

Behind the Veil: Nuns

1984 · 131 min · ★ 7.0 · Documentary, History

The history of nuns mirrors the history of all women -- in what we are taught about the past, women are almost invisible. Although today's one million nuns outnumber priests two to one, they must struggle to be heard by the all-male Roman Catholic hierarchy from which they are excluded. Behind the Veil: Nuns is the first film ever to record from a global perspective the turbulent history and remarkable achievements of women in religion, from pre-Christian Celtic communities to the radical sisters of the 1980s. Contemporary nuns of strength, dignity and commitment speak of their lives and of their predecessors.

Directed by Margaret Wescott · Written by Gloria Demers

Your Rating

Cast

Make it a double feature

3h 50m together

Behind the Veil: Nuns

Don't Let the Angels Fall

Both from Margaret Wescott.

More from Margaret WescottSee all →

Don't Let the Angels FallDon't Let the Angels Fall · 1969
Don't Let the Angels Fall
★ 8.61969
MovieDrama
The lives of a businessman and his family begin to spiral downward after he has an affair at an insurance convention.
Some American FeministsSome American Feminists · 1977
Some American Feminists
★ 8.01977
MovieDocumentary
A series of interviews, combined with newsreel footage, that placed the American feminist movement in historical perspective. Six of the movement's founding women, including Betty Friedan and Kate Millett, discuss the issues that most concern them.
ToysToys · 1966
Toys
★ 7.81966
MovieWarAnimation
Window shopping children watch as toy soldiers come to life and fight a war with all its unvarnished ferocity and horror.
Saskatchewan: 45 BelowSaskatchewan: 45 Below
Saskatchewan: 45 Below
★ 7.0
MovieDocumentary
This is a picture of winter on the Canadian western prairies, when the full blast of Arctic cold strikes down upon those who live and work there. That life goes on almost without interruption is an example of human resourcefulness and adaptability, but there is no doubt of the peril ever-present in the extreme temperatures.
Anger After DeathAnger After Death · 1971
Anger After Death
★ 7.01971
MovieComedy
A film mingling documentary and dramatic elements to portray the effects of the threat of chemical and biological warfare on the contemporary mentality. The chemist who manufactures the secret weapons, the scientist who comments on them with complete detachment, the soldier of the First World War, killed by poison gas, who returns to life to discover the manner of his dying--all make their claims on the audience in an arresting, provocative way.
Stolen MomentsStolen Moments · 1998
Stolen Moments
★ 3.11998
MovieDocumentary
A documentary history of lesbianism in North American and Europe, with historic references, archival material, film clips, interviews with many women - famous and not-famous witnesses and players - who clearly remember a difficult, painful, and often downright dangerous past.

More Like This

Ben-HurBen-Hur · 1959
Ben-Hur
★ 7.91959
MovieHistoryDrama
In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.
A Man for All SeasonsA Man for All Seasons · 1966
A Man for All Seasons
★ 7.31966
MovieDramaHistory
A depiction of the conflict between King Henry VIII of England and his Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas More, who refuses to swear the Oath of Supremacy declaring Henry Supreme Head of the Church in England.
The Passion of Joan of ArcThe Passion of Joan of Arc · 1928
The Passion of Joan of Arc
★ 8.01928
MovieDramaHistory
A classic of the silent age, this film tells the story of the doomed but ultimately canonized 15th-century teenage warrior. On trial for claiming she'd spoken to God, Jeanne d'Arc is subjected to inhumane treatment and scare tactics at the hands of church court officials. Initially bullied into changing her story, Jeanne eventually opts for what she sees as the truth. Her punishment, a famously brutal execution, earns her perpetual martyrdom.
The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments · 1956
The Ten Commandments
★ 7.81956
MovieDramaHistory
Escaping death, a Hebrew infant is raised in a royal household to become a prince. Upon discovery of his true heritage, Moses embarks on a personal quest to reclaim his destiny as the leader and liberator of the Hebrew people.
The Magdalene SistersThe Magdalene Sisters · 2002
The Magdalene Sisters
★ 7.52002
MovieDramaHistory
Three young Irish women struggle to maintain their spirits while they endure dehumanizing abuse as inmates of a Magdalene Sisters Asylum.
The Baby of MâconThe Baby of Mâcon · 1993
The Baby of Mâcon
★ 6.81993
MovieDramaHistory
In 17th-century Tuscany, a church play is performed for the benefit of young aristocrat Cosimo. In the play, a grotesque old woman gives birth to a beautiful baby boy. The child's older sister is quick to exploit the situation, selling blessings from the baby, and even claiming she's the true mother by virgin birth. However, when she attempts to seduce the bishop's son, the Church exacts a terrible revenge.
The Greatest Story Ever ToldThe Greatest Story Ever Told · 1965
The Greatest Story Ever Told
★ 6.41965
MovieDramaHistory
From his birth in Bethlehem to his death and eventual resurrection, the life of Jesus Christ is given the all-star treatment in this epic retelling. Major aspects of Christ's life are touched upon, including the execution of all the newborn males in Egypt by King Herod; Christ's baptism by John the Baptist; and the betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper that eventually leads to Christ's crucifixion and miraculous return.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter