The Magdalene Sisters

"In a place that defied belief their only hope was each other."

Aug 29 2003 R 1h 54m
Drama

Three young Irish women struggle to maintain their spirits while they endure dehumanizing abuse as inmates of a Magdalene Sisters Asylum.

Plot

A thoroughly mind-provoking film about 3 young women who, under tragic circumstances, see themselves cast away to a Magdalene Asylum for young women in 1964. One of many like institutions, the asylums are run like prisons and young girls are forced to do workhouse laundry and hard labor. The asylum, one of many that existed in theocratic Catholic Ireland, is for supposedly 'fallen' women. Here, young girls are imprisoned indefinitely and endure agonizing punishments and a long, harsh working system which leaves them physically drained and mentally damaged. As the girls bond together, it soon becomes clear that the only way out of the Magdalene convent is to escape, but with twisted Sister Bridget running the wing, any chances seem limited...

Written by

Peter Mullan

Directed by

Peter Mullan

Production Countries

Ireland, United Kingdom

Production Companies

UK Film Council, Screen Ireland, Momentum Pictures, PFP Films, Temple Films, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway, UK Film Council's New Cinema Fund, Element Films, Miramax, Scottish Screen, South West Scotland Screen Commission

Languages

Latin, English

Awards

Nominated for 2 BAFTA 18 wins & 15 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
29,906
Average Rating
7.7 out of 10
Metascore
83
Popularity
NA