Apparition Hill

Whatever one's religious faith (or lack of same), the idea of seven strangers traveling together to one of the world's sites (such as Fatima or Lourdes) where Mary, mother of Jesus, is alleged to have appeared sounds like an interesting subject for a documentary. Apparition Hill begins with filmmaker Sean Bloomfield putting out the word that he will handpick a group of travelers to make their way with him to Medjugorje, a small village in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Millions of tourists arrive there every year to meet natives who, as children in 1981, claimed to have seen Mary and say they continue to see and hear her. Among Bloomfield's chosen few are a couple of atheists, a devout Catholic dying of cancer and her husband, and a recovering drug addict struggling with depression. The film spends much time, in reality TV fashion, watching these people get ready for the journey and hearing their personal reasons for going (some more compelling than others). The trip itself looks more like a sparkling travelogue than cinema vérité, although things do get weirdly interesting when one of Mary's supposed correspondents seems to be talking to her. The most notable element of Apparition Hill is the gracefulness that the non-believers bring to the experience, even saying the rosary in large group settings in a spirit of open-mindedness. But Bloomfield softens the dramatic impact with lighter fare, such as a too-cute music video, and ultimately the film drags on too long, undercutting the patient objectivity that the director asks of skeptical viewers. Extras include bonus and behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew updates, and a booklet. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)