The Magdalene Sisters

Actor Peter Mullan shows considerable skill as the writer and director of this film crafted from the recollections of survivors of none-too-charitable care under an order of Catholic nuns who, until very recently, served as the semi-official warders for wayward women--i.e., unwed mothers and girls deemed dangerously promiscuous--in the Irish Republic. Set in the mid-1960s, the script focuses on three inmates--a girl raped by her cousin, an orphan thought too seductive to be left around local boys, and a girl encouraged to give up her illegitimate child for adoption--under the hand of the stern mother superior (the formidable Geraldine McEwan), a woman convinced that her harsh methods are in the service of both her community and a higher power. Secondary characters include a mentally-impaired girl sexually abused by the local priest, and an elderly inmate who's spent almost her entire life within the convent's doors. The material is unquestionably compelling, and Mullan's treatment of it--aided by uniformly fine performances--is expertly judged to spark indignation and encourage exultation when occasional victories are won against the system. Though at times it engages in obvious point-making, The Magdalene Sisters is mostly very successful as an indictment of a cruel ecclesiastical institution, a disgracefully compliant government, and the society that made both possible. Highly recommended. [Note: Available in both widescreen and full screen versions, DVD extras include “The Inside Scoop” audio commentary by director Bille Woodruff and star Jessica Alba, an 11-minute “Behind the Groove” making-of featurette, 33 minutes of deleted scenes (including an original opening), four minutes of outtakes, a nine-minute “Make Your Move: Dance Like Honey!” how-to dance segment hosted by Honey choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson, the music videos “J-A-D-A” by Jadakiss and Sheen and “Sexy” by Shawn Desman, the six-minute behind-the-scenes music video making-of featurette “In the Mix with Blaque” (and its finished product “I'm Good” by Blaque), as well as cast and filmmaker bios and film highlights, trailers, and DVD-ROM features. Bottom line: an impressive extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)