Through the decades we have had our heartstrings tugged by many actresses playing nuns but I never thought to see Anna Magnani donning the Habit. Very few in fact have seen her dressed like this as the film was destined to sink without trace. It is a tender, heartfelt piece depicting the emotional conflict between a nun's vows and her motherly instincts towards a child whose father is dead and whose mother is neglectful. As with most Italian films there is a veritable phalanx of writers involved notably Zavattini and director Camerini with a simply glorious score by Lavagnino. Although the film itself went unrecognised La Magnani picked up yet another Nastro d'Argento for her splendid performance. I would suggest your keeping a box of Kleenex handy for the final scenes unless of course you possess a heart of stone.
Review of The Awakening
