The film Cabrini depicts Sister Francesca Cabrini 's remarkable journey from her arrival in New York in 1889. With nothing to her name, she finds herself facing a reality similar to that of thousands of Italian immigrants. Cristiana Dell'Anna(Gomorra) brilliantly embodies this exceptional woman, while David Morse and John Lithgow complete the cast, each bringing unique depth to this inspiring narrative. Through the character of Francesca Cabrini, this feature film explores resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Embarked on an unparalleled journey, Sister Cabrini, with the help of her sisters, undertook the construction of an orphanage, followed by the creation of a hospital, thus laying the foundations of a veritable "empire of hope" in a society where she faced isolation and frail health. This biopic pays tribute to her daring, perseverance and generosity, qualities that earned her canonization in 1946 by Pope Pius XII, making her the first saint of the United States of America.
Alejandro Monteverde's direction and Rod Barr's screenplay highlight Francesca Cabrini's indelible impact on the immigrant community and her exceptional contribution to American society, establishing institutions that have become beacons of hope and charity.
Cabrini traces the journey of a woman who defied the patriarchal norms of her time to leave a lasting legacy. This film is not only a tribute to her work, but also a source of inspiration for us all, highlighting the importance of inner strength and dedication to just causes.
Our opinion:
Cabrini tells the epic story of Sister Francesca Cabrini, who became the first saint to be canonized in the United States by Pope Pius XII in 1946. The magic of symphonic music and operatic arias transports us, from the very first seconds, through the captivating story of Francesca Cabrini, brilliantly interpreted by Cristiana Dell'Anna. The film plunges us into the life of a stunted woman battling a severe lung disease. Despite gloomy predictions about her longevity, Cabrini devotes herself body and soul to realizing her ideals.
Her ambitious goal was to create a worldwide network of orphanages to help abandoned children on every continent. Although she initially aspired to begin her work in Asia, fate, guided by the Pope's decision, led her to New York. In this city, Italian immigrants, poor and illiterate, are despised and treated like vermin. They live worse than rats. Against this hostile backdrop, Cabrini deploys her strength of character and unshakeable convictions, facing all dangers and never yielding under pressure, to serve her noble cause.
Cabrini' s story is a resolutely feminist tribute to the strength and determination of women who act with conviction, rather than simply claiming rights. Cabrini's philosophy is highlighted by inspirational quotes such as: " We can decide to serve our weakness or our purpose ", underlining the need to choose perseverance in the face of adversity. Later, this idea is reinforced by the mantra sung by a group of Italian vagabonds: " In life, there's no point crying, you have to sing ", evoking resilience and the ability to find joy even in the darkest moments.
The film not only magnifies Cabrini's fight against social injustice and her commitment to the underprivileged, but also highlights her personal battle with her own physical frailty. It also offers moments of profound reflection on identity and vocation, as Cabrini points out: " It takes so much courage to find out what you want to be ".
Cabrini reveals himself to be a character both powerful and fragile, capable of asserting forcefully: " We are reckless or we die ". The film is a real life lesson, encouraging viewers to learn to overcome their fears and persevere in achieving their goals. The punchy dialogues, like the exchange with the mayor: "It' s a shame you're a woman, Mother! You would have made an excellent man! - Oh no, Mr. Mayor, men could never do what we do! ", highlight Cabrini's courage and audacity in the face of the prejudices of her time.
Alejandro Monteverde offers us a film that transcends the boundaries of religion and faith to reach a much wider audience. Although centered on the life of Francesca Cabrini, a nun canonized by the Catholic Church, the film goes far beyond the Catholic faith to appeal to a universal audience.
Cabrini's story is not limited to her religious mission; it highlights a woman of exceptional strength of character, unwavering in her determination and endowed with remarkable negotiating skills. Francesca Cabrini fought fiercely for her ideals, dedicating herself to the cause of the underprivileged, particularly abandoned children and immigrants. This fight for justice and human dignity, above and beyond any religious considerations, makes the film accessible and inspiring for people of all faiths and none.
Cabrini is for everyone capable of being inspired by the story of a woman who, despite her physical fragility and the considerable obstacles she encounters, manages to make a profound and lasting impact on the world. The film is a celebration of perseverance, empathy and commitment to humanitarian ideals, universal themes that resonate far beyond religious circles. It's a tribute to those who struggle against adversity to make the world a better place, a source of inspiration for anyone aspiring to make a difference in their community or across the globe.
The quality of the cinematography is also noteworthy, with every shot thought out and calculated with a precision that lends the film an unrivalled visual beauty, where nothing is left to chance. Cabrini is without doubt a cinematic masterpiece whose technical mastery and powerful message deserve to be seen again and again.
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