Original subtitles

A restored film

ANGELS OF SIN

This film was inspired by a French Dominican congregation

founded in 1867 by Father Lataste.

The authors are responsible for the story they created,

yet also tried to convey,

by means of images and details taken from reality,

the atmosphere of these convents,

and the spirit of their mission.

Ave Maria.

We'll have the tall, devoted driver I asked for?

Good. Have him wait.

You're excused, you're sick.

Please, I'm better. I had to stay in last time.

- That's why it didn't work. - Then come. You'll bring us luck.

I made a sketch so we don't make the same mistake as last time.

Mother Subprioress will wait in a taxi on the corner.

Yes, Mother.

Mother Mistress and I will go to the door.

Bring a flashlight, it'll be dark.

Yes, Mother.

If it works, we head for the car.

If there's trouble, we head this way.

Mother Mistress's signal will be 3 flashes.

Then come meet us this way.

Don't worry, Mother St John.

Edouard's driving. He's a former boxer.

I ask the community to pray while we're gone, even all night,

so as to ensure our success.

Inmate 42-16 is here, Mother. She's waiting.

Agnes!

Mother, thank you for coming!

Ready to follow us?

I've waited all month!

- You have your release papers? - Here.

Mother...

I know. Someone asked about you, wrote to you.

The letter begged me, threatened me.

Don't shake, dear. Have no fear.

- Anything suspect? - The guard saw prowlers...

Wait till his next round.

No, we don't have time. Come, Agnes.

Mother, it's him!

- I'm Anne-Marie. - Mother Prioress is waiting.

You know the life you'll have here?

A wonderful life, with my outcast sisters.

Yes, sisters in misery.

We welcome those freed from prison.

Sins and misfortunes are divine guarantees.

You're from a gentler background, and this is a hard legion.

I must ensure you're up to it. Are you happy?

- Very. - Healthy?

Enough for the world I left.

- You bid it farewell? - To an old couple on the train.

And a dog that resembled mine.

I'm ready.

The rehabilitated nuns have the same rights,

commitments and religious honor as you.

You agree to live among them,

leading the same life, being seen as one of them?

That's why I'm here.

Then you're welcome.

So gloomy, Mother St John?

You light up when you like novices.

I won't light up, as you say, today, Mother.

Let's hope you do in 2 weeks

when she dons her habit with Agnes.

Are you ready?

Does it suit me?

It does. Look at my face to be sure.

Here, our only mirror is another Sister's eyes.

I'm so silly!

Mother Dominique!

Hurry, they're waiting for us.

Mother Dominique, I can't see myself!

What do you ask for?

For God's mercy, and yours.

Stand up.

God's mercy is not ours to give,

but your gesture leads us to believe you have it.

As for ours, we give it freely.

You have a year to experience our life.

If you don't like it, or we dislike your behavior,

you're free to go as we're free to send you away.

Approach and join our family.

- What should I give you? - Make a sacrifice.

I've only worthless mementos.

That's why you must give them away.

This belt can replace Sister Marthe's.

Give the pen to Sister Beatrice, our secretary.

I've also a gold pencil. For you.

What about these books, letters and photos?

They won't please anyone. Let me keep them.

Girls we take from prison keep nothing.

Be an example.

- Just a few days. - As you wish.

When your whole world is your papers, they weigh heavily.

- What's wrong? - My mirror's gone, Mother!

It was right here...

It's going around the convent. It's not important.

My chain and pencil are gone, too!

They couldn't have been stolen?

They merely took a special path to Mother Prioress.

Stand up.

Forgive me for the pain I caused!

But I've been 5 years without a mirror.

Who did you see in it?

A thief masquerading as Sister Agnes.

I also stole this chain and pencil.

- Forgive me. - Go in peace.

If you'll fight against your bad habits,

you may stay.

Don't be so good to me, I need your severity.

Yours is sufficient for today.

Mother Prioress kept the mirror. Here's the rest.

They are no longer mine. Give them away.

Why did you come here, Sister?

- To see you. - We're not interesting.

To see the most miserable of you.

I've a brother, always wanted a sister

to have poverty as the family I lack.

It's not a family, it's a sickness. Like leprosy.

To embrace lepers, you need great courage.

Or great pride.

Some Sisters here think you're proud.

If pride is thinking I was chosen

to win over the guiltiest or the most stubborn here, I am.

An angel couldn't win some of them over.

They're those I wish to meet.

I long to go on prison visits with Mother Prioress.

Your jail held bad criminals?

It's not those who committed the worst crimes who resist.

- There are others. - You had them?

One. Who even we were afraid of.

She was clever and fought hard.

Her beauty was twisted by hate.

- Why was she there? - She was convicted of theft.

- What did she tell the Sisters? - Nothing.

- What's her name? - Therese.

What was that?

We said we have no Sister Therese, we need one.

Is she still in jail?

Her 2 years are almost up.

I beg a favor, Mother.

Yes, my Daughter?

To accompany Mother Prioress to the prison.

You're new. This is unusual. Why?

- I feel I'm being called. - Your mission is here.

I must go. Before it's too late.

Go to our Founder's grave, Sister.

He'll tell you to seek our peace.

- I went. He urged me to do this. - Sister!

- Forgive me, Mother. - Go.

She's the opposite of what we need. An agitated soul...

But a soul, nonetheless.

- We like your daughter, ma'am. - Who wouldn't?

Lmagine how hard it is to be separated from her.

If she were happy, I'd bow out.

But this convent... I came for her.

You'll see her.

Anne-Marie loves beauty, luxury, cleanliness.

How could she be happy amongst criminals?

I can't imagine being with one.

Yet it's easy, ma'am. I'm one of them.

I'm sorry.

We like Anne-Marie, but I'm not holding her.

Nor any who haven't taken their vows.

I count my flock each night with anguish.

They're all there.

We'll miss Anne-Marie if she leaves,

but we'll abide by that.

- Thank you. - For what?

Saying you were a criminal.

Maybe it's bad. It might have been vanity.

Anne-Marie!

You're so beautiful, mother!

I'm so lucky you're my mother.

Your hair!

Not a strand is missing.

Darling!

- I came for you. - Came for me?

You won't stay another day.

You said I could.

- Be devoted to God, not criminals. - What's the difference?

Darling! Fight misfortune by doing charity work with me.

You'll help the deprived, who deserve you more.

There are murderesses here!

You don't understand.

What's to understand?

You must be sure of yourself to do what you're doing!

Do you not know me, either? You think I'm weak?

Dear child!

I'm your child, but I'm strong, mother dear.

I didn't leave the world because it was hard,

but because there were no challenges.

I came to fight misery, to help people.

I can do that here. I'm happy here.

But sad I cause you pain.

You can't offer God the suffering of others!

Forgive me.

What's wrong, Clotilde? You cried?

I wasn't honest...

The convent's not for you?

We'll find you a job.

I long only for the convent.

But I'm in for 20 years!

So?

I'll be 45 in 20 years, it will be too late!

Why too late?

Powder, Janine?

Plaster. Sorry, Mother.

- Plaster? - From the wall.

It makes you pale, you've no color.

You'll get some with us.

The Council accepted you.

- Here, if you want. - Perfect.

You could say hello.

Here's one who'll never amount to anything.

She's hopeless.

Sorry, Sister! She stained your habit!

- No matter. - She did it on purpose!

She stains anything white. Just like her!

Come on!

Why didn't you speak to her, Mother?

She doesn't want me to.

For her, words come from those who command, punish, insult her.

Had we spoken, we'd be the same.

She'd have lumped us with the guard.

Blame me for the kiss?

No, you didn't speak, either.

Go on!

- What is it? - 17-21, sir.

Her again?

- She looks so sad. - Her own fault.

That rebel was transferred here 3 months ago,

for us to change her.

Nothing worked.

She screams for days and nights.

She's hostile to all the guards.

- Why does she rebel? - Listen to her!

- 17-21 is in the hole, Warden. - Good.

- She stays until her release. - When?

In 2 weeks. Unless I isolate her,

she'll get extra time!

You're Therese?

Yes, I know your name. I say it daily.

Say it when I'm gone.

Therese.

Who sent you?

No one. I'm a Sister...

to everyone here.

Not mine! I'm innocent! Go!

The law makes mistakes.

Go see your thieves, I stole nothing!

He set me up!

He made me steal and turned me in.

I'm locked up and he's free!

He has 2 more weeks to be happy.

You'll be free. Do you think...

Go! You keep me from screaming!

Scream if you wish.

It won't keep me from hearing your pain.

There's one remedy: Forgiveness.

I found another. Found it my first day here.

I've planned it. The guilty can forgive, the innocent get revenge!

Too bad for him!

Why are you here listening to me?

Warden send you for my secrets?

What secrets?

Sister Elisabeth, you'll choose the texts, as the youngest.

I'm scared.

Of what?

Of being the chance

that gives each sister the text that will be her motto all year?

There is no chance, Sister. Everything is a sign.

Sister Gabrielle.

Pascal:

"All things are mystery..."

Funny, the verses are picked by chance, but they always fit.

St Eulalia called them "miraculous".

Sister Berthe.

Angelus Silesius:

"Love, unannounced, soon has God's ear.

"Intelligence and wit He takes longer to hear."

Mother St John.

St Teresa of Avila:

"Do not obey my orders, obey my silences."

Sister Anne-Marie.

St Catherine of Siena:

"If you hear God's word joining you to another,

"listen to no other words: They are merely its echo."

What's wrong, Sister? Are you ill?

- I hear the word. - Which word?

The word from my text.

I already heard it the other day in the prison.

Help me speak to you, Mother.

What I must ask you is difficult.

Explain, my child.

That's just it, allow me to not explain.

See Therese when she's released!

You're giving orders now, Sister?

It's a humble but insistent prayer.

She needs us, but she won't come here.

We must go to her.

I beg of you.

Go.

Insufferable child!

To which children did St Benedict tell us to listen sometimes?

The insufferable or the wise?

At 9:00, Mother. 5 more minutes.

2 minutes, Mr. Roger.

If Mother Prioress' watch says 8:58, I believe it.

I'll stay here, Mother.

You talk to her, I trust you.

Some role you ask me to play!

I must look like a cat waiting by a mouse hole.

Here she is!

There should be 350 francs.

It's raining. Want to wait?

Go on. You'll manage.

You're young and smart.

Above all, don't abuse your freedom. You'll be fine.

Hello, Mother. You're here to see me?

I'm off to court. It's 9 AM.

Very well, Warden.

I'm happy you're free. You were here a long time, right?

2 years.

- Going to your family? - I have none.

- Friends? - I haven't any.

You live in town?

I live nowhere.

Then your solitude allows me to speak to you.

If things get hard, our house is yours.

You're welcome there.

Very well, Mother.

If you have any problems, come speak to me.

I'll be happy to help you out.

Thank you.

Some people won't understand,

they'll shut their doors.

Farewell, Mother.

Therese, come, I beg you.

Leave me alone. You're crazy!

- I'd like a revolver. - Large caliber?

Medium.

I have a Herstahl for 75 or a Reduro for 100 francs.

Reduro's best. Know how the catch works?

- No. - Here.

Safety to the right,

fire to the left.

6 bullets. 12 with the extra clip. Is that enough?

If it's not, I'll come back.

I didn't bring Therese back, Mother. You win.

Sister Anne-Marie, some feelings are unwelcome here.

Self-love is one.

Forgive me, but it has the word "love".

So, Therese called you crazy?

To tell me I was right. No, Mother?

I'm glad you've such devotion, but don't waste it.

It's for all your Sisters, not just Therese.

Allow me to speak to You directly.

Your Saints will understand why I didn't solicit them.

See me, hear me Yourself.

Deliver me from this anguish in my heart.

Tell me the task You gave me

by letting me hear a poor, tormented soul's secret

is but a test

from which my greatest joy shall be born.

Protect us now and forever.

Deliver us from evil...

- It's you? Hello. - Hello.

"So St Francis said to him:

"Brother Wolf, you've done great harm in this region.

"Destroying God's creatures

"without His permission.

"You not only slay and devour beasts,

"you're so brazen as to kill men made in God's image.

"So you deserve to be put to death as a thief and murderer.

"Everyone cries out against you."

What is it?

Mother, someone's at the door.

You have good ears, we heard nothing. And then?

- And then? - Go on.

"Everyone cries out against you,

"the whole world is your enemy.

"Brother Wolf, I want to make peace, so you no longer offend them,

"and they forgive all past offenses. So neither men nor dogs..."

The door again. Why not open it?

Read, Sister.

I'm sure it's Therese, Mother!

It's been opened!

Therese, my child!

What a lovely surprise. You have something to tell me?

- Please take me in. - You look sick. We'll care for you.

You'll take me? You won't send me away?

I can't go back, I hate the world.

You speak nonsense. You don't understand.

Hate didn't bring you here.

Sister Anne-Marie will be happy, she was worried.

Worried?

I'm so happy! I knew you'd come!

You called her name loudly. She heard you.

She can stay, right?

The Council will decide. For a few months, on trial.

She's too unwell to leave now.

- Have you eaten? - I'm not hungry.

Take care of her, Sister Anne-Marie.

I was so scared!

Scared of what?

Of misfortune, of evil.

That you'd gone to seek revenge, but not forgiveness.

But I was sure you'd come.

Why?

By grace.

I'm sure I felt everything you felt yesterday.

You felt my call. I saw you everywhere...

Think they'll accept me?

They're all expecting you.

I've made a place for you. Even your habit is ready.

Therese, I'll teach you to find true happiness.

Teaching a pupil beatitude, being God's seamstress...

You've brought me this gift, thank you.

You have the weapon?

- Still no leads? - One, it's a woman, of slight build.

She shot in a panic, bottom to top.

Two, it's revenge. Nothing was stolen.

No prints is the print of revenge.

Revenge!

Start with his friends!

All this joy, songs, festivity are for you,

rewards for your suffering.

We weren't Sister Therese, yet had the same ceremony.

And in your new robe you've stayed the same.

- True. - I'd recognize her with a veil.

My hair shows? Why wasn't it cut?

Our last tie to the world isn't cut till we take our vows.

My name wasn't changed?

Out of respect for you. At my request.

Why?

It's none of your business.

Be careful, you took a bad pupil.

She's more trouble than you think

for your place in heaven.

2 PM, in the laundry room.

At 2, Sister Anne-Marie and I sing.

She's taking care of you.

At 5, she reads me The Golden Legend.

At 7, she has me say a special prayer.

She gives you much of her time.

Her time, heart, and soul. Too much!

Show her she's going too far.

She doesn't understand.

You came here for her. Seeing you is her reward.

She shows me off like a curiosity.

With all of her lessons, I feel like I'm being exhibited!

She's really exhibiting herself.

There's the devil!

Horrible Blackie!

What's that?

Blackie, Mother St John's cat.

Show me your eyes, Sister.

That's not quite it.

Your eyes aren't joyful.

I've shown you how.

It doesn't work.

That's what worries me. Your eyes don't change.

- I've an idea, come on. - Where?

To the garden. You'll cut flowers for the altar.

Sister Marie-Josephe can come.

Yes, Reverend Mother!

To show me what flowers are?

No, what a bouquet for God is.

We'll innovate. Instead of the usual mixed bunches,

we'll make bouquets with roses, carnations and lilies.

Know the language of flowers?

- No. - I'll teach you.

- I haven't much to tell them... - Sister Anne-Marie!

- Where are you going? - To the garden.

You were excused from your duties?

- This is urgent. - Obey the rules!

Rules? This is the one place where the heart rules!

I'll report this to the Chapter of Faults.

My heart won't proclaim.

Go to your cell, Sister Anne-Marie. I'll take Sister Therese today.

- Anything new? - No.

You? I'm not surprised.

You think criminals return to the crime scene.

They're no longer that considerate. They're too busy!

And you?

One lead. A woman friend

released from jail the day he was killed.

- What's she got to say? - She's vanished.

- Got a description? - Yes, and photos.

Why are you beating your laundry by hand?

St Hildegard did. She respected everything white.

Won't make you a Saint.

Why not? That's why we're here.

All but you. You're a lay sister,

lay sisters aren't canonized.

If I chose the lay sisters, there'd be saints galore.

Like Anne-Marie?

Why not?

St Gertrude said: "Happiness begets saintliness."

She's the happiest one here.

It's nice to see her happy.

And so self-confident.

She should be careful.

Maybe we should warn her.

About what?

The Superiors admire her.

As do we.

But she worries them.

They think she's self-centered.

She's unaware of the danger.

- She's in no great danger. - Yes, she is.

No more than us, we're still here.

We're imperfect by nature.

But rehabilitated sisters must be flawless.

She's so nervous, she makes a scene over anything.

- Want a place, Sister Therese? - Thank you.

You look worried, Sister Therese.

- I don't think so. - Yes, what's wrong?

I'd best not tell you.

Very well.

Sister Anne-Marie!

There's a conspiracy against you.

A conspiracy? Don't say that word, it's bad.

You're denied prison visits.

- We take turns! - Mother St John banned you.

- Who says so? - Everyone does. She's wrong.

The others lack your gifts.

Mother Prioress knows.

She loves us all.

You're her favorite.

She likes your spontaneity, your enthusiasm.

My enthusiasm?

Your impulsiveness.

Everything Mother St John hates.

I heard you singing, it's a call I can't resist.

It's not exactly a hymn, Sister. I heard you whistling.

It's the prettiest hymn of all, the finches' song.

We don't have songbirds in cages?

Nightingales and finches love liberty.

We mustn't cage them!

Your cell's untidy.

It's even a bit dusty.

- Flowers cheer it up. - Pretty.

But the rules also say we may not cage flowers.

They begged me to pick them.

If every pretty thing begged to be in a Dominican cell,

where would we be?

Every pretty thing is in mine, I collect them.

Hence the untidiness.

The beauty in my books so awed me that I replaced them badly.

I awoke to such a fine day that my bed's unmade.

Your head's so full of pretty images your hair sticks out.

Mere details...

There are no details in life.

Saints treat all duties the same way.

Details are born of negligence.

Job wasn't clean, sitting on manure.

Were he here, he'd make his bed and wash his eyes in 2 hours!

Unless your cat left him a gift!

Don't pick on Blackie. He's ugly, but rids us of mice.

Where'll I put the flowers? Now they're unworthy of the chapel.

You see, you kept them from their mission,

made them yours.

We'll take them to the cemetery.

The dead like what belonged to the living.

Don't dedicate your days to Sister Therese,

neglecting others and yourself.

Abandoning her is a betrayal!

- To? - God and myself.

Mother St John knows very well

who betrays and who is loyal.

Play anything, tell riddles.

I only know one.

Which one?

What goes up white and falls yellow?

I know: The sun.

Why?

It's a Dominican.

- What is it? - An egg.

Mine's funnier.

What's worse, dust on furniture or the soul?

Why that question?

Mother St John thinks dusty tables shock God.

And?

I think He's more offended by dust on the soul.

Dust on the soul?

Hypocrisy, for instance.

Why this example? It's not a casual choice.

No, it isn't.

A dusty table is better than Sisters petting Blackie

and cursing him behind Mother St John's back.

Right, Sister Marie-Josephe?

Me? What did I do?

Sister Colette?

Sister Anne-Marie,

bring your criticisms to the Chapter of Faults.

It's not a matter for recreation time.

You know that. I disapprove.

Don't be so harsh!

I'm sure you and my Sisters agree.

There's a way to find out what we think. Request it.

Sisterly correction! I'd be happy to do that.

Sisterly correction, Sister Henri.

- What do you think of me? - Good, but stubborn.

Unpretentious, but proud. Intelligent, but excitable.

Is that bad?

I'm here to enlighten you, not to judge you.

Sister Jacques?

You're hot-tempered, prejudiced and vain.

- Irascible. - Thank you, Sister Jacques.

Sister Therese?

How do you value me?

Above the others.

It's not about you. I'm vain, right?

You're outspoken, but ashamed.

- Full of self-love? - You want others to like you.

I'm edgy, messy, stubborn?

You're loyal, you're yourself.

Sister Madeleine?

You think highly of yourself.

You don't understand people.

Not Madeleine, Sister Madeleine.

Coquettish, ambitious, stubborn.

That's not true!

Why do you all say this?

We all feel the same.

The others could be mistaken, but not you!

I thought you knew me. I thought you loved me.

You had ready the words that hurt me most.

Your anger is like town gossip!

We're in God's light here.

Thoughts and actions have a higher meaning.

And you behave like ants!

You're unworthy.

Thank you, Sister.

You're jealous. You're mean.

I know.

You show me my flaws, I believe you.

But there's only one voice that I shall obey.

No one can stop me.

"...suffered at the hands of many,

"even those whom she'd most helped in her days of prosperity.

"Among them was an old woman

"who had received food and mercy from the Saint during a famine.

"Meeting her in the street,

"that they had to cross on a plank

"because of the sludge,

"the miserable woman pushed her benefactress,

"who fell into the mud.

"She was thus exposed to disgrace and mockery,

"to which the Saint responded..."

What is it?

Stop petting Blackie.

"...happy to suffer such humiliation out of love for Jesus Christ,

"who fills the hearts of the faithful with consolation..."

I proclaim Sister Anne-Marie for mistreating an animal.

For penance, she'll read the Litanies.

I did not yield the way to an older Sister

on entering the Chapter.

Proclamations for Marie-Josephe?

Yes, for petting an animal.

What?

- In the workshop... - No explanations here.

For penance, this week she'll enter last for services.

I laughed and turned around in chapel.

Any proclamations for Sister Colette?

I proclaim her for petting an animal.

She'll sweep the chapel.

I am guilty of interrupting a Sister.

Proclamations for Sister Thomas?

For petting an animal.

Cease your proclamations!

The Council doesn't

understand your proclamations.

Mother St John surely does.

Explain! You can't proclaim Sisters for petting animals.

- They pet the Devil! - That's nonsense.

It's true, that beast came to hurt us.

It's an innocent animal.

It's Beelzebub! He should be judged.

Because of him, Sisters commit mortal sins.

They rightly hate him.

He steals, hates us all, is a burden.

But Mother St John likes him.

They pet him for her,

kick him behind her back.

Beelzebub proudly walks around.

Look in his eyes, see a path of lies and hypocrisy!

Sister!

A bluebird used to come here,

it brought joy and sincerity.

And a toad

that made us feel compassionate.

Mother St John's cat ate them.

I'd proclaim her if I could,

for not opposing it.

Leave. You'll learn your penance in the refectory.

I impose a public penance

for the scandal she caused.

Sister Anne-Marie will kiss all her Sisters' feet.

"When the appointed time had come,

"the Son of God,

"after 30 years of silence,

"went forth to sow the celestial seed

"of His Divine message..."

I demand the rule be enforced.

She knows if she refuses she may be sent away?

She does.

Sister, do you refuse you penance?

Continue reading.

"When the appointed time had come, the Son of God,

"after 30 years of silence..."

Where will I go?

- Your family is expecting you. - My family!

I gave up that world.

Sending me back is unfair.

My dear child...

I loved the world I left.

You don't know how much I loved it.

I ripped it from my heart to come here.

It was horrible, but I did.

I'll never again find peace there.

You force me to return to what will only be unhappiness.

I beg of you, keep me.

I'm sorry, Anne-Marie.

My God, I'm no longer Sister Anne-Marie.

God knows you have no better friend than me.

I've esteem for your character,

but there's no advantage for the community if you stay.

I'm asking for a huge sacrifice,

but consider it to be a sacrifice and not a penance.

Farewell, Mother.

Is it raining?

No, my umbrella ensures sunshine.

Very wise.

Our prison visits are always rainy.

Yes, this is the convent.

Mother,

it's Anne-Marie's family! She hasn't returned.

- She said nothing? - No.

Hello?

Yes, Anne-Marie left that day.

She was well.

No, I'm not worried. She's like that.

I'll ask around. I'll call you back.

You're really not worried?

Let's ask Sister Madeleine.

Sister Madeleine!

Yes, Mother?

Did Anne-Marie say where she'd go?

She didn't return to her family? I knew it!

She said nothing?

No, nothing.

Let's not be late.

You're holding the saw wrong, Sister.

Get closer, bend over it,

unless you want to tire yourself.

Did you grease the saw?

Sister Marie-Josephe, your woodpile will collapse.

Yes, Reverend Mother.

Why "Reverend Mother"?

Why can't you do anything right today?

Unlike you, since Sister Anne-Marie left!

You're overjoyed that she's gone!

What's she have to do with it?

I'll tell you: You drove her away!

I don't know why or how, but you did.

You hated her, you're glad she's gone! She was too good!

You set her against Mother St John.

You're such a hypocrite,

I feel like hitting you!

What's going on?

Two Sisters chatter instead of working!

Sister Therese, oversee them.

It's already done.

You've a full hall, Mother, 30 applicants.

- Anyone new? - One who's surprising.

Each prison has a rebel.

It used to be 17-21. Remember Therese?

Another wants to see you.

Let's go.

I got a call about Therese.

A friend of hers was murdered.

Shot. The police are looking for her.

She must know the motive.

She may be an accomplice.

I wouldn't be surprised if she did it.

No one here would be if she killed herself, too.

Do you remember her? Remember the scene she caused?

I remember very well.

Council meeting, at once!

Mother Prioress is back from prison sooner than usual.

We can't take risks for someone trying to save herself.

In the here and now or the hereafter?

Vocations are often bred of crime.

True, Mother.

We must not concern ourselves with her guilt,

but with her redemption.

I have great doubt as to that.

Why? She's obedient and follows the rules.

If only they were all so easy...

I'm not afraid of scandal, as you well know.

We must reach a decision,

her trial period is over.

We won't turn her in, or abandon her.

But after having had to expel a pure soul like Anne-Marie,

I can't be lenient in this doubtful case.

I could find a religious home to protect her and give her work.

Do it fast.

Someone's trespassing, there's a hole in the hedge.

- Someone stealing our peaches. - No.

Sister Agnes, who once stole them, now checks them.

None missing.

Anything odd in the convent?

- Not so far. - Any footprints?

I saw none... but you may.

I'm flattered to be promoted to detective.

Our Founding Father's here, what could go wrong?

Yes, someone came through.

Someone who didn't fear the nettles.

It's a small hole. Maybe a lamb...

I'll fill it up with thorns tonight.

You, in your sleepless slumber,

whose eyes see all of us,

thank you for receiving me each night!

The hole was full of thorns tonight.

The others think I am an intruder

who comes to steal a little eternal peace,

but I shall always be your Daughter.

When I leave my barn to come here,

the path that brings me to you is as wide as the world.

You are not yet a Saint.

You wanted to share our misery for as long as possible

as a simple human being, as our Brother.

That is why, before my prayers, I beseech you...

Help me! My punishment was too severe.

And Therese...

Therese, who you entrusted to me...

allow me to hear her voice in this song,

as I am no longer allowed to sing...

- Is she dead? - She's breathing.

But she's so cold.

Sister Anne-Marie!

Let's take her to the infirmary.

You won't kiss her?

Therese?

She's here, hush. You'll see her.

- She came through the hedge. - Every night.

She's very sick.

What does the doctor say?

There's no hope. Her heart may give out any moment.

Such fine news I hear!

Did Mother Prioress tell you?

- She says I'm dying. - Sister Anne-Marie!

Convents panic. They give you Extreme Unction for a cold.

This will be my first Extreme Unction.

You must tell her. She can't go without knowing.

She doesn't want to know.

How strange not to sense death approaching.

It's horrible to have to tell her.

But I can try again...

Don't forget my penance, Mother.

I must do it fast.

My Sisters' feet keep passing in a procession before me.

Of course. When you're able.

See, you're granting me a respite.

Don't be sad, Mother.

I assure you, God couldn't be so cruel...

as to give me such an important mission...

and only allow me to throw a cat into the hall.

He wouldn't allow it.

He knows what He's doing. We've only to wait.

I'm waiting, Mother.

Well?

Therese won't leave yet.

- Therese? - Anne-Marie's holding on for her.

That's why she thinks she can cheat death.

We can't separate them now, when their game is unfolding.

You hate me, don't you?

Why would I?

Because I treated you badly.

You had good intentions.

I behaved foolishly.

As if I could teach you,

when, in fact, I knew nothing.

I was foolish.

No, you weren't.

My only excuse is that I did it out of love for you.

I thought I knew you, but I didn't.

No harm, I'm not interesting.

You are.

You alone interest me.

I know that now.

- I know why you're here. - I think not.

I made you lie to me,

tell me you came because of me.

It was childish of me.

Don't speak so much.

You came to hide.

From whom?

From whom or what isn't my concern.

Something horrible happened to you when you got out.

You saw your world aflame, you saw a ghost...

- You came here to hide. - Not true.

Instead of abandoning life, you abandoned the world.

I should have helped you, but I didn't.

I made you into the Prodigal Child.

I dragged you into the light.

Cried out your name to all, to God...

- I was grotesque. - Sister!

I strutted proudly beside you...

You, who had been flayed alive.

I now see what you needed.

- Though it may be too late. - What did I need?

A silent presence,

someone to stop your tears with silence,

and your suffering by her presence.

Simply a friend.

A friend... Why are you getting up?

Because I'm leaving.

I don't want to be near you!

You're lying again!

You're trying something else on me!

Prestige wasn't enough. Now friendship!

No, you don't understand.

There's one cure for my suffering: Indifference.

Flayed, that's right.

You can't caress the flayed,

or dress the flayed...

God, when can I be alone?

You are.

That's what hurts so much.

It's me, Therese.

I see you.

I'm not getting better, am I?

There must be a cure.

There is one cure. It'll work.

Tell Mother Prioress.

Our Mother can't help.

I'm dying because I failed to get what I wanted.

You're too ambitious.

Maybe so.

You thought the world was pretty,

that life had hope.

I still do.

I thought I'd heal a broken heart.

A broken heart can be healed,

but not a dead one.

If I thought I could do it, I'd live.

It may take 100 years.

Then I'd live 100 years.

You look better.

Yes. Maybe it's the first day of my 100 years.

Is that you, Mother?

I was right the other day,

Therese is the killer.

Yes, I assure you.

The gunsmith...

The gunsmith who sold the gun recognized her photo.

Sorry I had to tell them you had contact with her.

They'll have to come to the convent.

- Let go of my hand! - It helps me.

That's not why you hold it, you want to know what it did.

Your hand is a question.

Then answer it.

You pry into my eyes, watch my gestures!

Even when you pretend to sleep, I know you listen to my steps.

You spy for Mother Prioress!

- Sister Therese! - Look at this face.

Look at it well,

and remember what you see. You'll never see it again!

I can't go on.

You know my secret now. Are you glad?

You held my hands to handcuff them.

Go ahead! Turn me in!

If I speak of you,

it won't be in this world.

No one in the convent will turn you in.

But you can't keep living a lie,

or deceive our Mother.

I can't get up, Sister Therese.

Please tell Mother Prioress.

I'm going.

"Beloved Sister, we entrust you to Almighty God,

"who created you from the dust you return to.

"Now your soul shall leave your body.

"Shining angels are ready to greet you.

"The Apostles shall judge you.

"The triumphant, white army of martyrs is coming toward you.

"The choir of virgins draws you into the blissful sleep of the patriarchs.

"The Holy Mother of God..."

Yes, I am ready.

I said goodbye to an old woman.

What did she say? Can she pronounce her vows?

She's delirious. We'll wait.

The Sister with birds!

You swim so fast, I can't keep up!

I feel so ill.

I feel so wonderful.

She's dying!

Yes, sing the Salve Regina.

The police. Tell Mother Prioress.

The police!

The police.

Let them wait.

Let them wait. I've waited, too.

Mother Prioress will fix everything.

Sister Anne-Marie, can you take your solemn vows?

Yes, Mother. But hurry...

The Book of Constitutions.

I, Sister Anne-Marie,

profess to you...

I can't speak...

Therese...

I, Sister Anne-Marie, profess to you...

that I shall obey...

God,

the Most Holy Virgin Mary,

the Blessed Patriarch Dominic,

and you, my Mother, according to our rule.

And I shall remain obedient until my death...

See you soon, Sister.

Subtitles: C. Kolar & A. Whitelaw

Subtitling TITRA FILM Paris