Pre-orders and new orders are shipping, and now is a great time to order to make sure you have a copy in time for Christmas. Plus, when you order online you save 10%. The 13th Day (DVD) — $24.95 10% off: $22.45
Catholic film critic Steve Greydanus calls The 13th Day 'the best film ever made about Fatima'. A lovely, poignant film about Our Lady appearing to three children, her message to them, and the amazing Miracle of the Sun. Includes:
* 24-page companion booklet with interviews, articles, pictures & more!
* Film with Fr. Andrew Apostoli titled "Fatima: Message of Hope for Today"
* Optional Spanish subtitles.
BONUS! DVDs also include actual Rosary and lovely color Rosary prayer leaflet!
Order online today, or visit www.the13thdaymovie.com for clips and more!
"The 13th Day is the best film ever made about Fatima — the most beautiful and effective, as well as one of the most historically accurate. Sister Lucia's memories are imbued with an aura of reverie and contemplation by striking visuals, an effective score and a stark, simple narrative. A fact-based film that succeeds in being both artful and reverent is a rare thing. The 13th Day succeeds." —Steve Greydanus, National Catholic Register
"The 13th Day lives up to the hype we heard all summer. It leaves older film versions in the dust in terms of cinematic artistry and special effects. Directors Ian and Dominic Higgins were illustrators before they were film makers, and it shows. Each shot looks like something one could frame and hang on a wall. The miracle of the sun is depicted perfectly: it matches eyewitness descriptions more accurately than any other movie version... I have a feeling that this film will be a "Catholic classic" for many years to come." —Daria Sockey, Faith and Family
"Pope Benedict XVI has said, 'Learn the message of Fatima! Live the message of Fatima! Spread the message of Fatima!' This film is a powerful presentation of the events surrounding Our Lady's apparitions. It especially shows the sufferings that the three little shepherd children endured as God's messengers of Our Lady's peace plan from Heaven. It combines a certain dramatic intensity with an attractive and innovative artistic presentation. The result is a moving appeal to heed Mary's message which is so important for our times. I believe this film will assist the cause of the world's peace and the salvation of souls." —Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR
"This is a triumph of a film. And I don’t think I’ve ever used that word for a film before. This is a highly stylized film. Ultra-dramatic blocking, soft focus, chiaroscuro, use of surreal, almost-colorized color. The choice of a kind of serious, spooky, supernatural thriller tone is rigidly adhered to. And why not? We’re talking grave spiritual warfare here: World War I, World War II, Hell - what matters could be more weighty? And real? However, the film doesn’t feel stiff. It is luminous.” —Sister Helena Burns, FSP John Paul II Film Festival
"Catholic and non-Catholic viewers alike will be captivated by the dramatic and artistic retelling of the Fatima apparitions during a new film, The 13th Day. The lighting, careful positioning of characters within a scene and innovative cinematic effects add to the film's appeal. The directors, Ian and Dominic Higgins, use digital effects to help viewers realize the profound and powerful nature of both the apparitions and the miracle.” —Laura Wright, Catholic Standard
"A remarkable re-telling of the story of Fatima, told from the perspective of Sister Lucia’s memories. A moving presentation that vividly portrays the courage of the children and the great demands made not only on them but on their families. I believe that many will be deeply touched by the film." —Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, UK
This film gleams. The story telling is sparse, without embellishments. But visually it is stunning. I had some preconceived notions from the mixed though mostly favorable reviews online. The criticisms against it are somewhat exaggerated. After receiving it in the mail today, I watched it with keen interest. The story does draw in the viewer to the message of Fatima. That is, a hope for peace and spiritual healing, and a return to Godliness.
It begins simply as Sr. Lucia Santos, the oldest of the three Fatima children, who became a Carmelite contemplative nun, recalls and writes down her childhood memories, and the miraculous events at Fatima that has changed her life forever.
Shot in black and white in the noir style, the filmmakers—the Higgins brothers—refined cinematographers, make inventive use of light and darkness, chiaroscuro, to such dramatic effect and advantage. Color sweeps through the screen only when the miraculous occurs and the Virgin Mother Mary appears, as some other reviewers also have commented. The visual contrasts depict the physical difference between this natural life and the supernatural life of grace. When heaven appears on earth, the black-and-white world at Fatima begins to throb with color and is infused with the full spectrum of light and life.
The best scenes include the appearance of Our Lady of Fatima and the miracle of the sun at the end. Nothing is overly wrought. Lucia is a simple country girl who trusts. Francisco and Jacinta are children who remain thoughtful and pensive through the characters who play them onscreen, though there is a certain joy with their presence. The best character proves to be Lucia’s mother. She portrays the change of heart that the skeptic—as was true in their time and even down to this day and age through the viewer, might not have readily expected. It’s true that this version may be called “a modern-day classic.” Distilled to its essence, the film is pure poetry. I would urge families to go and see it.
Posted by: Susan Tan | Wednesday, December 09, 2009 at 05:59 PM