mshavzin I can't help believing that every time they make a story based on these four recollections of these four girls in Ireland it gets even more exaggerated. I am sure that it was rough and everything, but admittedly the vast number of girls that went into the Magdalene system made it out alive, and every single one of those young women were sent there by their families, so they probably weren't exactly great daughters at the very least. I just think the whole exaggeration of their suffering is getting old.

Jenbob1988 Omg what film! Actors are amazing! This film upset me a bit to see how women were treated years ago. If this still happened today none of us would lead the life's that we do. Me personally have no religion even though i come from an Irish family, i cant believe that if there were a god why do the nuns believe that this is how they should be treated? Makes you realise how lucky we all are today to be able to live our life's the way we want. Cant believe i have only just discovered this film, i think it was bloody fantastic!! If anyone knows of any similar films i would be very grateful to hear from you. 10/10 isn't enough for this film.

thinker1691 Throughout the nineteen fifties and sixties, there were hundreds of institutions throughout America, England and Ireland which indicated centers dedicated to the Christian God. A significant number of these places were later revealed to have been of sanctuaries of corruption and pain. This movie selects one called " The Magdalene Sisters. " Although set in Irland, there are hundreds throughout the world which were run the same way and by the same religious orders. The story originates with writer/Director Peter Mullan who was inspired by a true incident which took place in such an establishment. Four Irish girls are sent to the isolated asylum run by the Magdalene sisters. There they undergo such brutal treatment, ridicule and torturous punishment as a means to curb their unsocial behavior, such as 'looking too pretty.' There is Margaret (Anne Duff) Crispina (Eileen Walsh) Rose (Dorothy Duffy) and Bernaddette (Nora-Jane Noon). All the young girls are constantly mistreated like hapless slaves as they are systematically dehumanized, forced to wash, clean, scrub floors, clothes and endure physical, mental and sexual anguish. Each day, they accept their suffering and silent plight, dreaming of eventual escape. Watching this movie is difficult, but having been exposed to the same brutality, believable in every respect. ****

Chrysanthepop Kudos to Peter Mullan for his sincere attempt to tell the harrowing story of the horror that fell upon four girls place under the care of the Magdalene sisters. Mullan proves to be a competent director as he convincingly tells the story of four girls who were victims of physical and sexual abuse, assisted and committed by the so-called sisters. He is a very focused filmmaker because he never derails from the main story. The sets are simplistic but quite effective. The convent has gives a feel of coldness and a suffocating claustrophobia. Mullan draws fine performances from his main cast. Geraldine McEwan is hateful and frightening as the headnun. The four leads, Anne-Marie Duff, Dorothy Duffy, Nora-Jane No one and especially Eileen Walsh perform naturally. Many films are being sold using the tag 'Based on True Events'. Yet, that itself does not guarantee a great film. Fortunately this is not the case with 'The Magdalene Sisters' which truly is a relevant film. Let's wait and see what Mullan tries next when he assumes his seat on the director's chair.