The Third Miracle 1999
Directed by
Agnieszka Holland
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Third Miracle (1999). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the Allied forces unleashed devastation upon Bystrica, Slovakia during the closing chapters of World War II, a fragile young girl uttered a desperate prayer that cut through the chaos. This silent supplication, though seemingly insignificant amidst the roar of conflict, would ignite a series of events destined to change her life irrevocably.
Jumping ahead to 1979, we find Father Frank Shore, portrayed by Ed Harris, at a significant crossroads in his spiritual journey. Known as the “Miracle Killer,” his relentless pursuit of truth has led him to debunk numerous false claims of divine intervention. Despite his skepticism, Father Frank has yet to encounter a true miracle that could reignite his wavering faith. His life takes a turn when the Vatican calls upon him to investigate the alleged miracles associated with Helen O’Regan, who is now under consideration for sainthood.
As Father Frank embarks on this quest for the truth, he becomes embroiled in the incredible stories surrounding Helen’s life and death. However, the greatest challenge to his steadfast beliefs emerges from Helen’s daughter Roxane, played by Anne Heche. Roxane, a staunch non-believer, harbors deep resentment towards her mother, who left her when she was just 16 years old. Her bitterness poses a significant threat to Father Frank’s established views, forcing him to confront the complex interplay of faith, duty, and personal redemption. In grappling with the demands of his clerical responsibilities against the intriguing whispers of his own doubts, Father Frank finds himself at the heart of a profound internal struggle.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Third Miracle (1999) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Desperate Prayer
In the midst of the chaos as Allied forces devastated Bystrica, Slovakia during World War II, a young girl makes a silent, desperate prayer. This moment, though seemingly trivial against the backdrop of war, sets off a chain of events that will irrevocably alter her future.
Father Frank's Journey Begins
Fast forward to 1979, Father Frank Shore, known as the 'Miracle Killer,' stands at a spiritual crossroads. His commitment to uncovering the truth has led him to disprove many claims of miracles, yet he remains open to discovering something that could reignite his faith.
Vatican's Call for Investigation
The Vatican reaches out to Father Frank, tasking him with investigating the miracles attributed to Helen O'Regan, who is being considered for sainthood. This investigation promises to be a pivotal moment for Frank as it could challenge his skepticism and spiritual beliefs.
Encountering Helen's Story
As Father Frank delves into Helen O'Regan's life, he uncovers incredible stories surrounding her legacy. Each narrative he encounters further complicates his understanding of faith and the authenticity of miracles.
Roxane's Resentment
Father Frank meets Roxane, Helen’s daughter, who is openly skeptical about her mother's legacy. Deeply resentful towards her mother for leaving her at the age of 16, Roxane's hostility poses a formidable challenge to Frank's investigation and beliefs.
Conflict of Beliefs
The conflict between Father Frank's quest for truth and Roxane's bitterness creates a tense dynamic in their interactions. Roxane's staunch disbelief and her painful past force Frank to confront his own faith and the complexities that surround the notion of miracles.
Internal Struggle
As the investigation progresses, Frank grapples with his clerical duties alongside the whispers of doubt that arise through Roxane's perspective. This internal struggle highlights the fragility of faith when confronted with personal experiences and harsh realities.
Discovering Personal Redemption
In his endeavor to uncover the truth about Helen and her supposed miracles, Frank starts to understand deeper meanings of faith and personal redemption. His experiences lead him to reconsider his previous assumptions about miracles and their impact on people's lives.
Climactic Revelations
As Frank uncovers new revelations regarding Helen's life, the stakes of his investigation rise. These discoveries have profound implications not only for Helen's potential sainthood but for Frank's own faith journey as well.
Confronting Past Heartaches
Roxane’s confrontation with her mother’s choices and her evolving relationship with Frank creates a crucial emotional turning point. This highlights the complexities of familial bonds against the backdrop of theological exploration.
Faith Tested
As the investigation nears its conclusion, both Father Frank and Roxane are faced with decisions that will redefine their beliefs. The interplay between doubt, faith, and understanding brings both characters to a critical juncture.
Resolution of Tensions
In the end, Frank and Roxane reach an understanding that allows them to process their grief and resentment. Their respective journeys towards reconciliation and acceptance emerge as profound themes in the narrative.
The Legacy of Helen O'Regan
The culmination of Frank's investigation leads to a reexamination of Helen's life, with implications for her potential sainthood. This newfound perspective resonates deeply within Frank and influences his understanding of miracles.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Third Miracle (1999) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Father Frank Shore (Ed Harris)
Father Frank is a priest known as the 'Miracle Killer', who has dedicated his life to uncovering the truth about alleged divine interventions. His character is marked by skepticism and a profound internal conflict that drives the narrative forward.
Roxane (Anne Heche)
Roxane is portrayed as a staunch non-believer with a complicated past, especially regarding her mother. Her character embodies themes of resentment and the search for acceptance, presenting a stark contrast to Father Frank's beliefs.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Third Miracle (1999), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
World War II, 1979
The movie spans significant eras, beginning during the tumultuous closing chapters of World War II, when the chaos of battle influenced lives deeply. It then jumps to 1979, a time marked by cultural shifts and evolving religious perspectives, as characters navigate through personal and spiritual crises.
Location
Bystrica, Slovakia, Vatican
The story unfolds in Bystrica, Slovakia, a place that bears witness to the destruction of World War II. Following the war, the narrative shifts to the Vatican, the epicenter of the Catholic Church, known for its spiritual significance and architectural grandeur.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Third Miracle (1999). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Faith and Doubt
The struggle between faith and doubt is central to the narrative, especially for Father Frank, who is tasked with investigating miracles while grappling with his own skepticism. This theme resonates through his interactions with Roxane, who challenges his beliefs, creating a powerful discourse on spirituality and belief.
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Family and Resentment
The story further explores family dynamics, particularly the strained relationship between Roxane and her mother, Helen. Roxane's deep-seated resentment showcases the emotional turmoil that can arise from abandonment, illustrating how personal histories can impact one's faith and worldview.
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Redemption
The quest for personal redemption is a crucial element for Father Frank as he navigates through his clerical duties and his complex feelings towards the miracles associated with Helen. His journey represents a search for understanding and healing both for himself and others impacted by faith.
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