Watch Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross is a poignant German drama film that follows the story of Maria, a fourteen-year-old girl struggling to find her place in the world. The film, directed by Dietrich Brüggemann, was released in 2014 and has received critical acclaim for its deeply moving portrayal of faith, family, and personal struggle.

The film is divided into fourteen chapters, each of which is named after one of the Stations of the Cross, reflecting the Catholic Church's ritual of the same name. Throughout the film, we see Maria grappling with her faith, as she is deeply devoted to her Catholic upbringing, but finds herself increasingly at odds with her family's strict interpretation of their faith. Her mother, played by Franziska Weisz, is especially harsh, insisting that Maria adhere to her religious beliefs at all costs, even if that means sacrificing her own happiness and well-being.

Maria's struggles are compounded by the fact that she is an outsider in her own community. She is a member of the Society of St. Pius X, a traditionalist Catholic group that is not recognized by the mainstream church. As a result, Maria and her family are viewed with suspicion and derision by their fellow churchgoers, making it difficult for Maria to find acceptance or understanding.

Despite these challenges, Maria is determined to follow her faith, and the film is a powerful exploration of her journey towards personal enlightenment and self-discovery. The film's stunning cinematography and understated performances create a haunting, almost dreamlike quality that lingers long after the final credits have rolled.

At the heart of the film is the relationship between Maria and her priest, played by Florian Stetter. The priest becomes a central figure in Maria's life, providing guidance and support as she navigates the complexities of her faith. The relationship between the two is both tender and fraught, as Maria's devotion to her faith comes into conflict with her growing feelings of love and desire.

Stations of the Cross is a remarkable film that tackles complex themes with nuance and subtlety. It is a moving exploration of faith, family, and identity, and a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The film has earned numerous accolades, including the Best Script Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, and is widely regarded as one of the finest German films of recent years.

Overall, Stations of the Cross is a deeply affecting film that resonates long after the credits have rolled. Its exploration of faith and identity is both universal and deeply personal, and its themes of love, loss, and redemption are sure to strike a chord with audiences around the world. Whether you are a devout Catholic, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, Stations of the Cross is a must-see film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Stations of the Cross is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 68.