Angels of Sin (Les Anges du péché)

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 suspicious? - The guard saw prowlers...

Wait 'til 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?

Imagine 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.