By Todd Jackett.

Not being a religious person I was skeptical about this film, but none the less I went into watching this film with an open mind. If I was to wrap this film up with one word it would be, powerful. If this film were to lose any points it would be due to the subtitles, I’m not a fan. Otherwise the actors and actresses portrayed their respective parts perfectly, and at times it was as if I could physically attach myself to the emotions felt throughout the film.

This film is about a young woman’s (Maria) interpretation on the subject of making sacrifices for the Lord. Early on in the film Maria has a discussion about sacrifices with a priest just after class in church. He describes making sacrifices of some of the finer things in life (snacks and treats etc.), but Maria takes a different meaning from it, a much deeper meaning.

Maria thinks about it and goes on about her life as a young woman in the grade school years, she’s at the influential age where she’s starting to meet boys and listen to music. However, considering she’s already confused about the subject of staying pure to the Lord her thoughts are further confused by her overbearing mother, who is determined to keep her daughter on a strict pure path in the name of the Lord and reminds Maria of what it means to be pure, NOT involving herself in the finer things like boys and ‘Satanic’ music.

The Mother, being set in her religious way, tears a strip off of Maria for considering stepping outside of the boundaries of the Lord. Thinking she’s doing something wrong Maria seeks further guidance on the subject through a confession, which really just makes matters worse. The religious figure talking her through the confession confirms with her that she needs to stay vigilant, and do not let up against temptations. Somehow all this talk about staying pure and resisting temptation causes Maria to become more determined, to sacrifice food for her less fortunate brother.

It turns out there’s a reason behind Maria’s focus on making a sacrifice for the Lord, she’s under the impression that her sacrifice may help someone in the form of a blessing. Maria’s younger brother is a mute, and Maria is willing to do whatever she can to help him. Even put her own life on the line to improve her brothers.

The longer the film goes on the more and more people are starting to notice the changes going on with Maria, it becomes apparent that she’s been sacrificing food in the name of the Lord. Her appearance is starting to change for the worst and it’s starting to affect her health, which all comes crashing down in the church.

Being the strong Christian woman she is Maria’s mother struggles to understand the causes behind Marias declining health, interfering and arguing with the doctor. In the end just makes things worse, but the damage has been done. Maria ends up in the hospital in critical condition; the sacrifices she’s made have ultimately gone too far. She passes shortly after going to the hospital.

To rub the salt on the wounds, the same priest who put the idea of sacrifices in her head, is the same priest who says her last rites.

But it turns out that her efforts were not in vain, moments after she passes her brother speaks for the first time in his life, it makes me want to believe.

Personally speaking, this film is a perfect example of the extreme effects of religion. Though Maria’s actions were pure in intent, they cost her her life in the end. In this case religion caused more harm than good.

How far are you willing to go? You just may get there. Tread carefully, consider moderation.

Thank you for your time.