Vision – From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen

Synopsis

Set in the 12th century, 'Vision – From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen' follows the remarkable life of Hildegard von Bingen, a Benedictine nun who overcomes the challenges and prejudices of her time to become a visionary theologian, mystic, and composer. Played by Barbara Sukowa, Hildegard's journey is one of tenacity and spiritual discovery, marked by her devotion to her faith and her keen intellect. The film offers a compelling portrayal of her visions, her quest for knowledge, and her efforts to gain recognition within and beyond the monastery walls. Directed by Margarethe von Trotta, the movie captures the transformative power of one woman's life, underscoring her lasting impact on religion, science, and the arts.

Cast

• 

  Barbara Sukowa

  Hildegard von Bingen

• 

  Heino Ferch

  Mönch Volmar

• 

  Hannah Herzsprung

  Richardis von Stade

• 

  Devid Striesow

  Kaiser Friedrich Barbarossa

• 

  Sunnyi Melles

  Markgräfin von Stade

• 

  Lena Stolze

  Schwester Jutta

Reviews

Reviews of 'Vision – From the Life of Hildegard von Bingen' are generally positive, highlighting the film's strong performances and historical richness. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an impressive 83% rating. Michael O'Sullivan from The Washington Post praised the film for its 'sumptuous mise-en-scène' and called Barbara Sukowa’s performance 'mesmerizing.' Similarly, Peter Rainer from The Christian Science Monitor lauded Sukowa for bringing 'tormented intensity' and 'convincing authority' to the role of Hildegard. On IMDb, the film has an average rating of 6.5/10, reflecting a range of viewer experiences. It holds a Metacritic score of 68, indicating generally favorable reviews. Some critiques, such as those from Slant Magazine, felt the film could be 'too reverent and hagiographic,' potentially alienating viewers less familiar with Hildegard's life. Overall, 'Vision' is appreciated for shedding light on a lesser-known historical figure and for vividly bringing to life the medieval period's atmosphere and struggles.