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Rebel Hearts

Play trailer 2:01 Poster for Rebel Hearts 2021 1h 43m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 35 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
In 1960s Los Angeles a trailblazing group of nuns, The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, bravely stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church, fighting for equality, their livelihoods, and their own freedom against an all-powerful Cardinal who sought to keep them in their place. Their bold acts of faith, defiance and activism turned the Church upside down, helping to reshape our society in ways that continue to resonate today. From marching in Selma in 1965 to the Women's March in 2018, they challenged the notion of what a nun and a woman were supposed to be. These unlikely resistance fighters, including Anita Caspary, Helen Kelley, Pat Reif and iconic pop artist Corita Kent, were devoted to a life of service, not only to others but to themselves -- forming a community that empowered each sister to live up to her fullest potential. Their desire to bring the church into modern life was met with forceful opposition at every turn. As each of them discovered their own talents and voices, they fully stepped into their roles as leaders in a movement that is still making waves.
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Rebel Hearts

Rebel Hearts

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Critics Consensus

A fascinating documentary with unique visual flair, Rebel Hearts offers stirring tribute to largely unheralded leaders in the fight against religious patriarchy.

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Critics Reviews

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Amy Nicholson FilmWeek (LAist) 06/25/2021
It's just a fantastic story that's really well researched... It has so much style and fun. Go to Full Review Christy Lemire FilmWeek (LAist) 06/25/2021
It's thrilling to watch them coming into their own. Go to Full Review Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups 06/25/2021
5/5
Both inspiring and revelatory, sharing the life wisdom of its well-educated subjects and a danceable soundtrack curated by music supervisor Tracy McKnight, Rebel Hearts is a blessed and joyful movie. Go to Full Review Cody Dericks Next Best Picture 07/07/2022
7/10
Consistently astounding in its honesty and its ability to surprise its audience over and over again, "Rebel Hearts" is a delightful and ultimately touching look at some of history's most unlikely progressive fighters. Go to Full Review Josie Meléndez Shuffle Online 03/07/2022
B+
"Rebel Hearts" was surprisingly wholesome, delightful, and cheeky, showing another side of women that devote their lives to religion. Go to Full Review Zosha Millman Thirty, Flirty + Film 02/03/2022
In between all the scattered gathering of information and clippings, Rebel Hearts loses the heart of its story: the women themselves. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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RJ L @RJ1117 Feb 5 Amazing documentary it drew me in right away and the history is amazing to learn about and how this nuns wanted to keep up with the times. See more Read all reviews
Rebel Hearts

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Cast & Crew

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Pedro Kos

Director

Pedro Kos

Writer

Kira Carstensen

Producer

Judy Korin

Producer

Shawnee Isaac Smith

Producer

Adrienne Becker

Executive Producer

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Rebel Hearts

Rebel Hearts: Trailer 1 Rebel Hearts: Trailer 1 2:01 View more videos
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Rebel Hearts

Rebel Hearts (2021) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1960s Los Angeles a trailblazing group of nuns, The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, bravely stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church, fighting for equality, their livelihoods, and their own freedom against an all-powerful Cardinal who sought to keep them in their place. Their bold acts of faith, defiance and activism turned the Church upside down, helping to reshape our society in ways that continue to resonate today. From marching in Selma in 1965 to the Women's March in 2018, they challenged the notion of what a nun and a woman were supposed to be. These unlikely resistance fighters, including Anita Caspary, Helen Kelley, Pat Reif and iconic pop artist Corita Kent, were devoted to a life of service, not only to others but to themselves -- forming a community that empowered each sister to live up to her fullest potential. Their desire to bring the church into modern life was met with forceful opposition at every turn. As each of them discovered their own talents and voices, they fully stepped into their roles as leaders in a movement that is still making waves.
Director
Pedro Kos
Producer
Kira Carstensen, Judy Korin, Shawnee Isaac Smith
Screenwriter
Pedro Kos
Production Co
Merman, Anchor Entertainment
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 25, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 27, 2021
Runtime
1h 43m
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