I recently have read pretty harsh criticism of Mother Teresa and her ministries, mostly from a modern perspective. I own a Mother Teresa quote book and could not reconcile the criticisms with her words. I was delighted to find this movie, which is a well-done portrayal of a woman who had a clear vision and acted to bring it about.
The movie does not address the modern controversies, at all. It does portray Mother Teresa's attitude, faith, fortitude and myopic focus: caring for the poorest of the poor. Being a devout Roman Catholic, she (of course) did everything in the name of Christ - believing Him to be her direct inspiration. She stood up to her superiors in the Church, stood up to government officials, stood up to social pressures, and pressed forward in establishing refuges for sick, hungry, dying and leprous people.
She seemed to not understand business transactions, and when she was confronted with the fact that one of her main benefactors had contributed dirty money (from clients he had swindled) she simply resolved to give the money back (to those who were swindled) immediately.
For me, the movie is a perfect balance of tension, resolution (mostly through faith), and inspiration. Mother Teresa did not care to distinguish Christians from Muslims or Hindus - she just provided care for whomever needed it to the extent she could. Her attitude was: if things go well/quickly, that is the Lord's will; if things come to a halt/go slowly, that is the Lord's will. She simply did what she could and accepted the outcome.
The film at least gave me context for the controversies/criticisms of her work, but all in all, I believe she was a great blessing and inspiration to many. Her stance on abortion (completely anti) was briefly portrayed, and, of course, there are some who feel that such an attitude is misogynistic or worse.
The movie does not address the modern controversies, at all. It does portray Mother Teresa's attitude, faith, fortitude and myopic focus: caring for the poorest of the poor. Being a devout Roman Catholic, she (of course) did everything in the name of Christ - believing Him to be her direct inspiration. She stood up to her superiors in the Church, stood up to government officials, stood up to social pressures, and pressed forward in establishing refuges for sick, hungry, dying and leprous people.
She seemed to not understand business transactions, and when she was confronted with the fact that one of her main benefactors had contributed dirty money (from clients he had swindled) she simply resolved to give the money back (to those who were swindled) immediately.
For me, the movie is a perfect balance of tension, resolution (mostly through faith), and inspiration. Mother Teresa did not care to distinguish Christians from Muslims or Hindus - she just provided care for whomever needed it to the extent she could. Her attitude was: if things go well/quickly, that is the Lord's will; if things come to a halt/go slowly, that is the Lord's will. She simply did what she could and accepted the outcome.
The film at least gave me context for the controversies/criticisms of her work, but all in all, I believe she was a great blessing and inspiration to many. Her stance on abortion (completely anti) was briefly portrayed, and, of course, there are some who feel that such an attitude is misogynistic or worse.