The movie even has a lot of faith in this woman and so do we.
The opening credits for “Cabrini” begins with the message that back when Italians immigrated to America, they could barely speak English and were mistreated as such. And that’s why we see a little boy struggling to get help for his ill mother, because of his language.
I got an early look at this movie last month, and I still admire its representation of how Italians were treated in America back then, and how some of them were able to thrive to benefit those less fortunate. It’s a film with anti-Italianism and sexism theme, which are unfortunate in a certain time period or any period for that matter. And it also teaches/reminds movie-goers about Francesca Cabrini, also known as Mother Cabrini, a religious sister and saint, who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred House of Jesus in Rome Italy.
This true story shows Cabrini (Cristiana Dell’Anna from “The King of Laughter” and “The Hand of God”) planning a mission to help those misfortunate Italian immigrants, starting in China. The Pope (Giancarlo Giannini) grants her mission, on the condition she begins in the West. Meaning, she and her fellow sisters must travel to New York, only to find out that the Archbishop (David Morse) has denied her mission, but she’s persistent enough to convince him the Pope granted her request.
She also has a medical condition, in which her doctor warns that her next episode could be fatal. But she’s not a quitter, and she’s willing to teach her fellow women how to represent their strength.
She receives some help from an Italian prostitute named Vittoria (Romana Maggiora Vergano) in finding some lost children. She’s often mistreated by pimps, who would even try to murder her, but she’s a lot smarter than she looks.
Cabrini also has New York Times journalist Theodore Calloway (Jeremy Bobb) doing a story on the struggles of the children (with the title “Even Rats Have It Better”), how they can learn to be American citizens while valuing their Italian traditions, and reminding people that America was founded by foreigners.
And she also makes it her mission to get orphanages and hospitals, even if it means clashing with Mayor Gould (John Lithgow).
“Cabrini” was directed by Alejandro Monteverde, who also made last year’s hit “Sound of Freedom,” and he presents this movie with a courageous spirit. One that refuses to let racism tell people where their place is supposed to be. Remember, immigrants were mistreated back then. It doesn’t matter the nationality and where they come from. Yes, it’s a little long (running at 2 hours and 25 minutes) and certain scenes are unnecessary, but it still uses a voice that ignites with the right motivation, and Cristiana Dell’Anna is exceptional as the main saint.
I never knew this woman before I saw this movie. I wouldn’t have recognized her name if someone asked me if I knew who she was. But I still had to see how this movie tells her story. I can’t say everything is accurate, but I can say they’re presented with authenticity and emotions. Whether this movie will earn audience’s attention is debatable, but I know there are those who would be interested to see how this movie tells Cabrini’s story.