I wasn't familiar with this movie until recently, but I’m glad I found it. Watching it felt like I had been searching for something similar without even realizing it. I was captivated from the very beginning; I felt as though I had already finished watching the entire film within just a few minutes because I sensed it would be enjoyable. It's a heartwarming biographical family drama about a girl who learns to connect with the world and understand it better, despite being born with disabilities. The story is based on the true account of 14-year-old Marie Heurtin, set in rural France during the late 1800s. As the daughter of a craftsman ill-equipped to care for her, she’s sent to an institution where she can learn alongside other girls and hopefully live a better life. After some initial difficulties, Sister Marguerite takes a special interest in Marie, and that's when this wonderful story unfolds, revealing both positive and sad events. It’s a compelling film with memorable characters; the focus remains squarely on the two main figures, without much attention paid to other incidents. We witness her transformation from a difficult child to someone who understands the world is vast and learning is essential for connection. A dedicated teacher can help students achieve more than they ever imagined. The actors’ performances were exceptional. The role of Marie was particularly demanding, but it was portrayed perfectly by a young newcomer. Marguerite was an inspiring nun that any convent would aspire to have. There are countless Maries and Marguerites in the world who never meet, which is what makes this movie so special. > "I am so happy. I will see Marie again. She is my joy, the daughter of my soul, the light of my life." The French countryside where the film was shot was beautiful. The cinematography was excellent, accompanied by a pleasant musical score. While it's entertaining, it also evokes some intense emotions – not in a sentimental way, but happy tears. There are moments when the story becomes deeply emotional, particularly towards the end, prompting acceptance of life’s inevitable course. I’ve heard that some people question how accurate the story is, especially regarding certain scenes that seem overly cinematic. Historical films often face this criticism when depicting real events or characters on screen. It's true that it has been altered for adaptation. Others have pointed out similarities to Helen Keller's autobiography 'The Story of My Life,' which was adapted into a Hollywood film and won Academy Awards for both lead and supporting actresses. I’ve added that to my watchlist now. The two leads in this movie deserve similar recognition, but it is disappointing that the film has received less attention despite its appeal to family audiences. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Lately, I've been discovering some interesting movies; a better way of putting it is that I’m choosing well, because I don't limit myself to superhero films, Hollywood blockbusters, or big-budget productions like many young movie fans do these days. My goal is to find hidden gems and recommend them to others, and I highly suggest this one. 9/10

Source on TMDB