I also checked out Stigmata, but can't really recommend it since the film didn't evoke any emotion in me except irritation ('Why are they showing this same montage/clip again?' Did they run out of money, or do they think I'm dense?). Also, the film was not evocative in its horror aspect (the final possession scene was a direct rip-off of The Exorcist). I thought the issues explored were worthy though (Could a non-believer be the best choice for a disciple? Would that person be converted to the side of 'good' after having the stigmata visited upon him/her? Are hairdressers really appreciative of such a make-over?) Of course, the film didn't really explore whether visiting the stigmata upon a person against their will is a good thing to do to; it was just assumed that this was all necessary and 'for good', thereby making it OK. The rape of the atheists by God. Is evil really so strong that such deplorable war tactics would have to be utilized by something as allegedly strong as the force of good? Does the end justify the means? Would good really need to utilize evil to achieve its ends? How closely are good and evil intertwined? Given that 'good' had to go over to the non-believer side to find worthy disciple fodder totally slams the people who already claim to be on the side of good as being a bunch of weak, corrupt hypocrites. That would include our sexy young priest dude (Gabriel Byrne) who struggles with the inner turmoil of wanting a lithe young hairdresser to polish his senser. A lot of the scenes in this film are disturbing since they are essentially a rape. I was especially disturbed by one scene where it appeared our heroine was enjoying being whipped. Clearly, some folks are into that, but in an interview, it was passed off as her experiencing 'the religious ecstacy of enlightenment' at that particular moment. Give me a break :). Also, the idea of the Catholic church as a stale, bureacratic, patriarcal bullshit corporation that wants to stay in business at any cost is interesting (see: WorldCom). The idea that Christianity and paganism/ nature worship are not mutually exclusive (there is a bridge) is interesting. The film is mediocre in its execution though, but is visually intense, almost like a string of fashion magazine ads. If this film was not generally dismissed by the public, some folks might get cheesed about it, get up some gumption and go picket it like they did 'Last Temptation of Christ'. I dig talking to picketers at these things. I must warn you though, not to argue with the religiously incensed who have not "remained calm"; it's like poking at the pissy raccoon in the dumpster with a stick.