Her mortal story seems one of sadness rather than inspiration.

'A well-made, illuminating and moving depiction of one our most beloved saints.'

This is the sort of movie parochial-school boys will want to draw moustaches on. They deserve our forgiveness.

What lifts the film above mere proselytizing is the obvious sincerity of everyone involved in the project.

When it comes to pious Catholicism, “Therese” makes “The Passion of the Christ” look like “Cannibal Holocaust”.

The devout will no doubt enjoy this picturesque dramatization of an inspirational story many have known since childhood; others may understandably expect something more.

It deals with profound questions of death and separation but with the slow, satisfied air of those who have all the answers.

Skip the movie, stay home, read the book and say three Hail Marys.