The Third Miracle (1999)

Synopsis: Agnieszka Holland directs this reflective, moving drama, which was based on the novel by Richard Vetere, who also adapted the screenplay with John Romano. THE THIRD MIRACLE tells the story of Frank Shore (Ed Harris), a priest currently undergoing a crisis of faith. Investigating a deceased... Agnieszka Holland directs this reflective, moving drama, which was based on the novel by Richard Vetere, who also adapted the screenplay with John Romano. THE THIRD MIRACLE tells the story of Frank Shore (Ed Harris), a priest currently undergoing a crisis of faith. Investigating a deceased woman upon whom he has the ability to bestow sainthood, he begins to fall for the woman's agnostic daughter, Roxanne (Anne Heche), confusing his purpose even more. Seeing his only chance for redemption in canonizing the woman, he must dig deep within himself to convince the cynical Archbishop Werner (Armin Mueller-Stahl) that she is, in fact, worthy of sainthood. Holland's film bears a tone of naive revelation when compared to the satirical, faith-free attitudes of most late-20th century films; it is this sincere approach to her story that makes THE THIRD MIRACLE such a fresh work of cinema. As the confused, but well-intentioned Frank Shore, Ed Harris delivers a fiery, engaging performance that proves his overflowing talent as an actor, giving the picture the heart that it needs, preventing it from slipping into overt sentimentality. [More]