One of the great comedies of the decade.
We are facing a film that was a huge success when it was released and continues, even today, to have a vast legion of fans. It's one of those light, friendly comedies that doesn't age, is always current, and is a pleasure to revisit from time to time. The expertly written screenplay tells the story of Deloris, a casino singer who must be protected by the police after witnessing her lover, a married gangster, kill a police snitch at close range. The authorities' solution is to hide her in a convent, where she will have to assume a false identity and pretend that she is a nun. Of course, most of the film's jokes come precisely from the difficult adaptation of a showgirl to a strongly strict environment, where obedience and discipline are taken seriously.
The film works wonderfully well, and despite the years that have passed, it remains an amazingly up-to-date film that doesn't show its age. It's one of those films that we can watch and rewatch without getting tired, from time to time, and that is still fondly remembered by many people today. It's not a great film from a technical point of view, with average cinematography and editing, good sets and decent costumes, but no big fights and other challenging technical elements.
The cast is lavish and full of talent. The protagonist is the great Whoopi Goldberg, who was at the time experiencing one of the highlights of her career (shortly before, she had received the Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for Ghost), becomes, with this film, truly an icon. Next to her were the grandiose Maggie Smith and the funny Kanthy Najimi, Wendy Makkena and Mary Wickes, who bring to life the most significant nuns of that convent. The villain, in turn, is very well done by Harvey Keitel.
