Stealing Heaven is a captivating historical drama set in medieval France that follows the complex and forbidden love affair between Abelard, a renowned philosopher and theologian, and Heloise, a headstrong and intelligent young woman. The story takes place in the early twelfth century when the Catholic Church holds a tight grip on the educated elites of society. Abelard, played by Derek de Lint, is a charismatic and gifted thinker whose ideas challenge the traditional wisdom of the church. He arrives in Paris to teach at the Cathedral School of Notre Dame and quickly gains popularity among the students.
Heloise, portrayed by Kim Thomson, is a spirited and passionate woman living in a convent run by her uncle, Canon Fulbert, played by Denholm Elliott. Abelard and Heloise meet by chance, and their intellectual chemistry is undeniable. Their discussions weave through topics of theology, philosophy, and love, and soon their friendship blossoms into a full-blown romance.
But their love is deemed sinful and scandalous by the church, and Abelard and Heloise must keep it a secret. Meanwhile, Canon Fulbert, who is unaware of their relationship, becomes increasingly fond of Abelard and invites him to stay at their house.
The tension in the film comes from the conflict between the church's strict doctrines and the natural and passionate love between Abelard and Heloise. The film takes its time to build the relationship between the two protagonists, and as their connection deepens, so does the sense of danger surrounding their affair.
As the story unfolds, Abelard's provocative teachings, and his relationship with Heloise draw the attention of the church authorities, and he is accused of heresy. The situation escalates when Heloise becomes pregnant, and they are forced to marry in secret to avoid further scandal.
The ending is poignant and heartbreaking, emphasizing the tragic nature of their love story.
The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of medieval France, while the lush musical score amplifies the emotional intensity of the story. The chemistry between Derek de Lint and Kim Thomson is palpable, and their performances are nuanced and authentic.
Stealing Heaven is a poignant and engrossing film that explores themes of love, passion, and the conflict between individual choice and dogmatic authority. It is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love.
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Genres
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CastDerek de LintKim ThomsonDenholm Elliott
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DirectorClive Donner
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Release Date1989
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MPAA RatingR
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Runtime1 hr 48 min
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LanguageEnglish
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IMDB Rating6.4 (815)
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