Sworn Virgin
Sworn Virgin

Sworn Virgin

2015Movie87 minItalian

Years after declaring her eternal virginity and opting to live life as a man in the mountains of Albania, Hana looks to return to living as a woman as she settles into a new existence in modern-day Milan.

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Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users88%
Director: Cristina ComenciniGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In the Albanian tradition of 'sworn virgins,' women can take a vow of chastity and live as men. Hana, facing a life of subservience, chooses this path to gain freedom and independence. She moves to Italy, working in construction, but her past and identity begin to catch up with her, forcing her to confront the consequences of her chosen life.

Critical Reception

Sworn Virgin received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its sensitive portrayal of a unique cultural practice and its exploration of identity, gender, and freedom. While not a mainstream blockbuster, it resonated with audiences interested in character-driven dramas and cultural narratives.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compelling lead performance and exploration of a fascinating cultural tradition.
  • Appreciated for its nuanced look at female identity and the pursuit of freedom.
  • Some found the pacing deliberate, but the emotional core was generally well-received.

Google audience: Google users largely approved of 'Sworn Virgin,' highlighting its unique story and the emotional depth of the main character's journey. Many viewers found it to be a moving and thought-provoking film that offered insight into a rare cultural phenomenon.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Film at the David di Donatello Awards.

Fun Fact

The concept of 'sworn virgins' (or 'burrnesha') is a real tradition from Northern Albania, where women could take a vow of celibacy and assume male rights and social status.

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