You are here:

The Tears of Saint Peter

Name: The Tears of Saint Peter
Director: Erich Hörtnagl
Released: 1995
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

1995

Director

Erich Hörtnagl

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Tears of Saint Peter presents a compelling subversion of power dynamics by featuring a cunning female protagonist in a medieval political struggle. Carla's manipulation of social structures critiques traditional gender roles and institutional authority. However, the film's impact is constrained by its narrow demographic focus, which lacks racial diversity and deeper LGBTQ+ representation. The absence of meaningful depictions of disability further limits its scope.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Tears of Saint Peter have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

Carla disguises herself as a man to achieve her goals, exploring gender fluidity. However, the central romance remains focused on heterosexual relationships.

How does The Tears of Saint Peter portray gender?

Good

The film centers around a female protagonist who demonstrates strong intellect and control over her fate. She outmaneuvers male figures, challenging traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Tears of Saint Peter?

Minimal

Set in medieval Sweden, the narrative focuses on a localized, homogeneous population. There is no evidence of non-white casting or the use of diverse racial metaphors.

How does The Tears of Saint Peter represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story portrays religious and civic leaders as corrupt, emphasizing moral relativism and skepticism towards established doctrines.

Does The Tears of Saint Peter include disability representation?

Minimal

The plot includes a product aimed at curing sickness, but it does not depict characters with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Strong subversion of gendered power dynamics through a highly capable female lead.
Critical lens applied to religious and civic institutions, portraying them as corrupt.
Exploration of gender fluidity through the protagonist's use of disguise.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the historical setting.
Limited depth in LGBTQ+ representation beyond gender performance.
Absence of meaningful depictions regarding disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

Izabella Scorupco plays Carla, who is a con-artist somewhere in mediavel Sweden. Carla is disguised as a man and she is selling a "product" called Petri tårar (Tears of St. Peter). This product cures every sickness. In order to promote her product she promises to wake up from the dead all citizens of the town who have died within the last ten years. Both the bishop and the mayor are alarmed as they fear loss of influence over them and try to work against Carla. There are also many citizens who don't want to see their "loved ones" wake up from the dead. In order to make things more confusing, Carla and the son of the mayor, Mark, fall in love with each other.

How are these scores produced? →