In a world that often lacks fairness, true justice can seem elusive. Power lies in the hands of offenders and undue repercussions can befall innocent people. Events of World War II are particularly distinct in showcasing the degree of injustice that can plague society. A recently released French film, entitled “The Innocents,” explores the ethical and moral dilemmas facing a group of religious nuns in a post-World War II, Polish convent.

The film opens with the view of a snow-covered landscape. A nun is walking along a forest trail, anxiously breathing and in clear distress. She arrives at a French Red Cross hospital and meets a doctor named Mathilde. The nun explains to Mathilde that one of the nuns at her convent has become sick and needs medical attention. Mathilde initially responds with hostility, but eventually agrees to go back with the nun.

Mathilde drives them back to the convent and, upon arrival, confronts the disapproval of the the other nuns and head mistress, Mother Abbess. As Mathilde is permitted to examine the sick nun, she discovers that the nun is, in fact, pregnant and in labor. She enables the nun to give birth through C-section, later inquiring about the state of the other nuns at the convent. Mathilde learns that upon liberation from German occupancy, the convent had been invaded by Russian forces. The Russian soldiers raped all of the nuns, and many became pregnant after the incident. Mathilde commits to treating the nuns, assisting them through pregnancy and delivery of their babies.

Many of the nuns struggle with feelings of shame. They believe the rape was their fault and the pregnancies are precursors to death and the descent to hell. In actuality, the nuns are mere victims of the greater reality of a chaotic, post-war environment. As the film progresses, the nuns realize that their perception of reality has been influenced by their sheltered way of life. They see that bad things can happen to good people and and that religious devotion does not always guarantee security. Although Mathilde is not religious and is frequently shown smoking and drinking for recreation, she still inspires the nuns with her pure intention and helpfulness.

Another example which challenges our perception of innocence pertains to the behavior of Mother Abbess. After a few nuns give birth, Mother Abbess takes the newborns away from the convent. She claims that she has sent the newborns to an orphanage, for her goal is to protect the convent's reputation and the social dignity of the nuns. Later, it is revealed that Mother Abbess, actually, had taken the newborns out into the wilderness and left them in isolation. This demonstrates one of the ironies prevalent in religious institutions. While excessive pride is considered a sin, pride, often, overrides moral obligation and humanity. True innocence, in fact, cannot be determined based on one's appearance or title. Innocence is a quality showcased through actions and is, more importantly, an element of moral intentions and values.