Year: 2025
Director: Anthony D’Ambrosio
Starring: Marcin Kwasny, Christopher Sherwood
I had the opportunity to see Triumph of the Heart twice—first on a smaller screen and then again on the big screen in Chicago, with Marcin Kwaśny himself in attendance.
After the screening, Marcin participated in a Q&A session where everyone had the chance to ask questions. Afterwards, he stayed to sign CDs and DVDs and take photos with everyone who wanted one.
What struck me most was his humility. Hearing the story of his conversion, how he met Anthony D’Ambrosio, and how he ultimately received the role was inspiring. It was clearly a story guided by the Holy Spirit, leading him—even someone far more famous than St. Maximilian Kolbe—to develop a deep devotion to the Polish saint.
Anthony D’Ambrosio didn’t have a Hollywood budget or the resources to produce a feature film in a foreign country. Yet none of that stopped him from creating something truly remarkable.
For nearly two hours, the film takes the audience on an emotional journey. It tells an incredibly difficult story while revealing the beauty found in small acts of courage, selfless love, and ultimate sacrifice. In the darkest imaginable circumstances—when all earthly hope seems lost—the film reminds us that even the smallest flame of hope can overcome overwhelming darkness.
The story takes place in the German concentration camp of Auschwitz in occupied Poland in 1941. Most people know that St. Maximilian Kolbe volunteered to take the place of Franciszek Gajowniczek and was condemned to die by starvation. What history does not tell us is what happened inside that starvation bunker during those fifteen days without food or water.
Anthony D’Ambrosio imaginatively fills that historical silence by portraying the conversations and experiences of St. Maximilian Kolbe and the nine other prisoners imprisoned with him. He does so with great sensitivity, showing both the complete despair experienced by many of the prisoners and the supernatural hope embodied by St. Maximilian. The film presents starvation, suffering, fear, and death with honesty while never losing sight of the triumph of grace.
This was no easy story to tell, yet the result feels authentic, emotionally compelling, and deeply human.
The cinematography beautifully complements the mood of the film, drawing viewers into the emotional and spiritual journey of its characters. Considering its modest budget, the production quality is genuinely impressive.
As always, I try to review films as honestly as possible, and I do have two reservations.
First, the film depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing visibly to St. Maximilian during his visions. Personally, I don’t think Our Lady should be portrayed directly by an actress. Her beauty and glory surpass anything that could realistically be represented on screen. I believe her presence could have been conveyed more effectively through light, silhouette, or suggestion rather than a literal depiction.
Second, because this is a film made by Catholics, I expected complete fidelity to Catholic teaching. In one scene depicting the heavenly banquet, a Jewish prisoner appears among the saved. Throughout the film, however, this character never professes faith in Jesus Christ.
From a Catholic theological perspective, salvation comes only through Christ. As Our Lord says:
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)
While I understand the director’s pastoral intention and appreciate the desire to emphasize God’s mercy and the dignity of every human person, I believe this scene could unintentionally confuse viewers about Catholic teaching on salvation. Our suffering, no matter how heroic, cannot save us by itself. Only the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ opens the gates of heaven.
Despite these theological concerns, they do not diminish what is otherwise an outstanding film.
Finally, I should note that the movie contains several intense and violent scenes depicting the realities of Auschwitz. Viewer discretion is advised, particularly for younger audiences and those who are sensitive to graphic portrayals of suffering.
Overall, Triumph of the Heart is a beautifully crafted film about hope, sacrifice, and the victory of love over hatred. It reminds us that holiness is possible even in the darkest moments of human history—and that one saint, faithful to Christ until the very end, can illuminate the world.
Review
Sexuality & Nudity: 2/10
Violence: 8/10
Profanity: 3/10
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: 5/10
Frightening & Intense Scenes: 9/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 8/10
Storytelling: 8/10
Catholic Doctrine: violation
Final rank: A
