"In this fascinating 1968 documentary, one of the earliest by Kartemquin Films, two outgoing Catholic nuns, Sister Marie Arne and Sister Mary Campion, walk around Chicago asking people if they're happy. The answers they get are reasoned, spiritual, sometimes philosophical, and, in one case, frankly sexual, but a recurring motif is hope that the Vietnam war will end soon. The sisters' warmth and interest are reciprocated by their subjects, most of whom show concern for others and little regard for their moment in the spotlight."

"My favorite Kartemquin film... an engaging and enlightening film... sincere, articulate, and filled with insights into the era's concerns and worries. While the nuns appear to be onscreen "personalities," which is not a cinema verite characteristic, their simple, innocent approach to the interviews make them more like the film's subject than it's crew."

"Delightful food for thought"

“...Inquiring Nuns is the closest thing to a ‘pure’ documentary that I have ever seen.”

“Guilessly provocative…A-”

"Inquiring Nuns is handled with such surpassing understanding that it becomes a quite profound and moving experience…a marvelous revelation of our time and ourselves."

"A profound and moving experience for the viewer… we have a chance to meet people talking honestly and openly about themselves… a marvelous revelation of our time and ourselves."