Devils (1971)
AKA: –
Directed by: Ken Russell
Starring: Oliver Reed (Grandier), Vanessa Redgrave (Sister Jeanne), Gemma Jones (Madeleine)
Country: UK, European Cinema
Language: English (English subs)
Runtime: 01:53:38
Genres: Based on a True Story, Nunsploitation, BDSM, Violence against Men, Sexual-Violence against Women, Religion, Torture
Plot – Spoilers:
The Devils is loosely based on the historical character Grandier from 17th century France.
Grandier is a Catholic priest in a time when Protestants are hated and persecuted. Though just a priest, Grandier’s power and influence on his town Loudun is cult-like. The women, especially the nuns in the town’s convent, swoon at his very mention. And the men grudgingly admire his philandering skills while respecting his preeminent position in defending the town against the nobility’s attempts to expand their influence into the town.
It’s almost like Grandier was aptly named, for such is his sexual grandeur, the mother superior of the convent Sister Jeanne tortures herself into ecstasy while dreaming about him. Eventually, Grandier falls victim to his ways when he secretly marries a virgin wannabe-nun and the nobility and his enemies congregate to wreck him.
The Cut featured here includes the controversial Rape of Christ scene that was banned from most versions of the movie.
this is by far my favorite movie of all time 🙂 thank you EUM for including this in your collection!
the vibes tho
I would advise against reading this comment prior to watching the film, but you probably already know of a great deal of the story if you are on this page. As a trying follower of Christ, and a spiritual/human being, this movie burdens my heart. My initial interest in the picture arose purely out of the controversial element, but I found myself intrigued by the philosophical aspect. In the beginning, Father Grandier appeared to be the contemptible man, and the nuns somewhat hysterical. After all, he is portrayed as selfish, reckless, and abusing of his position. This all flips at the start of the second half when Sister Jeanne’s sexual repression begins to manifest in false accusations against him. Up until this point, despite Grandier’s iniquities, his voice sounds the most reasonable. At least he is conscious of truth, even in his own criticism. Yet, the beginning of Sister Jeanne’s trial/exorcism brings forth the big picture of the film, and the absurd religiosity and authoritarianism among the clergy of priests. In the film, this event occurs coincidentally with Grandier’s self-reflection, and his attempt to repent from his wicked ways. From here on is where the narrative descends into total chaos, madness, and delusion. At this point, I felt sorrow for what I was watching. The narrative of the Gospels was, in large part, Jesus’s calling out the self-righteousness among the authoritarian Jews whom seemingly knew nothing of love of God’s Creation. The story of the attempt to stone the prostitute… Read more »
Jesus warned us about the covetous Jews long ago. Jews are bad, m’kay?
Thanks for this amazing film, now this is EFFEDUP
Love this movie…I love it more now that I’ve seen this version. Vanessa Redgrave plays a nun gone mad brilliantly. I did have to close my eyes during the rape of Sr. Jeanne with the internal demon cleansing devices. Father Urban Grandier was a very interesting fellow, I suggest you read about him.
This is an amazing movie; thank you for posting.
is this the uncut version?
Saw this on VHS years ago with some jumpy scenes, obviously where the censors made the cuts. Great to see it in its entirety here on EUM, there are certainly a lot of extra scenes in this version. I can imagine the fuss this film would have caused back in 1971 with its religious blasphemies. It may not have the same impact now, but its still quite shocking in its portrayal. I really enjoyed it, it wasnt low budget and a lot of thought went into making it. And it was directed by Ken Russell, one of the big directors of the 70s and 80s. Awesome film!
Rape of Christ Szene ist unvollständig und stark beschnitten.
Disagree, but there is a possibility…
Powerful movie, must be a shocking movie back in 1970’s when church still was worshipped.
The hype is better than the film. The set design and costumes are amazing.
I thought this movie was just okay. Vanessa Redgrave was fascinating as the hunchbacked sexually repressed nun. Had she been the main character it would have been a great movie. But as it is it’s mostly Oliver Reed screaming a lot. It’s worth it though just to see Redgrave’s few scenes.
oh?
Very nice movie, I saw nothing so brutal to forbite the world to watch this.
Nice comment you stupid fucking retard it’s funny. if you do not think this movie is so brutal to forbite the world to watch this. Then you’re a fucking dumbass who don’t know what brutal is. you retard you are also a facking faget who likes to get fucked by your dad all the time because you are such a pathetic pussy even a shithole like your dad could see. And you dad is such a fucking retard he does not even know how to bay beer on the internet lol you dad is a stupid fuck and you suck your motherfucker bastard lol go and kill yourself you have no life and you have nothing to live for. you fucking gaylord piece of shit. Nobody is listening to you And you comment because you’re stupid pathetic lowlife and your mom is such a prostitute bitch she even getting fucked by boss for money and I fuck her. Your mom’s boy fuck and you’re weakling you cannot stand up for yourself you are a coward and you are so weak even a poor guy stared up more than you. You cocksucking bitch lol you are so hilarious because a complete loser vitor horseshit lol nobody cares about you asshole
i saw this in the theater with the cut scene included back in 1971.
thanks for posting this.