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.
i saw this in the theater with the cut scene included back in 1971.
thanks for posting this.
Very nice movie, I saw nothing so brutal to forbite the world to watch this.
oh?
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.
The hype is better than the film. The set design and costumes are amazing.
Powerful movie, must be a shocking movie back in 1970’s when church still was worshipped.
Rape of Christ Szene ist unvollständig und stark beschnitten.
Disagree, but there is a possibility…
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… Read more »
is this the uncut version?
This is an amazing movie; thank you for posting.
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.
Thanks for this amazing film, now this is EFFEDUP
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… Read more »