Review of The Devils (1971) by Tom G — 09 Oct 2012

It is a truly strange movie that has plenty of visual style, sometimes it is a heavy handed Religious drama from the 17th century and a unique, odd, surreal black comedy. The surreal parts of the movie, I enjoy the most.

Especially the daring performance by Redgrave as the sexually fraustrated hunchback nun! I don't know much of Ken Russell's work but I am only familiar with "Altered States". When I watched this movie, I thought, this was "Caligula" should have been! Russell certainly done this movie with bad taste but it is beautifully done.

Thanks to a striking production designs. Reed is also excellent in the role as a somewhat corrupted Priest, who can't resist woman. Because he simply loves woman. Certainly not a boring movie. I want to rate this higher but I gotta seen it again, one of these days.

The European DVD two-disc set is worth getting. The movie runs 107 mins. It is still 12 minutes shorter, what Russell originally intented to be. The second disc shows some of the missing footage for the documentary and more extras.

I don't know, when the region 1 DVD is coming out. If you have a region free DVD player or region free Blu-ray player, get it, while you can.