Review of The Name of the Rose (1986) by Jens S — 17 May 2011

This extremely atmospheric and engrossing story set in a 14th century monastery in Northern Italy is a murder mystery and commentary on medieval church and inquisition at the same time. It perfectly intertwines these two aspects of the plot, carried by an outstanding Sean Connery and the wonderfully odd faces of the monks he is encountering.

Following his investigations of the murders is fun and spooky at the same time, James Horner's score makes sure of the latter. The second half may be a bit simplistic in its depiction of good and bad, but that doesn't lessen the deeply satisfying solution to the mystery.