Review of The Virgin Spring (1960) by Heather K — 29 Apr 2008

So I really seem to like films which owe a ton to this one, so I'm really glad I finally watched it. Firstly it's beautiful, stark, no music and it's one of the most direct tales I've seen. The cinematography is near amazing, and the acting is just as wonderful also. Sometimes the classics can be a kiss of death, they can be boring, confusing and just generally hard to sit through, but I promise this is in a class by itself.

The story centers around the 14th century where a well off couple and their virginal daughter live. They also have a step-daughter who is wild and pregnant whom they've taken in I should add. Anyhow, the virgin takes the pregnant girl with her to take some candles down to the church. Along the way they separate and virginal girl comes across three poor folks who are hungry. One seems mentally erm slow, another seems creepy and evil and the third is a young boy.

She stops and shares her lunch with the trio before they attack her, violently rape her and kill her (while the pregnant step-sister watches). The murderers accidentally find there way into her family's home and they take them in unsuspectingly. Then the slow guy tries to sell back the family their daughter's dress and all hell breaks loose as it turns into one of the most intense revenge scenes ever.

This is one of the best films you are likely ever to see so long as you can be patient and you have a heart you will be rewarded. It's not a gross out splattery thing or anything, it's shot in black and white and it's artistically done but it's without a doubt a must see. The direct nature of the film makes it all the more disturbing, and horrific, this is an art film that simply must be seen.