Description: Originally rated X, this film combines historical, comedic, and surrealistic elements to tell a tale of politics and witchcraft. In order to take over pre-rennaisance France, Cardinal Richelieu and his power-hungry followers will have to eliminate Father Grandier. Grandier controls the one town that keeps Richelieu from having total control of the region. The plan is to convince the townspeople that Grandier is a warlock and that all of his nuns are possessed by devils. The accusations are heard at a public trial - whose results may surprise you.
Thought provoking, dizzying, insane film, one of the most unique films by the still controversial Ken Russell... I rented this film and Truffault's Day for Night one night, and showed them to a love interest of mine at the time. I showed her Day for Night, which she absolutely hated and despised (despite the fact it was a dubbed, pan and scan version, so she couldn't have used the "subtitled/letterbox" excuse many use). She stopped calling me after that. I wished I had shown her The Devils, as it would have warped her fragile, little mind and stayed in her subconscious for the rest of her life. It would have become a permanent parasite, popping up occasionally and messing with her brain when she least expected it. This is one of Ken Russell's most amazing, outrageous, and thought provoking/brain melting films. It is arguably his best work, where the frenzy and mania reach dizzying heights. It is not a work where there are a few amazing scenes interspersed with boring, perfunctory scenes. The whole film is perfect, and mind you, the version on the old VHS tape is not the full length version. That does exist, and some bootleg DVD's have been released with it, but no definitive version yet. The film is about the merging of church and state, not a particularly good thing. It is also about faith as well, and faith is a different concept than the church.
I am one who think Russell was one of the greatest filmmakers of the 1970's. Some have called him a looney, others a genius. He had an amazing run in the 1970's, but after Altered States, he just lost it, and he's never really gotten it back. Gothic and Lair of the White Worm have their moments, but his other work has been abysmal (especially his film Whore). The last I heard of him was an appearance on the U.K. version of Big Brother. Maybe someday Russell can capture his artistry, I don't know. But this film needs to be released uncut on DVD.
Another cult movie of Ken Russell that urgently waits for its DVD release!! "The Devils" still stands out as one of the most outrageous films ever made, keeping into account we are talking about Ken Russell. Based on the extraordinary essay of Aldus Huxley the picture depicts the lives, times and final tragedy of Urbain Grandier and his fervent and irresistible sexual attraction on a convent of nuns. Nowadays it was discovered this mental alienation was consequence of a sexual repression best known as uterine furor, but in those times he was accused and burnt as a devil' s emissary.
This portrait was absolutely demonstrated and took place in Loudun' s province in 1638.
Historical Correction Just to be accurate. The official Editorial Reviews on this page refer to the story as PRE-rennaisance. It is in fact POST-rennaisance and Pre-Enlightenment. Think: pilgrams and muskateers on psychedelics!
Glad I found the DVD I was lucky enough to find this masterpiece on DVD uncut. I highly recommend the DVD.
The true Devils I saw this masterpiece when it first came out, 1971. I have not stoped thinking and talking about it since. The devil you think of are not the devils you will see. It will leave a mark on you. This is not a light film. You won't forget it. Expect a wide range of emotional reponses, widest range of any film I have seen with the possible exception being the Kind Of Hearts with Allan Bates.
This film is a realistic rendition of the harsh reality of life for the common people of early France. It is relevant and contemporary in its portrayal of the relationship of church and state then and now. Shocking, disturbing, sadistic, and a brutal harsh reality.
If you can stomach history as it was, do yourself a favor and see The Devils, uncut of course.
Super acting and great sets. You will think and feel as if you were there.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
