Time: 111 Minutes
Age Rating: R18
Cast:
Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Jeanne des Anges
Oliver Reed as Father Urbain Grandier
Director: Ken Russell

I had heard about The Devils, I didn’t know much about it except that it was very controversial especially for the time, and that it had something to do with religion. I actually got to watch this on the big screen and that was such a great way to experience such an unforgettable film.

The version of The Devils that was shown at my screening was the British cut, and from everything I’ve heard, this is the version to watch if you’re going to check this film out. I do think that it is best to go into this movie fairly blind. What I can say is that it definitely lived up to its reputation; it’s a very uncompromising, audacious and provocative movie. Yes it does have numerous sequences of debauchery and orgies, but there’s a lot here thematically too, between religious zealotry, corrupt institutes, abuse of power, and a portrait of Catholic hypocrisy. You’ll be able to realise pretty quickly why this was so controversial.

Everyone is great in their parts, the biggest standouts were Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, both are outstanding in their roles.

This is the first movie I’ve seen from Ken Russell, his direction is fantastic, stylised and over the top. The cinematography and imagery are memorable and the production design is amazing.

The Devils is deranged, provocative, impressive, amazingly directed, and has compelling performances from Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave.