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The Devils
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The Devils

1971
Drama
Horror
1h 51m
Cardinal Richelieu and his power-hungry entourage seek to take control of pre-rennaisance France, but need to destroy Father Grandier... (imdb)
Directed by:
Ken Russell Ken Russell
Written by:
Ken Russell Ken Russell Aldous Huxley Aldous Huxley John Whiting
+2 more
Starring:
Gemma Jones Gemma Jones Vanessa Redgrave Vanessa Redgrave Murray Melvin Murray Melvin Oliver Reed Oliver Reed Georgina Hale Dudley Sutton Max Adrian Max Adrian Michael Gothard Michael Gothard Christopher Logue Andrew Faulds Judith Paris Iza Teller
More
Genres:
Drama, Horror, History
Country:
UK
Languages:
English, Latin
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Devils

1971
Drama
Horror
1h 51m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 71.09% from 776 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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barthalenBarthalen
Rated 21 Dec 2016
78
74th
A crazy whirlwind of religious piety, hypocrisy, human desire, sexual repression and injustice that was understandably shocking at the time but hit this jaded viewers' I-wanna-see-crazy-shit-from-the-70's sweet spot. Striking imagery, great sets, delightfully over the top performances, Reed and Redgrave being rad as hell (heaven?), and a pile of nude nuns writhing in ecstasy on a christ statue. [Removes one item from nun-related bucket list]
Rated 21 Dec 2016
mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 09 Apr 2018
98
98th
Russell, through the maniacal coitus of visual and narrative designs, touched briefly the concealed threshold between what can be called True religion, which informs and provokes, seeking Divinity - and False religion, manifest in Man, and built only for subjugation and repression. The Devils is not controversial because of its fornication of heresy with debauchery. No, it's banned because it speaks truth to power, by revealing with screams how we delude ourselves into submissive ideologies.
Rated 09 Apr 2018
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 23 Mar 2017
95
96th
Please give me Oliver Reed's voice
Rated 23 Mar 2017
dean_franzDean Franz
Rated 13 Jun 2008
100
98th
Quite possibly the most evil film ever made. Features a powerhouse performance by Reed, superb setpieces by Jarman and Russel's trademark over the top directing, displaying loads of his signature violence, sex and grotesqueries. A serious contender for the best movie ever.
Rated 13 Jun 2008
karamazovkaramazov.
Rated 23 May 2014
83
98th
Campy, ludicrous, heavy-handed as fuck, and absolutely sincere. What I saw was beautiful and exhilarating, and I cannot wait to get ahold of a copy of the actual restored cut asap. n.b. Set-design by none other than D. Jarman.
Rated 23 May 2014
x_humanx-human
Rated 12 Jan 2011
90
94th
You know when something needs to be said but nobody's got the guts to say it? Well this film does. It's tough love but love all the same. Brilliant story with grand performances and a stunning production. Highly Recommended.
Rated 12 Jan 2011
backwardsuitbackwardsuit
Rated 13 Nov 2014
93
99th
This film is on fire. Every aspect of it is completely inspired & original. Performances are explosive, the music is highly unusual and the design is absolutely revolutionary. Ken Russell's storytelling approach is ferociously brave and about as subtle as a flail to the face. Religious, political and sexual hysteria weaved together in a web of corruption that's contrasted by humble faith and heroism.
Rated 13 Nov 2014
staryarabbistaryarabbi
Rated 09 Apr 2015
85
88th
Such an excessive theme could only be narrated with an excessive attitude. In that sense the set design and futuristic look serves to depict the feeling of that time, not the objective reality as mainstream historical movies try to do. Urbain Grandier was a man from flesh and blood, an all too human free spirit who needed to be destroyed by the oppressive state apparatus in a modern world where "state becomes Catholic church with greater jurisdiction and for all" as Foucault says. Brave movie.
Rated 09 Apr 2015
nrooNroo
Rated 05 May 2017
82
86th
A Hieronymus Bosch painting come to life.
Rated 05 May 2017
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 06 Jul 2008
65
25th
Hard to take seriously. I dislike such blatant button-pushing in films; it only ends up confirming the beliefs of those who already agree with you. And going over the top may be entertaining to some degree, but is it really necessary to do crazy zoom-in-zoom-outs during a scene where nuns are participating in a wild orgy? Shock value and preaching to the choir aside, it's fairly interesting. The production is well done with a grand performance by Reed. But too obnoxious and silly for me.
Rated 06 Jul 2008
kasperlKasperL
Rated 16 Dec 2013
60
50th
Also known as The Spinner and the Spinsters. No, not really. 'The Devils' takes the usually po-faced costume drama and injects it with Ken Russell's batshit craziness. It's not something I have a great affinity for but I will readily admit that it's a film well worth checking out for some magnificent class acting moments bestowed upon us by Oliver Reed.
Rated 16 Dec 2013
neonmanNeonman
Rated 05 Sep 2011
85
81st
A savagely critical expose on the religion and government of this era. This film nowadays proves that this unbelievable document is still too much to even just watch these days as the film continues its ban status even post-Video Nasty period. Now that's anarchy!
Rated 05 Sep 2011
pmcinernpmcinern
Rated 12 Apr 2016
90
87th
Like Mad Max for 17th century France. Instead of ozploitation, this is plaguesploitation. Catholicsploitation. A furious movie of burning bodies, nuns masturbating with a a crucified Christ's nailed hands, and fantasies of sexually licking his wounds. I have yet to find a torture porn/violence porn with so much heart, such honest anger. Forget The Last Temptation of Christ or The Passion of the Christ: The Devils is the only one whose controversy is understandable. A Must watch. An experience.
Rated 12 Apr 2016
gordonbombayGordonBombay
Rated 14 Dec 2013
85
74th
If you're ever wondering why Oliver Reed is badass... this is the movie for you.
Rated 14 Dec 2013
shewasSheWas
Rated 13 May 2014
67
64th
Mute, fast forward and listen to Fleetwood Mac.
Rated 13 May 2014
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 19 Jul 2022
90
95th
Even over 50 years later, Ken Russell's depiction of the insane power that religion can have feels dangerous. The very abrupt turn from chastity to sheer horror due to accusations is shocking. Oliver Reed is no stranger to big performances but it is Redgrave who gives something completely unhinged.
Rated 19 Jul 2022
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 23 Apr 2021
85
86th
Oliver Reed has a wonderful mustache and throws a crocodile out a window. This was my main takeaway.
Rated 23 Apr 2021
kahKAH
Rated 19 Jul 2009
3
74th
Really entertaining, and the production design is impressive. It's preachy in the way that it is constantly pushing all the buttons it can to make the viewer angry at the injustice and hypocrisy depicted, but in this kind of movie it sort of works.
Rated 19 Jul 2009
thedenizenTheDenizen
Rated 16 May 2008
85
91st
Intense, disturbing, and visually inspired, Ken Russell's powerful examination of the corruption of church, state and the individual was one of the most controversial movies of the early 70s. A career best performance from Oliver Reed as the doomed priest Urbain Grandier, a political enemy of Cardinal Richelieu who was framed as a sorcerer and satanist. Plus, you get tons of naked nuns, and Vanessa Redgrave masturbating and whipping herself. Nice.
Rated 16 May 2008
witzelsuchtwitzelsucht
Rated 18 Jun 2012
10
98th
Bold, carnal, and theatrical, with some incredible visuals and a transfixing performance by Oliver Reed. A film that deserves to be more widely seen.
Rated 18 Jun 2012
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 04 Oct 2007
83
62nd
Such an Age of Aquarius film. Bizarre and disturbing, but ultimately pretty great. I wish more films were as adventurous as this was back in the day.
Rated 04 Oct 2007
stainStain
Rated 19 Aug 2007
50
33rd
Deeper than usual for this kind of film, but somehow not engaging
Rated 19 Aug 2007
jakeaestheteJakeAesthete
Rated 11 Nov 2016
73
72nd
Coming from Russell, I knew to expect campy over-the-top spectacle, which this certainly delivers. But this also seems like an attempt at something a bit more serious and ambitious than what I've come to expect from him, which has it's pluses and it's minuses. On one hand, it's surprisingly well-written, and the characterization in the first half is well developed. Yet, once the "shocking" excessiveness sets in the jokiness of the tone can feel a bit muddled. Still great stylization though.
Rated 11 Nov 2016
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 17 Feb 2007
60
62nd
Strange.
Rated 17 Feb 2007
hadleyreisHadleyreis
Rated 06 Dec 2018
89
93rd
Wow! What a film! I was not expecting that! And you were expecting another exclamation mark.
Rated 06 Dec 2018
p_u_l_pP u l p
Rated 01 Sep 2016
89
97th
Amen.
Rated 01 Sep 2016
overratedoverrated
Rated 23 Oct 2021
81
91st
Oh I get where Terry Gilliam got his whole visual style from now.
Rated 23 Oct 2021
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 11 Mar 2012
92
89th
Russell at his in-your-face best. Can anything this campy be serious? Can anything this serious be camp? Whatever the answer, Redgrave and Reed are fine.
Rated 11 Mar 2012
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 30 Jun 2015
90
80th
Brutally skewers religion and the mob mentality through a series of increasingly bizarre, insane and oft-horrifying depictions of sacrilege and pure mental instability. Ken Russell choreographs these sequences wonderfully, creating a poetry within the horror; it's a bit like a mad funhouse where religious and sexual imagery collide into something that is, to be honest, still a bit shocking all these years later.
Rated 30 Jun 2015
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 21 Aug 2010
84
77th
Totally ludicrous and intensely mesmerizing.
Rated 21 Aug 2010
spunkieSpunkie
Rated 25 Oct 2009
60
65th
An actually funny and vulgar satire that only pre90s could have produced. Things to learn: sex deprivation can lead to preposterous orgies of nuns and priest using church material including christ figures.
Rated 25 Oct 2009
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 05 Jul 2014
8
97th
completely insane and insanely brilliant.
Rated 05 Jul 2014
eltigrenegroElTigreNegro
Rated 25 Jan 2009
80
40th
Cocaine on large doses.
Rated 25 Jan 2009
ytmnytmn
Rated 17 Apr 2012
90
87th
Superb. I was deeply moved by this film. Oliver Reed was excellent. Visually and conceptually shocking film, Ken Russell is not one to shy away from controversial material. It sets the whole Church on fire when the Father was persecuted in a scene which reminds one of the Crucifiction.
Rated 17 Apr 2012
calabriaCalabria
Rated 14 Sep 2016
70
16th
hahahaha. Talk about a handsome devil, am I right?! There is some delicious food for thought and some occasional interesting visuals here, but Wow is this cheesy and campy as all hell (get it?!?!?!). ...seriously though you guys are the worst sometimes...
Rated 14 Sep 2016
indifferentiindifferenti
Rated 18 Jun 2012
10
95th
Absolutely amazing costuming and sets, and Oliver Reed is a brilliant lead. Loved the orgiastic/homoerotic tone of some of the scenes, as well as some of the religious motifs used.
Rated 18 Jun 2012
auteuristauteurist
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
68th
Ken Russell's best film. A ferocious, visually stunning assult on the senses. Definitely not for all tastes. It's one of the best British films ever made.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
madmanMadMan
Rated 12 May 2022
85
52nd
Vanessa Redgrave is utterly deranged in this movie, Oliver Reed is a man destroyed by politics and his pride with Gemma Jones as the poor soul who loves him. I loved the sets in this flick and the use of white. However there are some elements that don't work as well. Definitely worth viewing though and the version I saw is the one on Shudder.
Rated 12 May 2022
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 02 Dec 2013
7
57th
Unlike Pasolini, Russell endows the outrageous content with a sharp visual flair and Reed's performance as the doomed priest is magnificent in both its fieriness and restraint. It could've been more subtle in its degradation of religious principles but there's enough to admire to warrant a viewing.
Rated 02 Dec 2013
thehynesthehynes
Rated 19 Jan 2015
39
8th
If a film review ever needed the word Schlock in it then this might be it
Rated 19 Jan 2015
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 11 Mar 2024
89
65th
Such a shame this movie hasn't been restored. It is screaming for a restoration. Hysterical, and never dull.
Rated 11 Mar 2024
bofbof
Rated 03 Mar 2024
87
95th
Come for the technicolor nunsploitation, stay for the furious middle finger to authority and the notion of righteousness. Reed gives a perfect performance as someone who's worth it for his faults, not despite them. It's all very over the top, but it all serves the story. "CONFESS!!" "I confess! "Not you."
Rated 03 Mar 2024
glmglm
Rated 18 Jan 2011
85
80th
84.875
Rated 18 Jan 2011
sandman248sandman248
Rated 28 Jan 2024
95
88th
Pretty fucking astonishing.
Rated 28 Jan 2024
sirrobbieSirRobbie
Rated 17 Nov 2012
90
96th
Truely outstanding piece of cinema and Derek Jarman's set design is one of the best I've ever seen.
Rated 17 Nov 2012
mike365365mike365365
Rated 10 Jul 2024
64
50th
The over the top scenes are too over the top, and the brutality is too brutal. A fine performance from Reed makes this movie worth recommending.
Rated 10 Jul 2024
skapskap
Rated 06 Mar 2018
90
75th
Mixed first impression. Then, some time after, a strong desire to watch it again. This alone is a sign of a good film. At the very least.
Rated 06 Mar 2018
syntheseizurSyntheseizur
Rated 29 Oct 2018
88
89th
A bizarre and explosive mix of horror, religious drama, and political thriller that goes well beyond provocative debauchery in its effort to expose the hypocrisy and cynicism of religious and political power. The film is certainly disturbing, especially given its lightning-quick pace and embellished blend of gore, eroticism, and Christian symbology, but it remains pointed throughout. The dialogue is sharp, the cinematography dynamic, but it's the set design that is truly unbelievable.
Rated 29 Oct 2018
sellissellis
Rated 29 Oct 2023
91
90th
Horrifying and beautiful. More relevant than ever in 2023. Dat final shot.
Rated 29 Oct 2023
thegoodboyThegoodboy
Rated 07 Aug 2023
72
76th
every time there is a so-called nationalist revival, it means one thing, somebody is trying to seize control of the entire country - le père Grandier.
Rated 07 Aug 2023
yorgoyorgo
Rated 21 Feb 2023
93
87th
Crazy film. Great presentation of fanaticism, in a very original, bold way. The visuals, set design, costumes, acting, everything is on fire. Absolutely mesmerising.
Rated 21 Feb 2023
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 06 Jan 2024
40
5th
I knew I'd have to watch some terrible movies to get through the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die list. This is one to cross off. The only thing positive was the costume designs.
Rated 06 Jan 2024
honeybHoneyB
Rated 30 May 2021
90
94th
Amazing depiction of hysteria.
Rated 30 May 2021
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 12 Sep 2022
74
51st
Weird but fascinating shit here. It's based on a true story and I was surprised I didn't like it even more given my sensibilities. It might be it was just too bold for me on first watch--it's definitely a movie I might watch again. It's very effective, with the camera angles, pacing, and music creating a very effective mood.
Rated 12 Sep 2022
kito1kito1
Rated 06 Aug 2022
70
73rd
An insane, cruel film that tries to look directly into the heart of evil.
Rated 06 Aug 2022
adragon91ADragon91
Rated 02 Aug 2021
55
41st
A film with striking setpieces, interesting ideas, and visuals. The Devils is a famous artsy movie that I can tell is well made and performed, but it didn't really click for me personally and some of the sex/torture stuff felt a bit overdone to me. Yes I am aware this is a controversial movie, but I dunno it just felt like some of it was just padding out the runtime. Either way, the film wasn't really my cup of tea, but it has some merit and intrigue that keeps it fairly watchable for me.
Rated 02 Aug 2021
pianosamaPianoSama
Rated 03 May 2022
65
45th
As bleak and depressing as you'd expect it to be. When it popped back up on Shudder I had to check it out. Well-acted, explores ever-relevant subject matter. But I didn't really see what all the hullabaloo is about to be frank. Religion sure is shit though, ain't it?
Rated 03 May 2022
ab_i_hayaAb-ı Haya
Rated 13 Mar 2022
79
61st
01.20 Ümraniye
Rated 13 Mar 2022
1197mm1197mm
Rated 30 Jun 2008
99
68th
Impressive film.
Rated 30 Jun 2008
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 01 Mar 2008
77
63rd
# 456
Rated 01 Mar 2008
fantacbobFantacBob
Rated 11 Jun 2009
59
35th
Made a big imression on me when it first screened, not so hot now.
Rated 11 Jun 2009
redactedredacted
Rated 27 Jan 2014
61
31st
A plot riddled with fervently insane religious-political conniving. Almost bi-polar, frenetic shifts in tone from heavy pious ravings, to rape sequences particular to Catholicism to one of the queerest depictions of a French monarch in film. What's that? It's a carrot.
Rated 27 Jan 2014
trixrabbiTrixRabbi
Rated 19 Jul 2014
85
89th
I have no idea what I just watched but I want to see it again.
Rated 19 Jul 2014
brallonbrallon
Rated 13 Jun 2017
74
64th
This was pretty fucked. It is very over-the-top but not overly so in my opinion. Absurd situations and actions feel suitably absurd. Powerful ending.
Rated 13 Jun 2017
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 14 Mar 2015
75
84th
Flamboyant and intense.
Rated 14 Mar 2015
iyisinekiyisinek
Rated 23 Jun 2011
1
0th
rahip, rahibe, veba, travesti kral, seytan cikarma, asiri müstehcen, cok asiri müstehcen, siddet icerir (bir sehri ele gecirmek icin sehir yöneticisi rahibin nasil devrildigini anlatir. rahip seytan olmakla suclanir. rahibeler hayatlari karsiliginda sapikca davranislar sergiler. bu arada rahibelerin rahibe karsi hastalikli hisleri de kullanilir. hristyanliga karsi cok sert ve asiri elestiri var. bazi sahneleri sapikca, atlatmak zorunda kaldim. kesinlikle cok kötü)
Rated 23 Jun 2011
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 30 Nov 2011
72
44th
#552
Rated 30 Nov 2011
theyshoot08theyshoot08
Rated 19 Dec 2008
76
52nd
487
Rated 19 Dec 2008
carlosproCarlospro
Rated 16 Feb 2016
95
99th
Que filme, amigos, que filme!
Rated 16 Feb 2016
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 26 Dec 2012
92
86th
Hypnotic study of fanatacism, hypocrisy and lust circa 1600, with Reed and especially Redgrave delivering brave, searing and honest performances. One of cinemas most notorious entries into the Grand Guignol genre has mellowed ever so slightly, but still retains its visceral powers to shock, even if much of the violence and depravity is far more evocative than literally presented. Gorgeous cinematography and set design, emphasising decadence combined with dirt and grime, icing on the cake.
Rated 26 Dec 2012
zokuzoku
Rated 20 Mar 2016
92
75th
powerful
Rated 20 Mar 2016
moviesinhellmoviesinhell
Rated 16 Apr 2009
75
54th
More fun antireligious hysteria from Russell. This is one of Ken's most compelling efforts and a must for orgiastic-nuns buffs.
Rated 16 Apr 2009
glm01glm01
Rated 04 Jan 2013
84
79th
83.500
Rated 04 Jan 2013
thegreyfoxthegreyfox
Rated 25 Mar 2012
76
67th
The Devils is based on a true story and a book, the Devils of Loudun, by Aldous Huxley which is superb. It describes the events "as seen in the film" but in a different way. The book illustrates just how "absurd" the events were, whilst the film portrays them as "over the top excess and madness". So despite the film being as stunning as any film can be, it loses a sense of 'feet on the ground' if you have read the book. Tremendous 'tour de force' by Oliver Reid and a REALLY sleazy Max Adrian
Rated 25 Mar 2012
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 05 Oct 2008
76
75th
Movie's inner logic creates a beautiful arc and it's stunning to follow, even though the story contains uncounted rebellious details which tries to disturb the enirety. Main actors give good performances and movie contains lots of Ken Russell trademark details.
Rated 05 Oct 2008
kramyessevKramYessev
Rated 16 Dec 2012
80
88th
Russell's masterpiece. I pride myself on being able to hunt down any film, no matter how rare, but the fully uncut version of this eluded me and probably forever will.
Rated 16 Dec 2012
theyshoot10theyshoot10
Rated 14 Jan 2010
75
50th
500
Rated 14 Jan 2010
ehk2ehk2
Rated 28 Aug 2016
85
97th
oh lord! how I love blasphemy, sacrilege, heresy and obscenity!
Rated 28 Aug 2016
oskarhuoskarhu
Rated 16 Dec 2014
85
93rd
Great visuals, composition and staging. Reed and Redgrave were fantastic. The hysterical nature of the film made worth watching for those who don't necessarily care for the historical nature of the plot.
Rated 16 Dec 2014
picklemanPickle_Man
Rated 28 Jan 2018
100
94th
Quite a spectacle. Set design is fantastic. Costumes are great. Dialogue is superb and Oliver Reed has some real charisma as Grandier.
Rated 28 Jan 2018
cinemahellcinema_hell
Rated 08 Jan 2012
78
54th
However, as FitFortDanga said here, the 'crazy zoom-in-zoom-out' scene is awful indeed. And quite corny too.
Rated 08 Jan 2012
lady_moeLady Moe
Rated 22 Oct 2016
85
60th
An eccentric film filled with sexual repression, sexual freedom, accusations of witchcraft and demonic possession, exorcisms, religious fervor, suicide, execution, political conspiracy, rape, and torture. Putting this into perspective of a 1971 British public and you begin to realize just how much this film pushed the envelope. It's flamboyant at times and upsetting at other times. It's frightening yet comedic. It an intelligent film that aims to please at all costs and I believe it succeeds.
Rated 22 Oct 2016
mert0571mert0571
Rated 19 Aug 2008
70
80th
Well-intentioned, but ultimately its outrageous elements mar the enjoyment(!) of the film. Great imagery, truly interesting story. Even though I'm not a christian, it shocked me, surprised me, and moved me.
Rated 19 Aug 2008
timon88Timon88
Rated 23 Jun 2008
87
92nd
Just see it. And know that there's nothing in it that isn't in the Aldous Huxley historical novel. Russell even claimed he toned it down a bit (believe that, or not...). A true masterpiece.
Rated 23 Jun 2008

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