Back then, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger made some really lavish productions in what was considered for many movie viewers, the Golden Age of British cinema. Once again, the production value is pretty huge here and it is hard to believe that the whole thing was shot in a studio, and not on location. The decors, the sets, the colors are just amazing to watch. I was also amazed that Kanchi, ... read more
Description:British nun Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr) is chosen by her order to establish a school and dispensary in the Himalayas. Among those selected to accompany her on this mission are Sister Briony (Judith Furse), a capable take-charge nun; Sister Phillipa (Flora Robson), a nun with a green thumb to handle the garden, and Sister Ruth (KathlBritish nun Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr) is chosen by her order to establish a school and dispensary in the Himalayas. Among those selected to accompany her on this mission are Sister Briony (Judith Furse), a capable take-charge nun; Sister Phillipa (Flora Robson), a nun with a green thumb to handle the garden, and Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron), a moody nun who is frequently sick or depressed. Sister Clodagh's superior believes that she is too young to assume such a large leadership role in a strange place but wishes her well.
When the sisters arrive in the place, they are stunned to discover that the wind is blowing hard all the time and the building where they are to live was once a harem. The Indian Old General (Esmond Knight) who has arranged for them to educate and care for this community of poor people expects them to have a lasting impact on those they serve.
Mr. Dean (David Farrar), an Englishman who serves as the ruler's agent, warns Sister Clodagh that it will be very difficult for five nuns to have much of an impact on these stubborn people who have their own traditions and ways. His confidence and charisma (not to mention his appearance one day without a shirt) are noted by both Sister Clodagh and by Sister Ruth; the latter is so taken with him that she begins to have doubts about her calling. The exotic place and the constant wind lead Sister Clodagh to bask in memories of her past as a young woman of privilege in Ireland. Meanwhile, Sister Ruth plunges even further into her sexual reverie by convincing herself that she loves Mr. Dean, even though he has barely spoken to her.
Black Narcissus is a digitally restored 1947 classic English film directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. It is based on a novel by Rumer Godden that explores the troubles faced by a Catholic mission in the Indian Himalayas. Michael Powell has called it an erotic film, and so it is on many different levels. There is the sexual arousal of Sister Ruth who casts aside her habit and puts on a red dress and thick red lipstick in her bid for Mr. Dean's affections. There is the erotic undertow to the verbal banter and disagreements between the English agent and Sister Clodagh. And there is the sexual interplay between the Young General, who comes to the nuns' school, and Kanchi (Jean Simmons), an orphan brought there so the sisters can teach her how to behave in the world. Black Narcissus also is carried by the sensuousness of the cinematography of Jack Cardiff and the lush music by Brian Easdale.... (more)(less)
"British nuns start a school in the Himalayas, but the wild, sensual atmosphere gradually drives them to insanity, nymphomania, and murder.
Classic melodrama from the Powell/Pressburger team was both condemned and edited on its initial American release, removing the flashback scenes where Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr) remembers her life prior to joining the convent."
ToonHead2102 added this to a list 1 month, 3 weeks ago
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The Ups: Breathtakingly good cinematography that is so perfect that my brain almost explode. Impressive set design. Excellent script. Deborah Kerr and Kathleen Byron are too sexy to wear nun outfits. No wonder it exists porn for this genre. Jean Simmons is more sexy as a Indian Girl than when she is her usual British self too.
The Downs: David Farrar is weak but somehow it just shows how desperate and sexually frustrated these nuns are. Fantastic."
"
Jealousy, sexual repression, madness...
Now, you may get the impression that this is a rather depraved little film. I have to say that you will most likely be disappointed if your looking for a disturbing film. This is great film with a lot of subtext.
This film has been beautifully restored and was a visually stunning. So, far my favorite film from the Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger team."
"05.11.
DVD, 1st viewing
DIRECTED BY Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger
Unfortunately I found this one a bit annoying. The characters are irritatingly over-the-top and the acting's often too cheesy and melodramatic for my taste.
The sets are beautiful though and I loved the twisted turn the film takes when Sister Ruth leaves the nunnery. That look on her eyes "
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Films Condemned by the Legion of Decency
Movie Reviews (part 2)
Dear Cinema Diary - Vol 4 E2 - Feb 2013
Stunning Production Design
Movies seen in 2012
