The Devils
One of cinema's biggest cult classics, completely banned in Finland for 30 years, Ken Russell's take on nunsploitation finally arrives on the big screen in all its uncut glory.
British director Ken Russell, famed for his grandiosity, caused an international stir with the premiere of The Devils in 1971, based on Aldous Huxley’s book The Devils of Loudun and drawing from a real-life possession case among French Ursuline nuns in the 17th century. Catholic priest Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed) is persecuted by the authorities after sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave), a nun obsessed with him, accuses him of spreading Satanism in the convent. The unrestrained sexuality, graphic violence and criticism of church politics featured in the film drove terrified film classification boards into a censorship frenzy worldwide, and the film was completely banned in Finland (among other countries) until 2001.
This uncut 4K restoration premiered at Cannes this spring. Assembled from the original negatives, it returns the film to its original splendour. Every single detail of this masterpiece is sculpted to perfection, an intoxicating experience even now, half a century after its original release. The unforgettable performances by the top actors of the era, and the innovative set design by Derek Jarman, make The Devils an undeniable classic.
Ida Kumpulainen (translated by Adrian Murtomäki)
Screenings
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Bio Rex LasipalatsiFri 18.9. at 18.30–20.24114 min, 1/2
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Savoy-teatteriSat 26.9. at 20.45–22.39114 min, 2/2
Trailer
