For the first time in ages, a film with an NC-17 rating is getting a decent amount of distribution in numerous cinemas. It is probably because it is being distributed under Warner Bros. Seeing a film that is NC-17 feels historic because it only happens once every few years. Each NC-17 film I have seen has had this rating primarily due to sexual scenarios. The NC-17 films I have seen in a cinema range from Blue is the Warmest Color to Killer Joe to Lust & Caution to Blonde. The Devilsopened back in 1971, and I am not surprised that it took this film just over five decades to get any release. Be ready for a sexualized ride filled with issues of betrayal and religion. Do not expect it to calm down as the vividness abounds in strange ways in The Devils.
The film gathered much controversy over the years, both before and after the release. Warner Bros was reluctant to release it on DVD due to all of the negative buzz. However, an online petition managed to get the British Film Institute (BFI) to release the 1971 X-rated cut of the movie in DVD format. The stories of conflicts and problems related to the release continue.
However, I must get to the plot, so my readers understand what kind of ride they are in for. I recommend true cinema enthusiasts go see this movie to experience its audacity. However, go with an open mind, because you may be mortified in an amazing or disturbing way. It all depends on how your brain processes The Devils.
The year is 1634 in France. The era is during the aftermath of the Huguenot rebellions, and the French Catholic Statesman, Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) encourages King Louis XIII (Graham Armitage) to gain more control. The country and government are in shambles. There are lots of political tides and escapades. Then there is Loudon, France. Chaos is more intense there and the government has lost complete control. The one who oversees that city is Father Urban Grandier (Oliver Reed). He is a popular priest, but engages in an affair. He utilizes his religious practice to help him not feel as guilty about his wrongdoings. While he is dismissive of his choices, there is a lady in trouble. She is Sister Jeanne des Anges (Vanessa Redgrave), and she is sexually obsessed with Grandier. Grandier continues to have inappropriate relationships while still being a priest and his choices lead to destruction.
Sister Jeanne des Anges accuses Father Urban Grandier of witchcraft. That is when the movie begins to erupt with chaos. It gets erotic, violent, and chaotic. There are scenes showing a trial yet Father Urban Grandier is determined to never lose his power. The rebelliousness shown in his battle to save his reputation makes The Devils haunting.
The film is one that is daring given the era and setting. During this time, scandalous choices were viewed as massive sins. The punishments are brutal in The Devils. At the same time, the film is artfully presented in a way that makes it unforgettable. I did not love The Devils, but I found it poetic in the way it handles the subjects of religion and faith. The sexual component, in my opinion, is way over the top. Three out of four stars for The Devils.
