The Devils

Audience Reviews

View All (331) audience reviews

Audience Member Ken Russell's The Devils is labeled "one of the most controversial films ever made." But what is so controversial here is not its depictions of repressed sexuality gone mad, but its fierce treatment of religion being used as a weapon by the powerful. Studio movies normally veer far clear of this hot topic, since it treads on the tails of many dangerous tigers. Russell stomps away on those tails, and it is interesting how reflexively critics of the time reacted in shock and dismay -- religion must ALWAYS be treated with sugar-coated respect! Plus these same critics were doubtless unnerved by seeing 1960s icon Vanessa Redgrave’s beautiful face turned sideways on top of a twisted, hunchbacked body – what a sacrilege to Hollywood’s cult of Venus! Russell’s 1971 film remains surprisingly fresh to this day, as current governments continue to wield religion as a powerful weapon against their citizens. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/30/24 Full Review Wayne K Much like Passion Of The Christ, The Human Centipede & A Serbian Film, movies like The Devil’s have such a fearsome reputation that many people only ever associate them with the controversy they’ve garnered, overlook the merits they (often) have. Ken Russell is a big name in the British film industry, and this feels like a film he was really pouring himself into. It looks absolutely spectacular, with a blend of otherworldly sets, elaborate costumes and vivid colours, the visuals alone would be enough to recommend it. The story is somewhat based on historical events, admittedly dramatized, so we’re not sure what’s real and what’s not, but that feels like the point. With cases of witch hunting and demonic possession hysteria, its often impossible to separate fact from fiction and truth from legend. The film dives deep into issues of religious faith, sexual repression and the corrupting and destructive power of making accusations that can never be truly countered. Oliver Reed turns in one of the most intense performances of his career, which is saying something, and his commitment, the introspective dialogue and the fact we see him as both a hero and a villain at various times makes his character so incredibly compelling. I didn’t think it was as violent or as graphic as some have said, but when it came out over 50 years ago, I can imagine how appalled people must have been. It’s a difficult watch for sure, but it’s a film with a lot to say, and the imagery and the graphic nature always compliment each other. It’s certainly not to everyone’s tastes, and some of the deleted scenes are even more shocking than the original picture. But if you like your cinema a little less sanitised, The Devil’s is a film you really have to see to believe. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/13/24 Full Review Francesco F Crazy movie, extremely well acted, one of the best production design i've ever seen... Loved every minute of it! Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/21/24 Full Review Bil D If interested in extra-morality views of human behavior, this could be an hour and more well spent. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/26/24 Full Review Alec B Wonderfully profane madness. Even if the film's capacity to shock has diminished, Russel's vision remains unparalleled. You still haven't seen anything like this. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/24 Full Review helder f A movie reminding us that religion and faith are far from perfect, and that a lot of evil can occur under the pretense of good and purity. Overall too campy. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews

The Devils

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW