★ 7 / 10
It's astonishing how fluid mankind's interpretations of the
CinemaSerf
It's astonishing how fluid mankind's interpretations of the "will of God" can be! "Viridiana" (Silvia Pinal) is a young nun about to make that final commitment…
It's astonishing how fluid mankind's interpretations of the "will of God" can be! "Viridiana" (Silvia Pinal) is a young nun about to make that final commitment to her order when she is required by her Sister Superior to go and visit her benefactor uncle "Jaime" (Fernando Rey). She's ill-equipped for the outside world nor for the affect her beauty will have on those men now around her. Needless to say, ardours are stirred and after a tragedy ensues that does not entirely disappoint her, she realises that a life serving the Lord cannot be undertaken within the confines of a convent anymore. Instead she sets up a hostel for the starving and homeless in her village. Unfortunately, she hadn't factored in the arrival of "Jorge" (Francisco Rabal) - the handsome and charismatic son of her uncle. Pretty soon she is facing a difficult conflict that will test every element of her faith and her humanity. On the face of it, this is just another romanic melodrama, but there is humour here and Luis Buñuel takes great care crafting an environment in which we can see the eponymous character develop from a shy and introspective woman to one far more aware of life's richnesses - for good or ill. It's also quite a poignant assessment of the role of religion in provincial life as well as providing us images of the stark contrast between rich and poor. Rey features sparingly but effectively and the chemistry between Pinal and Rabal is clear but not obvious - these actors are adding a little extra dimension to the development of the story. In 2024 it's comparatively tame, but in 1961 it must have been pretty provocative and is still well worth a watch.
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★ 7 / 10
Relentless criticism to ingratitude and selfishness realized by the maestro Buñuel
ma-cortes
This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking film initially banned in Spain and completely denounced by the Vatican . Although it was voted best Spanish film by…
This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking film initially banned in Spain and completely denounced by the Vatican . Although it was voted best Spanish film by professionals and critics in 1996 Spanish cinema centenary . It deals with the novice Angelic Viridiana (Silvia Pinal) who visits his uncle Jaime (Fernando Rey) in the mansion prior to taking her religious vows . Jaime is stunned by her remarkable resemblance to deceased spouse who passes away on their wedding night . Later on , there appears his nephew (Francisco Rabal). Meanwhile Viridiana attempts to help some local beggars .This prohibited movie is widely considered a Luis Buñuel's masterpiece . It's a parable based on a Benito Perez Galdos' novel titled Halma concerning about a young nun full of illusions and kindness along with some tattered beggars . It is packed with some humor , hilarious situations , brooding drama , corruption and criticism to Catholic Church and useless altruism . The original ending of the film showed Viridiana knocking on her cousin's door, entering, and the door closing slowly behind her , this version was rejected by Spanish censors . After years of living in Mexico, Luis Buñuel was persuaded to make his first film in his native Spain since 1936 by the vanguard of young contemporary Spanish film-makers who admired his work . Buñuel returning his native country , Spain , by making 'Viridiana' but this film was prohibited on the grounds of blasphemy , then Buñuel with his screenwriter Julio Alejandro go back Mexico where realizes in low budget 'Simon of the desert' and also produced by Gustavo Alatriste . The script was initially approved by the Spanish authorities with a few minor changes. They had no opportunity to view the finished film until it played at the Cannes Film Festival where it won the Palme d'Or . Nevertheless they were sufficiently horrified by what they saw to ban the film. Splendid main cast gives superb acting as Fernando Rey , Francisco Rabal and Silvia Pinal as idealist ascetic ex-nun . Large secondary cast formed by ragged beggars as Lola Gaos , Jose Calvo , Jose Luis Martin , Joaquin Roa, and Maria Isbert ,daughter of the great Jose Isbert . It appears uncredited as a little girl Teresa Rabal , Francisco Rabal's daughter . Good and atmospheric cinematography by excellent cameraman Jose F. Aguayo . Religious and classic music score including ¨Haendel's Messiah¨ and the ethereal strains of Alelluya . The picture was originally realized by 'the maestro of Calanda' , Luis Buñuel's location of birth , and was immediately banned . Despite the government's massive efforts to confiscate all copies , some of them were exhibited and the movie won deservedly the Palme dÓr at the Cannes Film Festival . Nice strange story for Luis Buñuel aficionados , being hauled by some reviewers as one of his best films ever made . Rating : Above average, worthwhile watching.
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I'm really thankful, but, can you upload 1080p version too, please!