Similar to The Wicker Man in it's depiction of the hypocrisy of religion,this is probably Russell's finest hour.Very disturbing,and at times very hard to watch,it's nevertheless a very powerful film.Russell assaults the senses with some startling sequences,the demented nuns running riot engaging in all sorts of un-holy activity,the vicious torture scenes that although mostly left to the imagination,are very gruelling to sit through,and the final unflinching burning scenes.Oliver Reed is superb in this,in what is quite an heroic role,for whatever Grandier is forced to go through,he never once compromises his beliefs or takes the easy way out.*SPOILER*By the end although he is burned to death,he is the victor.Also excellent in the film is Vanessa Redgrave,as the deformed and twisted Sister Jeanne,and Michael Coulthard as the hippyish Father Barre.The film also looks fantastic,mainly due to the incredible set design by Derek Jarman.Creating a cold sterile enviroment for all the mayhem that occurs throughout the film.Required viewing for Catholics!
Review of The Devils
