The Devils

France, 17th century. Priester Grandier of the city of Loudun is a thorn in the side of the power-hungry Cardinal Richelieu, who wants total control over all of France. When a neurotic mother superior, who is obsessed with Grandier, accuses him of a pact with the devil, this is the perfect occasion for Richelieu to get rid of Grandier. A deranged witch hunter is called in to gather evidence against the priest, in preparation for the big trial.\n\nCommentaar Toen Ken Russells baroque masterpiece came out in 1971, polite society reacted shocked and the film was banned in numerous countries. But times have changed, and this visually rock-solid classic is now returning fully restored to the big screen. Today the film is not so much provocative, but rather prophetic: a compelling epic about corruption and religious hysteria, with Oscarwinnares Vanessa Redgrave in an unforgettable role as mother superior Sister Jeanne.