Ken Russell's The Devils (1971) - Remastered & Restored

Cut apart by censors, banned in multiple countries, and pushed into the corners of cinema history... Acclaimed director Ken Russell's (Women In Love, Tommy, Altered States) controversial masterpiece The Devils has been restored from the original camera negative and remastered into a definitive experience that finally mirrors Russell's original intent. Its criticisms of social and political institutions remain shockingly relevant today.
In 17th-century France, Father Grandier (Oliver Reed) is a priest whose unorthodox views on sex and religion influence a passionate following of nuns, including the sexually obsessed Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave). When the power-hungry Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) realizes he must eliminate Grandier to gain control of France, Richelieu portrays Grandier as a satanist and spearheads a public outcry to destroy the once-loved priest's reputation.

« Adapting from Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun, Russell vividly stages the mass hysteria, torture, and exorcism as history, horror, and political allegory. As Russell’s most political film, it condemns the collusion of church and state for the purposes of wielding unchecked and self-serving powers. » - TIFF, Adapted from the original 2026 Festival programme note by Robyn Citizen

Runtime: 1h 51mGenres: Biography, Drama, HistoryRated: 18A, for sexual content/graphic nudity.
🔞 This presentation is restricted to adults 18+ only. ⚠️ Content advisory: crude content, sexual content, coarse language, violence, mature themes.

♿ Complementary tickets available for support workers on a first-come, first-served basis. Access Card accepted at the box office.

Please note: the trailer contains flashing lights/patterns that may potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy.

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