Black Narcissus
A story of exquisite yearning in a strange and beautiful land. Towering over the screen ... as the mountains that saw it happen.
A story of exquisite yearning in a strange and beautiful land. Toweri...
Drama
-
1947
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A group of Anglican nuns, led by Sister Clodagh, are sent to a mountain in the Himalayas. The climate in the region is hostile and the nuns are housed in an odd old palace. They work to establish a school and a hospital, but slowly their focus shifts. Sister Ruth falls for a government worker, Mr. Dean, and begins to question her vow of celibacy. As Sister Ruth obsesses over Mr. Dean, Sister Clodagh becomes immersed in her own memories of love.
Director:
Cast:
,
Jean Simmons
,
Deborah Kerr
,
Flora Robson
,
Judith Furse
,
Esmond Knight
,
Sabu
,
David Farrar
,
Kathleen Byron
,
Jenny Laird
,
May Hallatt
Similar
Same Director
Details
Rated:
Not Rated
Runtime:
100 min
Release date:
26 May 1947
Country:
GB
Languages:
English, Hindi
Budget:
$424,000
Revenue:
$0
Awards:
Won 2 Oscars. 5 wins & 1 nomination total
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
While Messrs. Powell and Pressburger may have a picture that will disturb and antagonize some, they also have in Black Narcissus an artistic accomplishment of no small proportions.
– Thomas M. Pryor,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Theatre this Michael Powell film most certainly is, as stressed by the gothic melodrama of the story and the acting, the studio setting with its beautiful backdrops and vivid colours and the most deliberate of characters and events.
– Dave Calhoun,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
fresh:
Production has gained much through being in color. The production and camerawork atone for minor lapses in the story, Jack Cardiff's photography being outstanding.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
26 Mar 2009
fresh:
Powell's equally extravagant visual style transforms it into a landscape of the mind -- grand and terrible in its thorough abstraction.
– Dave Kehr,
Chicago Reader,
23 Mar 2010
fresh:
There's something truly unearthly about this place of howling winds, yawning chasms and atmosphere thick with temptation. Sanctity, it will be proven, is no match for sin.
– Keith Uhlich,
Time Out New York,
1 Jan 2013