Nazarin (1959)
"Nazarín" (original title)

Nazarin is a priest, attempting to living a pure and honest life strictly according to Christian principles - but others only show him distrust and hatred, apart from the local prostitute...

Director:

Luis Buñuel

Writers:

Julio Alejandro (adapted for the screen by), Luis Buñuel (adapted for the screen by),

Stars:

Marga López, Francisco Rabal, Rita Macedo

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview:
Marga López	...	Beatriz
Francisco Rabal	...	Padre Nazario
Rita Macedo	...	Andara
Ignacio López Tarso	...	El sacrílego
Ofelia Guilmáin	...	Chanfa
Luis Aceves Castañeda	...	El parricida
Noé Murayama	...	El pinto
Rosenda Monteros	...	La prieta
Jesús Fernández	...	Ujo el enano
Ada Carrasco	...	Josefa
Aurora Molina	...	La Camella
David Reynoso	...	Juan

Storyline

Nazarin is a priest, attempting to living a pure and honest life strictly according to Christian principles - but others only show him distrust and hatred, apart from the local prostitute...

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Plot Keywords:

priest | prostitute | christian | shelter | hatred | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Mexico

Language:

Spanish

Release Date:

20 June 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nazarin

Filming Locations:

Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico

Company Credits

Production Co:

Producciones Barbachano Ponce

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Two supporting actors, Ignacio López Tarso, the good prisoner in Nazarin, and Ofelia Guilmáin, Chafa, starred in related epics about Mexican history. López Tarso played General Eduardo Álvarez in Senda de Gloria (1987) and Ofelia Guilmáin took the part of Doña Macaria de Soto, her real son's mother-in-law in La Antorcha Encendida (1996).

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Quotes

Don Angel - the priest: Now they're saying you had a scandalous, dishonest and dirty relationship with that woman.
Father Nazario: Slander. Plain slander.
Don Angel - the priest: l know you wouldn't dare. Besides, if you were to succumb to such a demon it wouldn't be with that ugly creature.

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Connections

Referenced in Filmstunde: Filmstunde 4 (1992)

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Soundtracks

"Dios nunca muere"
Written by Macedonio Alcalá

User Reviews

A man of God

"Nazarin" directed by Luis Bunuel presents an extraordinary view of religion in Mexico. As written by the director and Julio Alejandro, his notable collaborator, this was a film that put Mexican cinema in the international map after receiving the Grand Prix in Cannes that year. It's a disturbing film because Mr. Bunuel delves deep into what's wrong with the church.

Nazarin, by all reckoning, is a saint. This young priest is seen living a life of poverty in a seedy pension of a city. He doesn't have enough for himself, but he doesn't mind parting with a coin when a beggar appears by his window asking for help. At the same time, he takes into his small room a prostitute that has been hurt in a fight with another woman. Andara, the woman repays his kindness by burning the room and the whole building! Nazarin is seen taking to the countryside begging for food. Andara and Beatriz, two prostitutes from his old town follow him. Nazarin's life parallels that of Jesus. In fact, this saintly figure makes a case for humility.

Of course,Mr. Bunuel had no religion in mind when he and Mr. Alejandro took it upon themselves to create this film. It's ironic how Spain welcomed him after this film was released because they saw it as showing Christian qualities, when in reality, this is an acerbic satire on the catholic church and its ministers.

Francisco Rabal, the Spanish actor, makes a wonderful Nazarin. This was one of his best roles. Mr. Rabal worked extensively in his native country, but also in Mexico and Argentina. Rita Macedo, as Andara, is also excellent. Marga Lopez also makes a valuable contribution with her portrayal of Beatriz.

A great film by one of the cinema's master film makers: Luis Bunuel.