El sacerdote (1978)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

Eloy de la Iglesia

Writer:

Enrique Barreiro (screenplay)

Release Date:

1 May 1978 (Spain)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Male Nudity | Skinny Dipping | Lust | Gay Interest | Castration

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Simón Andreu	...	Padre Miguel
Emilio Gutiérrez Caba	...	Padre Luis
José Franco	...	Padre Alfonso
Ramón Reparaz	...	Padre Manuel
Ramón Pons	...	Padre Alberto
Martín Garrido
Emilio Soriano
Fabián Conde	...	Vicente
José Manuel Cervino
Antonio Gonzalo
Antonio Gamero	...	Padre de la novia en boda
Emilio Fornet	...	Loco
Raúl Fraire	...	Padre del Padre Miguel (as Raul Fraire)
Eduardo MacGregor		(as Eduardo Mac Gregor)
Fernando Chinarro

Runtime:

109 min

Country:

Spain

Language:

Spanish

Color:

Color

Certification:

Spain:18

Filming Locations:

Colmenar de Oreja, Madrid, Spain

Company:

Alborada P.C.

Soundtrack:

Noche de Dios, noche de paz (Stille Nacht)

Spiritual Ambition vs Human Nature

In the film, El Sacerdote, played well by Simón Andreu, viewers witness the long, silent, emotional and psychological turmoil of a celibate catholic priest. Despite his strong moral fiber he realizes, human bodies are constantly plagued with sinful images which his faith and profession forbids. After failing to deal with the tormenting demons, he seeks the help of his superiors who offer few options, insisting that spiritual platitudes are sufficient to deal with the "Devil's temptations". Despite his best efforts, the haunting memories of his past remain vivid and troubling. Daily, he is reminded of his lustful needs, which range from a young boy to a married village beauty. The film mirrors modern concepts and conflicts which challenge the church today. Over all, this is a remarkable and touching film, with brief nude scenes and violent depictions of the torturous lengths a man will go to find at peace with himself and his God.