Complete credited cast: | |||
Silvia Pinal | ... | Viridiana | |
Francisco Rabal | ... | Jorge | |
Fernando Rey | ... | Don Jaime | |
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José Calvo | ... | Don Amalio (as Jose Calvo) |
Margarita Lozano | ... | Ramona | |
José Manuel Martín | ... | El Cojo (as Jose Manuel Martin) | |
Victoria Zinny | ... | Lucia | |
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Luis Heredia | ... | Manuel 'El Poca' |
Joaquín Roa | ... | Don Zequiel -a beggar (as Joaquin Roa) | |
Lola Gaos | ... | Enedina | |
María Isbert | ... | Beggar (as Maruja Isbert) | |
Teresa Rabal | ... | Rita (as Teresita Rabal) |
Viridiana, a young novice about to take her final vows as a nun, accedes, moved purely by a sense of obligation, to a request from her widowed uncle to visit him. Stirred by her resemblance to his late wife, he attempts to seduce her and tragedy ensues. In the aftermath, Viridiana tries to assuage her guilt by creating a haven for the destitute folk who live around her uncle's estate. But little good comes from these good intentions. Written by Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>
Viridiana (1961) is a tale about a young nun who's so into her faith that she tries to do what she feels is morally and ethically right. Sadly, the world has changed and no matter how hard she tries to help those around her, it all winds up biting her in the end. Viridiana is a rare masterpiece that reflects the attitudes of the society that people (such as that "lovable" despot Franco) had created and the archaic teachings of the Catholic Church. The poor nun is one of the last of the true believers who adhere's to the dogma of the Church even when most of their leaders have abandoned it. Even the poor masses (whom she relies on) fail her. Can she remain true to her faith when everyone else around her ignores it?
A classic Brunuel film. I enjoy his style of film-making. Especially the way he uses social commentary and makes it entertaining instead of being preachy and hitting the viewers over the head with his "ideals". A hard film to find but it's highly enjoyable. The best scene in the film his the beggars re-enactment of the "Last Supper" painting. Film-making at it's best!
Highest recommendation.
A