"Satánico Pandemonium" is probably best known as the name of yummy Salma Hayek's character in Robert Rodriguez' "From Dusk Till Dawn". What remains unknown to many, however, is the fact that when writing the script, Quentin Tarantino adapted the name from the title of this ingeniously deranged piece of Mexican Nunsploitation Horror. The main protagonist, a sexy nun, by the way, does things that easily compete in weirdness with feeding on bikers and truckers, I may add. People interested in Horror/Cult-cinema will sooner or later find out that Mexican Horror cinema has a very specific charm. This is especially the case with the fistful of weird Mexican Nunsploitation flicks, most prominently "Alucarda" (1978). And while "Satánico Pandemonium" of 1975 is not nearly as ingenious a film as "Alucarda" it is definitely a wonderfully deranged little film that is highly recommendable to Exploitation-lovers. "Satánico Pandemonium" delivers the elements we love about Nunsploitation cinema - lots of female nudity, lesbianism, all kinds of perversions, occultism, violence and gore, and, not least, an enormous portion of religious nastiness - all that in a highly bizarre manner. These elements are highly entertaining for my fellow Exploitation fans, and can easily make the viewer forgive that the plot is almost non-existent and most of the performances are awful. "Satánico Pandemonium" is about the kind-hearted nun Sister Maria (Cecilai Peztez) - certainly the sexiest nun I've ever stumbled upon - who, after the lord of the flies appears to her, changes her pious behavior radically... The film delivers all the sleaze and weirdness one could desire in a Nunsploitation flick. In-between it sometimes gets quite boring, however. Still the film is deranged and bizarre enough to be a delight to genre-lovers. Overall, "Satánico Pandemonium" is not one of the best Nunsploitation films I've seen (it has the coolest title though), but it is weird enough, and more than recommended to fans of deranged Exploitation. My rating: 6.5/10
25 Reviews
colorful nunsploitation flick featuring blood and boobs, of course
FieCrier6 August 2005
I watched this on Mondo Macabro's DVD of it, and the picture quality is very good - nice and sharp and colorful. For some reason it is a little scratchy in the last few seconds (perhaps appropriately enough, since Old Scratch himself is appearing at that moment).
A young pretty nun is wandering through the countryside picking flowers. She sees a naked man who greets her, and she runs away. When talking to a local boy, the man reappears in clothing this time, and he tries to get her to take a bite of a shiny red apple. She runs away again, and the devil (as he clearly must be) takes a bite of the apple while he watches her retreat.
The devil shows up against outside the convent window when the nuns are eating. He disappears, then appears as a small red thing (light, jewel, apple?), then even that disappears. The nun shows herself to be kind to the black nuns, who are discriminated against, and to be gentle and healing with animals.
When another nun comes to her room to declare her admiration and love for her, she immediately collapses on the bed accepting the seduction. Satan finally got to her. Her behavior becomes more satanic, as she seduces or kills people. Her clothing is frequently removed. Satan proves himself to be pretty powerful, while God seems absent.
The ending might have been a concession to censors, I'm not sure. There are a lot of nice extras on the DVD, including a short overview of nunsploitation and an essay on the subject, among other things. I haven't seen many such movies myself, apart from some weird nun movies like Alucarda, Dead Waters, and Demonia - hardly typical Catholic nuns.
A young pretty nun is wandering through the countryside picking flowers. She sees a naked man who greets her, and she runs away. When talking to a local boy, the man reappears in clothing this time, and he tries to get her to take a bite of a shiny red apple. She runs away again, and the devil (as he clearly must be) takes a bite of the apple while he watches her retreat.
The devil shows up against outside the convent window when the nuns are eating. He disappears, then appears as a small red thing (light, jewel, apple?), then even that disappears. The nun shows herself to be kind to the black nuns, who are discriminated against, and to be gentle and healing with animals.
When another nun comes to her room to declare her admiration and love for her, she immediately collapses on the bed accepting the seduction. Satan finally got to her. Her behavior becomes more satanic, as she seduces or kills people. Her clothing is frequently removed. Satan proves himself to be pretty powerful, while God seems absent.
The ending might have been a concession to censors, I'm not sure. There are a lot of nice extras on the DVD, including a short overview of nunsploitation and an essay on the subject, among other things. I haven't seen many such movies myself, apart from some weird nun movies like Alucarda, Dead Waters, and Demonia - hardly typical Catholic nuns.
Forgive me Father, for I have sinned...BIGTIME!
Coventry22 December 2005
Ah yes, trashy-looking movies revolving on wicked and sexually depraved nuns
you got to love 'em! "Nunsploitation" is the most absurd and pointless sub genre of horror cinema (closely followed by Nazi-exploitation and Dwarfsploitation) but also strangely fascinating and, if you've seen one, you develop an uncontrollable desire to see them all, even though the stories are hardly ever worth bothering for. This Mexican gem is a perfect example to state the theory! "Sátanico Pandemonium" has almost no plot at all; the acting performances are quite embarrassing and isn't even that bloody! This film is just pleasantly deranged, with an enjoyable tempo and pretty stylish set pieces. We're welcomed into a convent during the Inquisition-era where the beautiful sister Maria undergoes bizarre changes. Satan himself keeps on appearing to her and she starts doing very UN-catholic things, like mutilating herself and seducing young boys that are fishing. The more Satan controls her (simply by wandering around offering her an half-eaten apple
I suppose it's symbolism), the viler her acts get, resulting in the death of several innocent people. There are some incredibly tedious parts to struggle through, but overall this is elegant entertainment for trained exploitation fans. It's not a patch on other Nunsploitation-highlights, such as "The Devils", "Flavia The Heretic" or "Alucarda" (also Mexican), but it has the right amount of naked female flesh, enchanting costumes and atmospheric music. Naughty nuns equal great fun!
Second best Mexican "nunsploitation" ever
lazarillo14 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of only two Mexican "nunsploitation" films that I'm aware of--the other being Juan Monteczuma's excellent "Alucarda". This in some ways is the stranger one though because it is in many ways a traditional and conventional Mexican movie (aside from the naked nuns)while "Alucarda" actually managed to outdo its Italian and European models in its sex-fueled and blood-drenched delerium.
"Satanico Pandemonium" tells the story of a young nun who literally meets the Devil and is enticed to do all kinds of evil acts including seducing a young boy (and burning down his house with his entire family in it when he threatens to tell), driving a fellow nun to suicide, and murdering the mother superior so she can take her place and corrupt the rest of the convent. Obviously, there's a lot of depravity (and some occasional blasphemy) on display here, which is why its strange that the movie was shot in the same conservative, union-shop style of most Mexican movies of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. It seems rather incongruous (imagine a cheap, technicolor American from the 50's that features full-frontal nudity).
Like "Alucarda" this movie is an interesting combination of traditional "nunsploitation", a more "liberal" genre that criticizes the corrupt and repressive nature of the Church (even before the Devil shows up the convent is already seething with corruption and barely repressed sexuality), and the "demonic possession" film, a more "conservative" genre inspired by "The Exorcist" that implies that the younger generation are literally going to the Devil. For most of its running time the movie skillfully shifts back and forth between these seemingly contradictory genres before the intriguing ambiguity finally gives way to a disappointing, even infuriating, ending, which is pretty much a complete cop-out. Still this movie is pretty interesting if nothing else. It's not "Alucarda", but it is no doubt the second best Mexican nunsploitation movie ever
"Satanico Pandemonium" tells the story of a young nun who literally meets the Devil and is enticed to do all kinds of evil acts including seducing a young boy (and burning down his house with his entire family in it when he threatens to tell), driving a fellow nun to suicide, and murdering the mother superior so she can take her place and corrupt the rest of the convent. Obviously, there's a lot of depravity (and some occasional blasphemy) on display here, which is why its strange that the movie was shot in the same conservative, union-shop style of most Mexican movies of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. It seems rather incongruous (imagine a cheap, technicolor American from the 50's that features full-frontal nudity).
Like "Alucarda" this movie is an interesting combination of traditional "nunsploitation", a more "liberal" genre that criticizes the corrupt and repressive nature of the Church (even before the Devil shows up the convent is already seething with corruption and barely repressed sexuality), and the "demonic possession" film, a more "conservative" genre inspired by "The Exorcist" that implies that the younger generation are literally going to the Devil. For most of its running time the movie skillfully shifts back and forth between these seemingly contradictory genres before the intriguing ambiguity finally gives way to a disappointing, even infuriating, ending, which is pretty much a complete cop-out. Still this movie is pretty interesting if nothing else. It's not "Alucarda", but it is no doubt the second best Mexican nunsploitation movie ever
In the name of the father, the son and the rapist nun...amen.
Milo-Jeeder22 May 2007
Even though I have ambiguous estimations about this film on the whole, I can only say for sure that "Satanico Pandemonium" is a must-see nunsploitation Mexican flick for anyone who can be pleased about these kinds of movies for their evident ridiculousness. This is one of those flicks that have too many flaws and no plot whatsoever but it's still impossible not to like them, for some imprecise cause. The acting is not exactly Academy Award material and it causes unintended laughter. The special effects in which we see the concept of Satan and temptation itself represented on a laughable guy naked, is by far one of the most hysterical things about this film, along with the outrageously shabby sound effects during these strange apparitions. The whole thing just looks too tacky and the look on the guy's face is simply priceless, so how can anyone not love it?. I know some people could take it as a reason to overthrow the director's gracious effort, but I myself, found it too silly not to like it. Without offering an actual share of real horror, "Satanico Pandemonium" manages to get the attention, even if it is by some means erroneously advertised. There are some noble allocations of gore here and there, but the film mostly focuses on the drama and eroticism. The first half an hour happens to be ineffective in a way and that would be the only reasons why I felt compelled to turn it off throughout the first minutes and leave it incomplete. It contains no dialogs, no action and for the most part only a nice display of beautiful Mexican landscapes, which is not exactly enough to make it endurable. However, it is only a matter of persistence to realize that after the big unnecessary moments of silence and boredom, the story starts to develop some of the most astonishing states of affairs, in which we see lesbian soft-core sex between two nuns, a nun taking advantage of a teenage boy and some enjoyable bloody murders inside the convent. Without anything else to add, I can only recommend "Satánico Pandemonium" to anyone who is in the mood for a decent nunsploitation drama, with some utterly random sexual scenes, a couple of nice murders to attach at least a small share of horror to the story, a badly placed background story of racism and of course...lots of sexy and sinful nuns.
Why couldn't I stop watching this crap?
maxyrobin14 February 2009
I found this film rather interesting. It's as cheesy and campy as it could be, acting is rather bad, poorly plotted and special effects are simply ridiculous. However, I got hooked by it. It is a top expression of exploitation cinema (I mean, here in Mexico this flick was named "La sexorcista") full of fake blood, male audience oriented soft core lesbianism and ludicrous dialogs that seem to be copied from a Siglo de Oro play (Spanish Renaisence Theatre).
If you like exploitation films, give this one a try. It has its "artistic" aspirations but, as the director might have, you will forget them rather quickly. Fun fact: Here in Mexico, actor Enrique Rocha has grown a respectable reputation as a prime soap opera actor. By the way, one thing that really impressed me in this one was the lighting. For a 70's Mexican movie it is incredibly well lit!
If you like exploitation films, give this one a try. It has its "artistic" aspirations but, as the director might have, you will forget them rather quickly. Fun fact: Here in Mexico, actor Enrique Rocha has grown a respectable reputation as a prime soap opera actor. By the way, one thing that really impressed me in this one was the lighting. For a 70's Mexican movie it is incredibly well lit!
SATANICO PANDEMONIUM (LA SEXORCISTA) (Gilberto Martinez Solares, 1973) ***
Bunuel197623 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I haven't watched that many "Nunsploitation" films, but the ones I did were among the more prominent titles from the subgenre - Ken Russell's THE DEVILS (1971), Jess Franco's THE DEMONS (1972) and LOVE LETTERS OF A Portuguese NUN (1977), and Juan Lopez Moctezuma's ALUCARDA (1975) - and this one, though less well-known (which may be due to the fact that its prolific director had cut his teeth on lowbrow commercial stuff, including several "Santo" movies!), is just as good.
Hilariously, the production company which made it is called Hollywood Films and finance was provided by the "Promocion Turistica Mexicana" (what were they thinking?)! Despite the obvious low-budget, the quality of the cinematography (including its color scheme and the moody lighting) is very adequate - if not exactly smooth! The score, too, is notable in its schizophrenia: lively pop and electronic sounds (as in the rather silly orgy at the end, in which some of the bawdy nuns were actually played by prostitutes hired expressly for this one scene!) alternating with pastoral/lyrical sections and the occasional reverent passage inside the convent.
The film, unfortunately, badly lacks pace and several shots run longer than is necessary - apart from it being somewhat repetitive (particularly during the possessed nun's sex-and-death rampage and her subsequent attempts to cover her tracks, which scenes may have influenced the first half of THE ANTICHRIST [1974]; SATANICO PANDEMONIUM itself was partly inspired by Matthew Lewis' celebrated novel THE MONK - which Luis Bunuel, friend of the director and my personal favorite film-maker, adapted for the screen {but didn't direct} around this same time...and which I managed to catch while in Hollywood early last January!) It is, however, galvanized by an exceptional leading performance from the statuesque (and Keira Knightley look-alike!) Cecilia Pezet.
Unsurprisingly, the film faced censorship problems with its seduction (and later sex) scenes involving a nun and an under-aged shepherd boy!; his subsequent murder at her hands, however, is extremely unconvincing. Like ALUCARDA, the film doesn't dwell on period reconstruction (and, in fact, we only realize when the story actually takes place via a reference towards the end to the Inquisition); still, a few social/racial issues are raised nonetheless with the presence of the two black nuns/maids, who are mistreated even by their white 'colleagues'!
One of its most interesting - and audacious - concepts is the way the film subverts its own intentions by pasting four endings to the narrative back-to-back: a) the girl renounces her sins and is about to allow herself to be captured by her fellow nuns; b) the Devil (campily coiffured and given to elementary conjuring tricks, but aptly incarnated by the handsome Enrique Rocha - who, at one point, even manifests himself to Pezet in the guise of a lesbian nun!) re-appearing to offer her the post of Mother Superior at the convent (the girl having conveniently murdered the current one), whereupon she discovers that her colleagues have been possessed as well, though they still end up killing her!; c) the whole story is revealed to have been merely the delusional fantasy of the main character, under shadow of death from the plague!!; and d) the devil is, however, seen to be all too real and has already set his sights on a new 'victim' at the convent.
Hilariously, the production company which made it is called Hollywood Films and finance was provided by the "Promocion Turistica Mexicana" (what were they thinking?)! Despite the obvious low-budget, the quality of the cinematography (including its color scheme and the moody lighting) is very adequate - if not exactly smooth! The score, too, is notable in its schizophrenia: lively pop and electronic sounds (as in the rather silly orgy at the end, in which some of the bawdy nuns were actually played by prostitutes hired expressly for this one scene!) alternating with pastoral/lyrical sections and the occasional reverent passage inside the convent.
The film, unfortunately, badly lacks pace and several shots run longer than is necessary - apart from it being somewhat repetitive (particularly during the possessed nun's sex-and-death rampage and her subsequent attempts to cover her tracks, which scenes may have influenced the first half of THE ANTICHRIST [1974]; SATANICO PANDEMONIUM itself was partly inspired by Matthew Lewis' celebrated novel THE MONK - which Luis Bunuel, friend of the director and my personal favorite film-maker, adapted for the screen {but didn't direct} around this same time...and which I managed to catch while in Hollywood early last January!) It is, however, galvanized by an exceptional leading performance from the statuesque (and Keira Knightley look-alike!) Cecilia Pezet.
Unsurprisingly, the film faced censorship problems with its seduction (and later sex) scenes involving a nun and an under-aged shepherd boy!; his subsequent murder at her hands, however, is extremely unconvincing. Like ALUCARDA, the film doesn't dwell on period reconstruction (and, in fact, we only realize when the story actually takes place via a reference towards the end to the Inquisition); still, a few social/racial issues are raised nonetheless with the presence of the two black nuns/maids, who are mistreated even by their white 'colleagues'!
One of its most interesting - and audacious - concepts is the way the film subverts its own intentions by pasting four endings to the narrative back-to-back: a) the girl renounces her sins and is about to allow herself to be captured by her fellow nuns; b) the Devil (campily coiffured and given to elementary conjuring tricks, but aptly incarnated by the handsome Enrique Rocha - who, at one point, even manifests himself to Pezet in the guise of a lesbian nun!) re-appearing to offer her the post of Mother Superior at the convent (the girl having conveniently murdered the current one), whereupon she discovers that her colleagues have been possessed as well, though they still end up killing her!; c) the whole story is revealed to have been merely the delusional fantasy of the main character, under shadow of death from the plague!!; and d) the devil is, however, seen to be all too real and has already set his sights on a new 'victim' at the convent.
Not terribly interesting
Der_Schnibbler16 April 2010
Like most of these once-shocking exploitation movies, the buzz surrounding them today on IMDb comments and online forums is more captivating than the film itself. Blame it on our desensitized 21st century sensibilities but, for whatever reason, if this movie was shocking once, it's not any more, save for perhaps a few sheltered souls that are easily impressed. That's not to say it's a bad film. I just hate to see so many people seek these little known gems out with false expectations.
Another reviewer here says the main character (the nun who falls from grace) engages in "lesbianism, child seduction and heresy." Well, the first part is true, for what that's worth. The last part is a given, but then again heresy committed by a nun is not exactly a tall order. As far as "child seduction," well, here we have the reason why these films are so trumped up: modern day, brow-beaten, "politically correct" types who'll get their feathers ruffled at pretty much anything. There's no child seduction in this film, unless you consider a mildly attractive nun trying to seduce an shy and timid teenage boy who unrealistically rejects her purely for plot's sake, i.e. just to make the nun look even more lecherous.
The film moves slowly, the nudity is brief (and the protagonist's body is not exactly a knockout), the effects, though cheap, are well done, the one brief scene of lesbianism is almost arousing, and that's about it.
The film is worth watching for someone interested in a "study" of a nun's internal repressions and how they affect her view of the outer world (you are never quite sure if the events are happening or if she is deluded) but for anyone expecting some kind of feast of debauchery, ya better forget it. Unless, of course, you're a "politically correct" sissy like so many commentators here.
Another reviewer here says the main character (the nun who falls from grace) engages in "lesbianism, child seduction and heresy." Well, the first part is true, for what that's worth. The last part is a given, but then again heresy committed by a nun is not exactly a tall order. As far as "child seduction," well, here we have the reason why these films are so trumped up: modern day, brow-beaten, "politically correct" types who'll get their feathers ruffled at pretty much anything. There's no child seduction in this film, unless you consider a mildly attractive nun trying to seduce an shy and timid teenage boy who unrealistically rejects her purely for plot's sake, i.e. just to make the nun look even more lecherous.
The film moves slowly, the nudity is brief (and the protagonist's body is not exactly a knockout), the effects, though cheap, are well done, the one brief scene of lesbianism is almost arousing, and that's about it.
The film is worth watching for someone interested in a "study" of a nun's internal repressions and how they affect her view of the outer world (you are never quite sure if the events are happening or if she is deluded) but for anyone expecting some kind of feast of debauchery, ya better forget it. Unless, of course, you're a "politically correct" sissy like so many commentators here.
A Noble Nunsploit Effort
Alien_I_Creator27 July 2006
One of the most faithful nuns in her convent, Sister Maria finds herself obsessed by the Devil. Obsessed, not possessed, because Satan is an external force in this film. A strapping and vampiric lad, the Devil brings out Sister Maria's inner desires for both sex and blood. Plagued also by her devotion to God, she tries to fight these forbidden desires and lusts with prayer and penitence only to have them come back ten fold. Sister Maria is suddenly caught between Satanic submission or death.
Satanico Pandemonium is a good nunsploitation effort in the vein of, the more celebrated, Juan Lopez Moctezuma'a Alucarda. It has sex, nudity, lesbianism, child seduction, self mutilation, blood, and death(not necessarily in that order, of course). The ending is clever and surprising following a bloody and ravenous climax. If you're a fan of nunsploitation and offbeat cinema, do yourself a favor and check out Satanico Pandemonium. You won't regret it.
Satanico Pandemonium is a good nunsploitation effort in the vein of, the more celebrated, Juan Lopez Moctezuma'a Alucarda. It has sex, nudity, lesbianism, child seduction, self mutilation, blood, and death(not necessarily in that order, of course). The ending is clever and surprising following a bloody and ravenous climax. If you're a fan of nunsploitation and offbeat cinema, do yourself a favor and check out Satanico Pandemonium. You won't regret it.
A good example of its genre.
Hey_Sweden17 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Cecilia Pezet plays Sister Maria, a nun at a convent during what is presumably the early 19th century. She's always been known for a good heart and for her charitable work, but deep inside her lurk some depraved desires. It takes the machinations of an apple-munching Devil himself (Enrique Rocha) to make her submit to her most wanton impulses.
Gore, nudity, and classic Nunsploitation are to follow in this enjoyable, nicely shot and well-directed film. It's certainly one of the most colourful pictures in this genre, with plenty of eye candy of both the female and the scenic variety. It's actually a little slow to start, as the director, Gilberto Martinez Solares, obviously prefers to ease us into the horrors to come. Most of the best moments are held off until the second half.
While Solares doesn't shy away from giving fans of this genre what they want, exploitation and titillation are not the only order of the way. "Satanico Pandemonium" is not just pure sleaze, but is something a little more interesting and solemn than one might expect. It does ponder the whole idea of faith, and does give us a lead character who is NOT one-dimensional. She is a genuinely troubled individual who feels uncomfortable with the eventual turns that her story takes.
All of this builds to a pretty grand finale wherein her fellow nuns really let loose; this sequence is memorable and is sure to put smiles on the faces of its audience.
Pezet gives an ingratiating, compelling performance in the lead. She's fun to watch when she's at her worst, but is not entirely unsympathetic. The handsome Rocha is a very entertaining Satan who does his able best to lead her astray. The rest of the cast is fine, too, including those performers playing the boy Marcello and the Mother Superior.
This does deserve to be known for more than just inspiring the name of a central character in "From Dusk Till Dawn" 21 years later. If you love this genre, you'll find that it does have quite a bit to offer.
Seven out of 10.
Gore, nudity, and classic Nunsploitation are to follow in this enjoyable, nicely shot and well-directed film. It's certainly one of the most colourful pictures in this genre, with plenty of eye candy of both the female and the scenic variety. It's actually a little slow to start, as the director, Gilberto Martinez Solares, obviously prefers to ease us into the horrors to come. Most of the best moments are held off until the second half.
While Solares doesn't shy away from giving fans of this genre what they want, exploitation and titillation are not the only order of the way. "Satanico Pandemonium" is not just pure sleaze, but is something a little more interesting and solemn than one might expect. It does ponder the whole idea of faith, and does give us a lead character who is NOT one-dimensional. She is a genuinely troubled individual who feels uncomfortable with the eventual turns that her story takes.
All of this builds to a pretty grand finale wherein her fellow nuns really let loose; this sequence is memorable and is sure to put smiles on the faces of its audience.
Pezet gives an ingratiating, compelling performance in the lead. She's fun to watch when she's at her worst, but is not entirely unsympathetic. The handsome Rocha is a very entertaining Satan who does his able best to lead her astray. The rest of the cast is fine, too, including those performers playing the boy Marcello and the Mother Superior.
This does deserve to be known for more than just inspiring the name of a central character in "From Dusk Till Dawn" 21 years later. If you love this genre, you'll find that it does have quite a bit to offer.
Seven out of 10.
Title BETTER than actual Film.
PWT2020 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This was one tame yawn of a "nunsploitation".
There were like a coupla boob shots, one feeble, forced-looking lesbian kissing scene, and apparently one "rape" scene. I just thought they were all held-back or censored.
Here's the breakdown... ACTING: Okay, very subtle CHARACTERS: No real development, sympathy towards any of the characters, devil is lame. STORYLINE: Just plain ol' flatline. Nothing really happens.
The nun apparently being "possessed by the devil" is just uninspiring and cheesy. Don't buy the plot line that she's a "bride of Satan". It's a crock.
Uneventful, waste of film. The appeal of the title is definitely better than the actual film!
There were like a coupla boob shots, one feeble, forced-looking lesbian kissing scene, and apparently one "rape" scene. I just thought they were all held-back or censored.
Here's the breakdown... ACTING: Okay, very subtle CHARACTERS: No real development, sympathy towards any of the characters, devil is lame. STORYLINE: Just plain ol' flatline. Nothing really happens.
The nun apparently being "possessed by the devil" is just uninspiring and cheesy. Don't buy the plot line that she's a "bride of Satan". It's a crock.
Uneventful, waste of film. The appeal of the title is definitely better than the actual film!
Before censorship came to Mèxico.
insomniac_rod6 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Mèxico, being an almost 100% Catholic country produced several nunsploitation flicks in the 70's. Before censorship took a big role in Mexican movies, there were many, many exploitation flicks for different tastes. I must admit that this isn't a masterpiece by any means, but it is a movie that deserves a chance and will please fans of gore and sleaze.
Many Mexicans tend to easily "scare" with plots like the one in "Satànico Pandemonium" because it deals with two restricted topics in Mexican society : sex and religion nastiness.
"Satànico Pandemonium" does not rank high on the exploitation Heaven but it manages to deliver quality intense violence and disturbing images for those who enjoy this kind of cinema. The language used in this movie is macabre and it's very relevant for the plot. If you speak Spanish you might enjoy it more than if you watch it with sub-titles because most of the words have no exact literal translation.
The raw acting is a key factor in the movie. For example, the afro American nun that cries all over the convent because of her depression for being black is something that may seem random; you just watch her cry and suffer. The scene takes relevance as the plot develops (she's "aided" by Sister Maria who convinces her to commit suicide).
Many situations like that one make you think "where's the coherence with these Mexican film makers?" but that's just to add tension. Also, the convent is very creepy mainly because of a great art direction. The atmosphere in the convent is sinister and the fact that the Devil is prowling outside, makes it even more a scary place. I praise the cinematography because the movie is visually stunning. The events take place at noon at night and the movie still looks sinister.
The music is also convincing and very disturbing. The director knows how to create a disturbing, scary setting with the correct use of light, sounds, and suspense. The acting is not that good because most of the main actresses were amateur, except for Pezet who delivers a brave, solid performance. She's a beautiful woman with nerves. She was perfect for the role because she's extremely pretty, has an angel face; the perfect prey for Satan. She deserved more leading roles in her career. Too bad that this was her last movie. She was just too beautiful to be involved in Nunsploitation flicks! Veteran t.v. and movie actor Enrique Rocha gives a strong performance as the Devil and his voice is scary alone. He was great. The rest of the cast is just plain and dull.
The movie goes directly to the point immediately after it starts. After the opening credits, Satan seduces Sister Mary and then the Horror starts immediately. She is tempted in several scenes, and finally, when she falls into Satan's tramp, she starts a rampage of sex and murder. Thank you!
Maybe Europeans aren't easily scared with topics like The Devil seducing or torturing nuns,but here in Mèxico it's a different deal. The Devil is by far the scariest character in Mèxican culture. Now, if you mix him with religion (which is something very delicate here) you have a terrifying experience. In the first minutes there is auto flagellation (good gore) , lesbian nun sex, and Satan. Mèxico created this interesting premise which sadly, in the 80's and 90's was heavily banned because of a censorship campaign against violence in cinema. I'm glad that these movies get DVD releases for Europe so they can recognize the country's talent in Horror.
The main problem with this movie is the lack of continuity and coherence in the plot. First, we only know that the movie takes place in the inquisition times because of the tombs of the nuns. So, the movie is set in the mid 1600's. Then, what should we realize about the ending? It's too easy to blame the Devil! but it does no makes sense.
Anyways, "Satanico Pandemonium" has become somewhat a cult nunsploitation movie; it was even referenced in "From Dusk Till Dawn". The weak point of the movie is that it hasn't aged very well. The veteran director is heavily influenced by classic theater techniques and acting and does not gives a dynamic mood to the movie. The camera angles are boring at some points, and some events truly last longer than they should. For example, when Sister Maria takes care of the sick cow, or when she realizes she's been tempted by the Devil.
At some point it looks like a very old Horror movie but with lots of gore. Talking about gore, the movie has two highlight gory scenes in my opinion. First, when Sister Maria seduces and later stabs Marcelo to death. The scene is weird because it makes you wonder how would it be if a nun "like that" would seduce you, and later, it grosses you out. I felt sorry for Marcelo's tender grandmother. The other scene, is when Sister Maria is stabbed to death by the other nuns. The gore is great in this movie. Expect stabs, self punishment, and a glorious flashback sequence involving the inquisition (excellent for those who like gore).
Mèxico is not all about raw, cheesy, gory flicks involving wrestlers, with no plot. Mèxico had a HUGE potential in the genre but as many people know, politicians and Constitutional Presidents banned the rise of Mexican exploitation. Sure, it came back in the 80's but not as a Horror sub-genre; it came among low budget Action movies and the typical Valentìn Trujillo flicks.
Give a try to "Satànico Pandemonium" because it offers blood, gore, a scary plot (for us who respect the religious factor), and a dark atmosphere. Buy it for all of it's goodies. I believe there's an unrated version.
Many Mexicans tend to easily "scare" with plots like the one in "Satànico Pandemonium" because it deals with two restricted topics in Mexican society : sex and religion nastiness.
"Satànico Pandemonium" does not rank high on the exploitation Heaven but it manages to deliver quality intense violence and disturbing images for those who enjoy this kind of cinema. The language used in this movie is macabre and it's very relevant for the plot. If you speak Spanish you might enjoy it more than if you watch it with sub-titles because most of the words have no exact literal translation.
The raw acting is a key factor in the movie. For example, the afro American nun that cries all over the convent because of her depression for being black is something that may seem random; you just watch her cry and suffer. The scene takes relevance as the plot develops (she's "aided" by Sister Maria who convinces her to commit suicide).
Many situations like that one make you think "where's the coherence with these Mexican film makers?" but that's just to add tension. Also, the convent is very creepy mainly because of a great art direction. The atmosphere in the convent is sinister and the fact that the Devil is prowling outside, makes it even more a scary place. I praise the cinematography because the movie is visually stunning. The events take place at noon at night and the movie still looks sinister.
The music is also convincing and very disturbing. The director knows how to create a disturbing, scary setting with the correct use of light, sounds, and suspense. The acting is not that good because most of the main actresses were amateur, except for Pezet who delivers a brave, solid performance. She's a beautiful woman with nerves. She was perfect for the role because she's extremely pretty, has an angel face; the perfect prey for Satan. She deserved more leading roles in her career. Too bad that this was her last movie. She was just too beautiful to be involved in Nunsploitation flicks! Veteran t.v. and movie actor Enrique Rocha gives a strong performance as the Devil and his voice is scary alone. He was great. The rest of the cast is just plain and dull.
The movie goes directly to the point immediately after it starts. After the opening credits, Satan seduces Sister Mary and then the Horror starts immediately. She is tempted in several scenes, and finally, when she falls into Satan's tramp, she starts a rampage of sex and murder. Thank you!
Maybe Europeans aren't easily scared with topics like The Devil seducing or torturing nuns,but here in Mèxico it's a different deal. The Devil is by far the scariest character in Mèxican culture. Now, if you mix him with religion (which is something very delicate here) you have a terrifying experience. In the first minutes there is auto flagellation (good gore) , lesbian nun sex, and Satan. Mèxico created this interesting premise which sadly, in the 80's and 90's was heavily banned because of a censorship campaign against violence in cinema. I'm glad that these movies get DVD releases for Europe so they can recognize the country's talent in Horror.
The main problem with this movie is the lack of continuity and coherence in the plot. First, we only know that the movie takes place in the inquisition times because of the tombs of the nuns. So, the movie is set in the mid 1600's. Then, what should we realize about the ending? It's too easy to blame the Devil! but it does no makes sense.
Anyways, "Satanico Pandemonium" has become somewhat a cult nunsploitation movie; it was even referenced in "From Dusk Till Dawn". The weak point of the movie is that it hasn't aged very well. The veteran director is heavily influenced by classic theater techniques and acting and does not gives a dynamic mood to the movie. The camera angles are boring at some points, and some events truly last longer than they should. For example, when Sister Maria takes care of the sick cow, or when she realizes she's been tempted by the Devil.
At some point it looks like a very old Horror movie but with lots of gore. Talking about gore, the movie has two highlight gory scenes in my opinion. First, when Sister Maria seduces and later stabs Marcelo to death. The scene is weird because it makes you wonder how would it be if a nun "like that" would seduce you, and later, it grosses you out. I felt sorry for Marcelo's tender grandmother. The other scene, is when Sister Maria is stabbed to death by the other nuns. The gore is great in this movie. Expect stabs, self punishment, and a glorious flashback sequence involving the inquisition (excellent for those who like gore).
Mèxico is not all about raw, cheesy, gory flicks involving wrestlers, with no plot. Mèxico had a HUGE potential in the genre but as many people know, politicians and Constitutional Presidents banned the rise of Mexican exploitation. Sure, it came back in the 80's but not as a Horror sub-genre; it came among low budget Action movies and the typical Valentìn Trujillo flicks.
Give a try to "Satànico Pandemonium" because it offers blood, gore, a scary plot (for us who respect the religious factor), and a dark atmosphere. Buy it for all of it's goodies. I believe there's an unrated version.
Into The Pandemonium
dworldeater30 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I came across this on Tubi and I decided this was worth watching for title alone. Satanico Pandemonium didn't disappoint with nudity and sex galore with a good amount of blood,this nunsploitation flick provided me a good time. Old Nick himself gets a high ranking nun to cross over to the dark side. She gets really naughty with lesbian sex, blasphemy, rape, murder and arson. This nun in question is also smoking hot and is not relecutant at all to take off her clothes. This is one of the only Mexican horror movies I have seen from the seventies and now that I have seen this, I need to see more. Horns up for Satanico Pandemonium, one very cool movie.
Sin!
BandSAboutMovies27 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Sister Maria should be living the quiet and chaste convent life, but she has a fantasy world in which she runs free and wild, the servant of Satan. In our world, her acts of violent blasphemy are on the increase as she begins to realize that her job is to lead her sisters in Christ down the left hand path to Hell. The Devil has his hooves into Sister Maria and he isn't going to let go.
Gilberto Martinez Solares also directed Santo and Blue Demon Against the Monsters, but there's no way that will prepare you for this movie. I'd compare it - obviously - to Alucarda, a movie that it has similar themes to but less eye popping visuals. That's not to say that this movie plays it safe, but man, it had a high bar to reach.
Sure, Maria is good with medicine and animals, but once she sees Lucifer - who tells her "Call me Lucifer. If you want me, just think of me, I'm everywhere." - and eats the apple he offers, all Hell breaks loose. Where she once self-flagellated herself, now our heroine - I guess? - is making love to the other nuns when she's not watching them hang themselves.
There's also an interesting subplot about a black nun who is treated badly by everyone, including her Mother Superior, which seems a deep subject to tackle in a Mexican nunsploitation film. Also - lots of stabbing. And obviously, this is where Salma Hayek's character in From Dusk Till Dawn got her name.
Gilberto Martinez Solares also directed Santo and Blue Demon Against the Monsters, but there's no way that will prepare you for this movie. I'd compare it - obviously - to Alucarda, a movie that it has similar themes to but less eye popping visuals. That's not to say that this movie plays it safe, but man, it had a high bar to reach.
Sure, Maria is good with medicine and animals, but once she sees Lucifer - who tells her "Call me Lucifer. If you want me, just think of me, I'm everywhere." - and eats the apple he offers, all Hell breaks loose. Where she once self-flagellated herself, now our heroine - I guess? - is making love to the other nuns when she's not watching them hang themselves.
There's also an interesting subplot about a black nun who is treated badly by everyone, including her Mother Superior, which seems a deep subject to tackle in a Mexican nunsploitation film. Also - lots of stabbing. And obviously, this is where Salma Hayek's character in From Dusk Till Dawn got her name.
a nice slice of seventies nunsploitation *possible spoilers*
michellelocke00727 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
one of the few stand out films during the nunsploitation invasion during the early seventies. not really much of a plot as it follows the exploits of a god-worshipping and selfless nun by the name of sister maria. she is kind, caring and devoted to helping the less fortunate and has a natural bond with animals as it showcases in the beginning of the film.
it isn't too long before she has an encounter with a naked man who offers her a bite of his red apple. frightened she runs away and back to the convent, confused and bewildered by what this all means. to the viewer it is clear that the man is the devil in disguise, trying to tempt sister maria as he continues to re-appear to her. from there, maria begins a descent into sexual depravity, loss of her sanity and eventually, murder...three to be exact.
the actress who portrays the title character did an admirable job in conveying the anguish and torment the sister is going through...battling her many demons and darkest desires all the while, trying to do the right thing and continuing her worship of the lord.
while the film is over thirty years old, it has aged well over time and i admired the cinematography and the direction of it. beautiful scenery and sharp contrasting images and colour as well.
anyone interested in taking a peek into the nunsploitation genre should check out this rare Mexican film as it has all the right elements to a good exploitation.
it isn't too long before she has an encounter with a naked man who offers her a bite of his red apple. frightened she runs away and back to the convent, confused and bewildered by what this all means. to the viewer it is clear that the man is the devil in disguise, trying to tempt sister maria as he continues to re-appear to her. from there, maria begins a descent into sexual depravity, loss of her sanity and eventually, murder...three to be exact.
the actress who portrays the title character did an admirable job in conveying the anguish and torment the sister is going through...battling her many demons and darkest desires all the while, trying to do the right thing and continuing her worship of the lord.
while the film is over thirty years old, it has aged well over time and i admired the cinematography and the direction of it. beautiful scenery and sharp contrasting images and colour as well.
anyone interested in taking a peek into the nunsploitation genre should check out this rare Mexican film as it has all the right elements to a good exploitation.
Very Bad Habit...
azathothpwiggins4 August 2020
SATANICO PANDEMONIUM is a "good nun gone bad" film from Mexico about Sister Maria (Cecilia Pezet), who, after an encounter with the Devil (Enrique Rocha), goes on a mad spree of sexual deviance and bloody homicide.
The main reason for this film's notorious reputation is due to Maria's lusting after an underage boy. This was pretty shocking for its day, but is less so in this era of desensitization via the internet and trash TV. Whether she's inside or outside of the convent, Maria is relentless in her search for debauchery, ultimately committing several murders to cover up her sins. It's fascinating to watch her transform from a Julie Andrews / Audrey Hepburn-type nun, into a full-on, eeevil maniac!
Unfortunately, the ending is a swindle, tacked on to placate the church and the censors...
The main reason for this film's notorious reputation is due to Maria's lusting after an underage boy. This was pretty shocking for its day, but is less so in this era of desensitization via the internet and trash TV. Whether she's inside or outside of the convent, Maria is relentless in her search for debauchery, ultimately committing several murders to cover up her sins. It's fascinating to watch her transform from a Julie Andrews / Audrey Hepburn-type nun, into a full-on, eeevil maniac!
Unfortunately, the ending is a swindle, tacked on to placate the church and the censors...
Devilish nuns
dennislongmore28 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
SP is a minor cult film made in the fabulous period (the '70s) of exploitation films and this one, of course, fits snugly into the nunsploitation category taking it's inspiration (?) from Ken Russell's masterpiece, The Devils. It is well made but extremely slow moving but does deliver some remarkable scenes including, infamously, a naked nun slipping into bed with a child and after he rejects her advances, bloodily stabs him to death. Can't see that getting made nowadays and indeed may be cut from some prints. I watched the Mondo Macabro fully uncut version. There is pretty much all of the stuff typical in nunsploitation films and, in my view, is well worth your attention.
As messed up as this movie is, it should have been great
jfgibson7324 July 2023
I was disappointed by this movie--I was expecting something much more entertaining. Now, this is an exploitation movie, and if I were to list all the things that take place during the story, it would sound like it totally hits the mark. But something about the execution really brought it all down. It's slow paced, with numerous sequences where the shots go on too long, or we have to watch pointless action, such as characters walking in real time. It also takes itself extremely seriously. But even beyond that, there was just some intangible quality that kept it from being fun or entertaining. Maybe it had to do with the performances, or maybe I didn't quite connect with the lead character. Whatever it was, I count this as a big letdown.
An exploitation flick that lives up to its name
Satchmo_on_Satchmo7 April 2009
There's a bit of unintended notoriety connected with the title of this film. You have to see the 1996 Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez writer-director collaboration From Dusk Til Dawn, an un-P.C. film if ever there was one, to get it. The movie's characters have set up shop at a trucker's and biker's bar, the Titty Twister, to cool their heels. The M.C. announces a new entertainer for the stage, a woman named Santanico Pandemonium. The voluptuous actress Salma Hayek steps out draped with a huge snake and little else, and proceeds to rock her hips to the delight of every man who can see her. It's a stunning moment toward the middle of a not very striking flick.
Satanico Pandemonium isn't only exploitation; it belongs to a genre called "nunsploitation." The place is Spain and the time is most likely pre-1834. Sister Maria (Cecilia Pezet) is a devoted nun who finds herself visited by visions of Satan, or Luzbel. The devil appears as a man to Sister Maria, and using obvious Biblical symbolism, tends to carry a bitten-into apple. Sister Maria is startled and horrified by the series of temptations that happen to her via the film's faulty special effects. As another user has pointed out, this is an obsession scenario by an external devil.
One important observation should be stated. The actress playing Sister Maria is very beautiful with warm, bedroom eyes, and many of us (meaning men) wouldn't mind watching her getting robbed of her virtue - as well as tormented by particular sins. But what happens is with a little influence from Beelzebub, Sister Maria soon indulges in lesbianism, child seduction and heresy. The film has a church-like quality to the way it moves slowly and harps upon moments of less-than-dramatic value, and with its fantastic logic, Sister Maria turns into hell in a headdress. One scene in particular is actually quite disturbing, with Sister Maria covering her naked, bloody body with her uniform.
The flick isn't entirely baldfaced exploitation though, and has interesting questions about faith in its dialogue. That aside, the flick's appeal seems rather obvious. In life, most of us want what we cannot have, and the fantasy of despoiling such a person (i.e., a nun) can be very powerful. Satanico Pandemonium uses its subject matter effectively, and despite an unsatisfying story resolution, it packs quite a wallop.
Satanico Pandemonium isn't only exploitation; it belongs to a genre called "nunsploitation." The place is Spain and the time is most likely pre-1834. Sister Maria (Cecilia Pezet) is a devoted nun who finds herself visited by visions of Satan, or Luzbel. The devil appears as a man to Sister Maria, and using obvious Biblical symbolism, tends to carry a bitten-into apple. Sister Maria is startled and horrified by the series of temptations that happen to her via the film's faulty special effects. As another user has pointed out, this is an obsession scenario by an external devil.
One important observation should be stated. The actress playing Sister Maria is very beautiful with warm, bedroom eyes, and many of us (meaning men) wouldn't mind watching her getting robbed of her virtue - as well as tormented by particular sins. But what happens is with a little influence from Beelzebub, Sister Maria soon indulges in lesbianism, child seduction and heresy. The film has a church-like quality to the way it moves slowly and harps upon moments of less-than-dramatic value, and with its fantastic logic, Sister Maria turns into hell in a headdress. One scene in particular is actually quite disturbing, with Sister Maria covering her naked, bloody body with her uniform.
The flick isn't entirely baldfaced exploitation though, and has interesting questions about faith in its dialogue. That aside, the flick's appeal seems rather obvious. In life, most of us want what we cannot have, and the fantasy of despoiling such a person (i.e., a nun) can be very powerful. Satanico Pandemonium uses its subject matter effectively, and despite an unsatisfying story resolution, it packs quite a wallop.
Nightmare or Reality?
claudio_carvalho8 April 2023
While picking flowers in a grove, Sister Maria (Cecilia Pezet) sees a naked man and runs. He appears to her again and says that he is Lucifer (Enrique Rocha), and tempts her, offering an apple to her. Soon Sister Maria is possessed by evil and try to seduce the young shepherd Marcello. Then she begins a crime spree and Lucifer makes a great proposition to her. What will happen to Sister Maria?
"Satanico Pandemonium: La Sexorcista" is a Mexican nunexploitation film from 1975 by Gilberto Martínez Solares. The film is bold, since Mexico is a Catholic country, and probably would not be made in the present days with this whining generation. The gorgeous Cecilia Pezet was cast in this film due to her angelical face and facility to be naked many times along the story. Most of the nuns was selected in a nearby brothel since there would have the need to perform the dancing scene of the nuns corrupted by Lucifer. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Satânico Pandemonium"
"Satanico Pandemonium: La Sexorcista" is a Mexican nunexploitation film from 1975 by Gilberto Martínez Solares. The film is bold, since Mexico is a Catholic country, and probably would not be made in the present days with this whining generation. The gorgeous Cecilia Pezet was cast in this film due to her angelical face and facility to be naked many times along the story. Most of the nuns was selected in a nearby brothel since there would have the need to perform the dancing scene of the nuns corrupted by Lucifer. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Satânico Pandemonium"
The best of Nunspoitation flick thus far
Xex-Arachnid18 January 2007
This movie is true to form with the opening of racial prejudice towards the nuns who're not Mexican.
I have read many reviews in where this movie was very confusing but this is not the case because this generation of movie viewer has to have everything explained to them because it hurts to think. Blame capitalism, blame the information age, Hell, blame me but if you have read such reviews don't take it to heart for ye will surely be deceived!!! The movie is about a nun who's harassed by the devil all because of her purity or desire to be chaste. Eversince she's been in contact with El Levid whom I shall refer to as (The Count of Dantecrispo, sister purity gets the urge to seduce goat herders and fellow nuns.
I will not share any more but for me, it's worth the investment. I like this movie more than Alucarda and that's saying a lot since Alucarda's pure Kult Ov the Kult of my video collectiones.
I have read many reviews in where this movie was very confusing but this is not the case because this generation of movie viewer has to have everything explained to them because it hurts to think. Blame capitalism, blame the information age, Hell, blame me but if you have read such reviews don't take it to heart for ye will surely be deceived!!! The movie is about a nun who's harassed by the devil all because of her purity or desire to be chaste. Eversince she's been in contact with El Levid whom I shall refer to as (The Count of Dantecrispo, sister purity gets the urge to seduce goat herders and fellow nuns.
I will not share any more but for me, it's worth the investment. I like this movie more than Alucarda and that's saying a lot since Alucarda's pure Kult Ov the Kult of my video collectiones.
This rather splendid Mexican, Nunspoiltation
christopher-underwood3 July 2022
This rather splendid Mexican, Nunsploitation directed by Giberto Martinez Solares whom I had never heard of although he made 160 all sorts of films beginning in the late 30s and ending in 1997 with a couple of comedies. In the middle of his career he made this one which a few years later the actor/director Juan Lopez Moltezuma made Alucarda the most famous film which it seems that was likely influenced by this one. Cecilia Pezet is the lovely girl throughout the film and rather happy at baring her breasts many times. It is sexy, nasty, bloody and even gory but nevertheless absolutely beautiful. Solares was clearly good at the camera and there is no moment within this that is not brilliant. The countryside, the convent, the nuns and the sex and violence is all very well shot as well as the devil himself.
A very interesting and entertaining series, one of the best views
zadsad-8540115 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A very interesting and entertaining series, one of the best views. A very interesting and entertaining series, one of the best viewsA very wonderful and enjoyable series, one of the best views, exciting, super fun and very romantic, I hope to show more of these series on this site everyoneA very interesting and entertaining series, one of the best viewsA very wonderful and enjoyable series, one of the best views, exciting, super fun and very romantic, I hope to show more of these series on this site everyoneA very interesting and entertaining series, one of the best viewsA very wonderful and enjoyable series, one of the best views, exciting, super fun and very romantic, I hope to show more of these series on this site everyone.
Devious deviant horror fun, perhaps imperfectly rendered
I_Ailurophile20 October 2021
Only minutes in, I immediately loved it.
The filming locations are gorgeous. The costume design is lovely. Though given little time on screen, tall, dark and handsome Enrique Rocha very ably embodies the dangerously charming force of personality of Luzbel, while beautiful Cecilia Pezet is most prominent as the perfect picture of compassion and innocence in Sister Maria. It's also hard not to love Gustavo César Carrión's score - lending to the mood at all times, and sometimes quietly beautiful, but at its electrifying best with its most discordant, unorthodox chords. Sure, the presentation is a little ham-handed, including musical cues. But in no time at all I was thoroughly enjoying myself - 'Satánico Pandemonium' is a cheeky, engrossing joy.
With rare exception the film keeps a very subdued tone and progresses at a leisurely pace, yet is curiously captivating with each turn Maria makes away from her convent. The more she caves to every mounting temptation, the greater the thrills, horror, and fun. Every step of the way, Pezet demonstrates a wonderful fierceness, and range and nuance, in inhabiting the role of the wayward nun. The writing and direction alike are fantastic, arranging giddily enticing, sometimes creepy scenes, and crafting a compelling overall narrative.
On the other hand, I admit I'm a little bit torn: the ideas that carry the picture for the entirety of its length are dropped in the last 3-5 minutes. Building suspense and excitement crescendo to anticipation of the utmost peak of what 'Satánico Pandemonium' could dare to achieve - and then it does something different. The ending we get isn't bad - there's definite value in what it portends - but I can't help feeling like it's a bit of a cop-out, an unwillingness to push the boundaries to their extreme, underhanded limit. Without betraying plot details - all I would have needed to be satisfied would have been a slow smile.
Oh well. Even with that point of contention, the movie is so strong otherwise that I think the entertainment it provides still handily outweighs its deficiencies. Pezet's central performance is enjoyable, the screenplay as a whole is a delight, and the underlying themes are wonderfully twisted. Though I'm not convinced the picture is everything it could have been, I'm still very glad to have watched it: 'Satánico Pandemonium' is a sly, low-key, fun and engaging horror flick ambition only of devious, enchanting cinematic pleasure, and faults and all, it readily succeeds.
The filming locations are gorgeous. The costume design is lovely. Though given little time on screen, tall, dark and handsome Enrique Rocha very ably embodies the dangerously charming force of personality of Luzbel, while beautiful Cecilia Pezet is most prominent as the perfect picture of compassion and innocence in Sister Maria. It's also hard not to love Gustavo César Carrión's score - lending to the mood at all times, and sometimes quietly beautiful, but at its electrifying best with its most discordant, unorthodox chords. Sure, the presentation is a little ham-handed, including musical cues. But in no time at all I was thoroughly enjoying myself - 'Satánico Pandemonium' is a cheeky, engrossing joy.
With rare exception the film keeps a very subdued tone and progresses at a leisurely pace, yet is curiously captivating with each turn Maria makes away from her convent. The more she caves to every mounting temptation, the greater the thrills, horror, and fun. Every step of the way, Pezet demonstrates a wonderful fierceness, and range and nuance, in inhabiting the role of the wayward nun. The writing and direction alike are fantastic, arranging giddily enticing, sometimes creepy scenes, and crafting a compelling overall narrative.
On the other hand, I admit I'm a little bit torn: the ideas that carry the picture for the entirety of its length are dropped in the last 3-5 minutes. Building suspense and excitement crescendo to anticipation of the utmost peak of what 'Satánico Pandemonium' could dare to achieve - and then it does something different. The ending we get isn't bad - there's definite value in what it portends - but I can't help feeling like it's a bit of a cop-out, an unwillingness to push the boundaries to their extreme, underhanded limit. Without betraying plot details - all I would have needed to be satisfied would have been a slow smile.
Oh well. Even with that point of contention, the movie is so strong otherwise that I think the entertainment it provides still handily outweighs its deficiencies. Pezet's central performance is enjoyable, the screenplay as a whole is a delight, and the underlying themes are wonderfully twisted. Though I'm not convinced the picture is everything it could have been, I'm still very glad to have watched it: 'Satánico Pandemonium' is a sly, low-key, fun and engaging horror flick ambition only of devious, enchanting cinematic pleasure, and faults and all, it readily succeeds.
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