The Devils: The Director's Cut (1971)

The Devils is this autumn's big movie reissue, selling out show after show as people strive to see the director's cut of Ken Russell's visually stunning, previously censored (and censured) cinematic provocation. It actually did quite well in the UK on release, but was banned in several countries for its blend of sacrilege, violence and explicit sexual content. Not one to see with the kids or the priest in other words, but as we're neither, why not give it a go while it's still showing on the big screen?

It's 1630s France and Loudun is one of the few French cities to resist the reach of the corrupt Cardinal Richilieu, who is expanding his power by destroying the fortifications of city after city. When Loudun's governor dies, Father Urbain Grandier (Ollie Reed) is left in charge. But while he may be good hearted, Grandier has some skeletons in his closet, and an accusation of witchcraft by sexually repressed nun Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave) leads to some dire consequences.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLVedUWKg

Tickets available here, I'm in C3. This is quite an early showing but it's probably the most accessible 4K screening that still leaves time for a post-movie drink. We can meet outside the cinema and head for one then.