Forty years on and `Viridiana' is one of the very few, almost unique, examples of classical Spanish cinema to have survived the turmoil of the latter half of the last century. It remains as a little light in the midst of the darkness of the Franco Régime, which promptly banned it, or as an insouciance to the Vatican, which promptly excomulgated everyone concerned with it.

Buñuel's genius is apparent in every frame: the eye for detail, nonetheless permitting that impromptu evanesqueness which lends exquisiteness to these memorable scenes, above which shines the `Last Supper'. And it is precisely this scene which gives one the impression that the real stars in the making of this film were the motley beggars taken in from the streets. Silvia Pinal and Francisco `Paco' Rabal are not outstanding in this piece; even the incomparable Fernando Rey is overshadowed by the band of social outcasts. The sheer poeticness so brilliantly captured by the camera roaming among the vagabonds is cinematographic exquisiteness carried to its extreme: every grimace, every wrinkled nose, the debauchery, is what makes the principal actors be no such thing, but secondary actors overwhelmed by the nuances and gestures of these `untouchables". Brilliant filming, indeed – whether intentional or not or whether this be only my personal interpretation after seeing this film three times in the last twenty five years, is of course open to debate.

Suffice just to mention Lola Gaos: (Tristana (1970) – also by Buñuel - is one of her other films worthy of mention, surprisingly accepted by the censor's blue pen). In the 70s her voice began to break up, such that in the end she lived out her last years in poverty, forgotten by the times and cinema makers, until hauled out of hiding for a last TV appearance, sardonic way of giving her a few pennies to eke out to the end of her existence, but by then (1989) her voice was so fragmented it was near impossible to understand her. Her throat-cancer was never treated adequately.

Luis Buñuel (`Thank God I am an atheist') has gone; Fernando Rey has gone; Paco Rabal died yesterday in an aeroplane flying over the English Channel, returning from the Montreal Film Festival where he received his last award…….

They leave `Viridiana' as testament to those historical and difficult times, an isolated exposé amid what was, for Spain, a cinematographical desert.

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

This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking film initially banned in Spain and completely denounced by the Vatican . Although it was voted best Spanish film by professionals and critics in 1996 Spanish cinema centenary . It deals with the novice Angelic Viridiana (Silvia Pinal) who visits his uncle Jaime (Fernando Rey) in the mansion prior to taking her religious vows . Jaime is stunned by her remarkable resemblance to deceased spouse who passes away on their wedding night . Later on , there appears his nephew (Francisco Rabal). Meanwhile Viridiana attempts to help some local beggars .

This prohibited movie is widely considered a Luis Buñuel's masterpiece . It's a parable based on a Benito Perez Galdos' novel titled Halma concerning about a young nun full of illusions and kindness along with some tattered beggars . It is packed with some humor , hilarious situations , brooding drama , corruption and criticism to Catholic Church and useless altruism . The original ending of the film showed Viridiana knocking on her cousin's door, entering, and the door closing slowly behind her , this version was rejected by Spanish censors . After years of living in Mexico, Luis Buñuel was persuaded to make his first film in his native Spain since 1936 by the vanguard of young contemporary Spanish film-makers who admired his work . Buñuel returning his native country , Spain , by making 'Viridiana' but this film was prohibited on the grounds of blasphemy , then Buñuel with his screenwriter Julio Alejandro go back Mexico where realizes in low budget 'Simon of the desert' and also produced by Gustavo Alatriste . The script was initially approved by the Spanish authorities with a few minor changes. They had no opportunity to view the finished film until it played at the Cannes Film Festival where it won the Palme d'Or . Nevertheless they were sufficiently horrified by what they saw to ban the film. Splendid main cast gives superb acting as Fernando Rey , Francisco Rabal and Silvia Pinal as idealist ascetic ex-nun . Large secondary cast formed by ragged beggars as Lola Gaos , Jose Calvo , Jose Luis Martin , Joaquin Roa, and Maria Isbert ,daughter of the great Jose Isbert . It appears uncredited as a little girl Teresa Rabal , Francisco Rabal's daughter . Good and atmospheric cinematography by excellent cameraman Jose F. Aguayo . Religious and classic music score including ¨Haendel's Messiah¨ and the ethereal strains of Alelluya . The picture was originally realized by 'the maestro of Calanda' , Luis Buñuel's location of birth , and was immediately banned . Despite the government's massive efforts to confiscate all copies , some of them were exhibited and the movie won deservedly the Palme dÓr at the Cannes Film Festival . Nice strange story for Luis Buñuel aficionados , being hauled by some reviewers as one of his best films ever made . Rating : Above average, worthwhile watching.