Parents' Guide to The Devils

Parents need to know that The Devils is a controversial British historical psychological drama based on the true story of a 17th-century priest who is tried for witchcraft by the state so that it can claim the town he protects. This re-released, uncut version features graphic torture, violence, nudity, and sexual acts within a feverish and intense atmosphere. A character has their tongue cut out, people are crucified, and someone is burned alive. In one scene, a large implement is forced into someone's vagina to "exorcise" them. Sometimes considered blasphemous for mixing sexual elements and religion, it is arguably sympathetic to faith and damning of political corruption. The priest, Father Grandier (Oliver Reed), protects his town against the state, which plots to have people testify against him as a heretic. He remains true to his faith and morals, even when sentenced to death, showing self-control, courage, and compassion, while other characters revel in cruelty, torture, and bringing false charges against a priest. The film is directed by Ken Russell and also stars Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Jeanne, a nun who has lustful thoughts about Grandier.

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