Luis Buñuel directed some great films, and this may have been one in 1961, when the conditions in Spain were bad only a generation after the military coup by Franco. However, it really does not stand the test of time and, despite the fact that one is expected to sing the great director's praises at every opportunity, it is a disappointment.
Sister Viridiana (Silvia Pinal) is waiting to take her final vows when Mother Superior orders her to return home for a few days to properly show her appreciation to the uncle (Fernando Rey) that supported her in the novitiate (translated: gave the Church a lot of money).
He is a recluse who is obsessed with his dead wife. Viridiana is a dead ringer. But, her piety and religious devotion cause her to reject his advances and return to the convent. He commits suicide and she feels guilty. Why? She did nothing wrong. Anyway, she gathers some poor off the street and tries to reform them as her penance.
This is where Rush Limbaugh would have a field day. They are the most degenerate lot of beggars, fornicators, and thieves she could have put together. They are in no way appreciate of her help and end up trashing the house in a drunken bacchanal.
Meanwhile, the illegitimate son of the uncle is reveling in his new good fortune by kicking out his girlfriend and making moves on Viridiana. After she sees that her efforts at charity are useless (translation: if first you don't succeed, then quit), she resigns herself to probable ménage à trois with the cousin and the maid.
Depressing and dated, it is not one I would recommend. Buñuel has done so many better films.
Sister Viridiana (Silvia Pinal) is waiting to take her final vows when Mother Superior orders her to return home for a few days to properly show her appreciation to the uncle (Fernando Rey) that supported her in the novitiate (translated: gave the Church a lot of money).
He is a recluse who is obsessed with his dead wife. Viridiana is a dead ringer. But, her piety and religious devotion cause her to reject his advances and return to the convent. He commits suicide and she feels guilty. Why? She did nothing wrong. Anyway, she gathers some poor off the street and tries to reform them as her penance.
This is where Rush Limbaugh would have a field day. They are the most degenerate lot of beggars, fornicators, and thieves she could have put together. They are in no way appreciate of her help and end up trashing the house in a drunken bacchanal.
Meanwhile, the illegitimate son of the uncle is reveling in his new good fortune by kicking out his girlfriend and making moves on Viridiana. After she sees that her efforts at charity are useless (translation: if first you don't succeed, then quit), she resigns herself to probable ménage à trois with the cousin and the maid.
Depressing and dated, it is not one I would recommend. Buñuel has done so many better films.