Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

If master surrealist Luis Bunuel ever had a "signature" masterpiece, "Viridiana" would be it. Out of his entire filmography, this is the one that critics and fans hail the most. While "Viridiana" isn't my personal favorite, it's easy to see why other people believe it to be Bunuel's finest work.

This 1961 film marks the first time Bunuel worked in his homeland Spain since the death of his best friend and poet Garcia Lorca in 1936. Astonishingly, the ex-communist agent was welcomed back with open arms. It was only after "Viridiana" had won plenty of awards that the Spanish Government and Catholic Church began to realize its meaning. Spain soon banned the film and the Catholic Church condemned it, threatening to excommunicate the entire cast and crew. Though Spain's ban has long since been dropped, the film remains blacklisted by the Vatican to this day. Oh, almost forgot... due to all the political pressure, Luis Bunuel was fired. Until "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie" was released in 1972, his European-filmed movies were cautiously mainstream and devoid of his usual biting satire to avoid any further upset (Belle De Jour: 1967 and Tristana: 1970 are the most famous examples of this weak transitional period between his "Mexican-period" and making films in Europe full-time).

Viridiana (Silvia Pinal) is a young nunnery school graduate who receives an invitation from her estranged wealthy uncle (Fernando Rey) to come spend a few days at his mansion before joining the convent. Although hesitant to meet the uncle she has not seen since childhood, some persuasion from Mother Superior sends Viridiana on her way. Her uncle is a lonely man who constantly obsesses about the death of his beloved wife. He makes no secret of the fact that Viridiana is a spitting image of his deceased wife and it appears that he is growing quite "friendly" toward his niece...

(1/2 hour later)

After the untimely death of her uncle and abandoning her hopes to become a nun, Viridiana's "cousin" (Francisco Rabal) moves into the mansion with her. She uses her portion of the inheritance and estate to establish a Christian shelter for the homeless, while he uses his to cultivate the surrounding land. Of course, there are clashes of interest between workers and beggars, Viridiana and her cousin, servants and new masters, etc. On top of all the class divisions, it seems as though the homeless whom Viridiana provided shelter to aren't as kind-hearted and grateful as she had thought! So goes the story, ultimately leading up to one of the strongest and most infamous endings in cinema.

"Viridiana" boasts actors and actresses who regularly appear in Luis Bunuel's films (most notably Fernando Rey, Francisco Rabal, and Silvia Pinal). The performances are brilliant, and Pinal in particular has never looked better than in her believable portrayal of the Christian-idealist Viridiana. Rabal is perfect as the ironic cousin, and Rey (the most seasoned Bunuel veteran) is fantastic as usual. I usually don't remark about the actors when reviewing Bunuel, but they really earned their props in the unusually dramatic "Viridiana."

The imagery of "Viridiana" is subtle surrealism at first, gradually increasing in intensity as the story progresses. Bunuel's most famous (sorry - infamous) image, "beggars Last Supper" is here, as well as some other stunning visuals. But mainly, the surrealism within "Viridiana" stems out of the dialog and story itself with imagery supporting the progression rather than driving it.

What ultimately forces me to give "Viridiana" five stars is how potent Bunuel's social commentary is. Despite what it says on the back of the box ("wickedly funny"), comedy is limited to a few pops here and there. You won't laugh anymore here than you would watching most drama - in fact, this is one of the most seriously presented Bunuel films that you will ever see. The idea of Bunuel dropping his gloss of laughter and bringing his good stuff straight-no-chaser may feel VERY uneasy for some viewers, especially if they can't stomach his harsh criticisms of society and religion... consider yourselves warned.

"Viridiana" is a powerful social commentary that you won't want to miss. Proof that sometimes we don't want to see where the accusing finger points. I recommend this film not only to Bunuel enthusiasts, but also to film buffs who desire creativity and originality. A real piece of art from master surrealist, my favorite director, Don Luis Bunuel.

OOPS!!!
Yes, I know that I didn't describe exactly what the "powerful social commentary" is. The purpose of this review is to tell you how great this film is and to get you to actually watch it for yourselves. This is not the Cliff Notes to "Viridiana," you lazies!





Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age