Black Narcissus is a very great film indeed, and it repays re-watching. Amid many fine performances, Kathleen Byron's turn as the sinister Sister Ruth is a major standout.
I have not seen all of Powell and Pressburger's films but I go back and forth on Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes being my favorite. I loved The Red Shoes on my first viewing of it and liked Black Narcissus the first time, but since then I've rewatched The Red Shoes once and rewatched Black Narcissus numerous times. I like it more and more each time I watch it and do find it has a high rewatch value, which I cannot say the same about for TRS. To me TRS is a film that I have to space out my viewings of in order for it not to drag and for the impact to fully be present. I have rewatched just the ballet sequence more times, though. It's so beautiful and I've always loved ballet!
I'm so happy to see this, being a Powell & Pressburger fan. Special effects in their films are always exceptional, as are so many other aspects. And yet my favourite of all their films is maybe the simplest - I Know Where I'm Going. Closely followed by Colonel Blimp. But I love them all. And second your recommendation of the Criterion Collection versions, and Martin Scorsese's, Powell's etc. comments. Thanks so much for choosing this! Happy to have found your channel.
My favorites (has to be plural!): for romance- I Know Where I’m Going; for cinematography and profundity: Black Narcissus; for powerful storytelling: A Matter of Life and Death; for a spiritual boost: A Canterbury Tale; for a sense of patriotic fervor: 49th Parallel; for music and visuals: The Red Shoes; for innovation: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp; to show to kids: The Thief of Baghdad. ⭐️
I watched this movie recently and was shocked how modern it felt. Even the fact that Psycho wouldn’t come out until 3 years later surprised me. Black Narcissus has the same horror qualities without being over explained. All the horror and cultural commentary is subtle and leaves you thinking for the days after you watch it.
I can definitely agree with you there. Powell and Pressburger were always pushing boundaries in their films which keeps them feeling fresh and inventive despite being made in the 40s!
The technicolor is just breathtaking, and Kathleen Byron as sister Ruth at the end is just as scary as any Universal monster!
Such a wonderful film. The visuals are amazing. And the red lipstick! Thank you again for another great review
Black Narcissus is a very great film indeed, and it repays re-watching. Amid many fine performances, Kathleen Byron's turn as the sinister Sister Ruth is a major standout.
I have not seen all of Powell and Pressburger's films but I go back and forth on Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes being my favorite. I loved The Red Shoes on my first viewing of it and liked Black Narcissus the first time, but since then I've rewatched The Red Shoes once and rewatched Black Narcissus numerous times. I like it more and more each time I watch it and do find it has a high rewatch value, which I cannot say the same about for TRS. To me TRS is a film that I have to space out my viewings of in order for it not to drag and for the impact to fully be present. I have rewatched just the ballet sequence more times, though. It's so beautiful and I've always loved ballet!
Superb analysis of a magnificent film, thank you. My own favorite Powell and Pressburger film is A Matter of Life and Death.
I'm so happy to see this, being a Powell & Pressburger fan. Special effects in their films are always exceptional, as are so many other aspects. And yet my favourite of all their films is maybe the simplest - I Know Where I'm Going. Closely followed by Colonel Blimp. But I love them all. And second your recommendation of the Criterion Collection versions, and Martin Scorsese's, Powell's etc. comments. Thanks so much for choosing this! Happy to have found your channel.
Yes, love I Know Where I’m Going ❤️
My favorites (has to be plural!): for romance- I Know Where I’m Going; for cinematography and profundity: Black Narcissus; for powerful storytelling: A Matter of Life and Death; for a spiritual boost: A Canterbury Tale; for a sense of patriotic fervor: 49th Parallel; for music and visuals: The Red Shoes; for innovation: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp; to show to kids: The Thief of Baghdad. ⭐️
Great choices!
Great video! Keep it up :) haven't seen any Powell & Pressburger films other than this one, but i was blown away!
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it!
I watched this movie recently and was shocked how modern it felt. Even the fact that Psycho wouldn’t come out until 3 years later surprised me. Black Narcissus has the same horror qualities without being over explained. All the horror and cultural commentary is subtle and leaves you thinking for the days after you watch it.
I can definitely agree with you there. Powell and Pressburger were always pushing boundaries in their films which keeps them feeling fresh and inventive despite being made in the 40s!
"Psycho" didn't come out until 13 years later. "Black Narcissus" came out in 1947; "Psycho" came out in 1960.
Brilliant ❤️❤️❤️
So glad you rate this too! Amazing visually and emotionally ☺️❤️☺️. Their films are so unique
Have you seen Lost Horizon a 1937 Ronald Coleman classic movie? 🍿🥤🍫
Not yet actually but I’ve been meaning to see it for a while. Thanks for the recommendation!
Out of date movie, seems silly all around. Very male point of view. Wonder what the feminists think of it.