
Black Narcissus
1947, Drama/Mystery and thriller, 1h 40m
33 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsYou might also like
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Black Narcissus Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Sister Clodagh

The Young General
Mr. Dean
Sister Philippa
Kanchi
The Old General
News & Interviews for Black Narcissus
Critic Reviews for Black Narcissus
All Critics (33) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (33)
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This is a landmark of Hollywood-on-Thames trompe-l'oeil.
August 3, 2015 | Full Review… -
There's something truly unearthly about this place of howling winds, yawning chasms and atmosphere thick with temptation. Sanctity, it will be proven, is no match for sin.
January 1, 2013 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… -
Michael Powell was right when he called Black Narcissus an "erotic film," but the attraction is pure Pygmalionism.
December 30, 2012 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
Run, don't walk to see this 1947 classic from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
March 23, 2010 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… -
Powell's equally extravagant visual style transforms it into a landscape of the mind -- grand and terrible in its thorough abstraction.
March 23, 2010 | Full Review… -
Production has gained much through being in color. The production and camerawork atone for minor lapses in the story, Jack Cardiff's photography being outstanding.
March 26, 2009 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Black Narcissus
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Oct 02, 2016Gloriously colourful (almost lurid, and at times almost gothic), this 1947 classic is teeming with sexual and racial subtext and has stunning set design.Daniel P Super Reviewer
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Feb 12, 2016The sumptuous visuals blend seamlessly with the plot's themes of sexual repression and desire. How Kathleen Byron didn't become an instant star after her wild and unpredictable performance in this film is something of a mystery to me.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Feb 27, 2013It's pretty to look at and builds to an admittedly tense climax, the way to get to that point is chock full of unengaging, meandering melodrama, and Black Narcissus ultimately collapses under the weight of such monotony.Isaac H Super Reviewer
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Jan 30, 2013Ahead of its time in depicting the descent of nuns into the carnal within a strange and isolated environment. It probably was treated as a forbidden film at the time. The strong imagery still makes an impact today.John B Super Reviewer
Black Narcissus Quotes
Sister Clodagh: | We all need discipline. You said it yourself they're like children. Without discipline we should all behave like children. |
Mr. Dean: | Don't you like children, sister? |
Sister Clodagh: | [to Mr. Dean] You are objectionable when you are sober and abominable when drunk! |
Old General: | Do you see that crate? Sausages! They will eat sausages. Europeans eat sausages wherever they go. |
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