Black Narcissus Details

a neglected masterpiece

This must be one of the most unusual films ever made. A storyline about nuns in India attempting to set up a mission to educate and convert the natives wouldn't seem to be a subject of much general interest.

But quite the reverse: from the hopeful beginning the tension between the characters is steadily increased. Difficulties arise from the clash between their vocation and their all-too-human feelings, all increased by the unearthly situation of the mission in the heights of the Himalayas. The many problems, together with the sexual frustration of one of the nuns, finally lead to a shattering climax.

The performances are first-rate, and the atmosphere is skilfully heightened by the stunning photography of Jack Cardiff, for which he received a well-deserved Oscar.

Truly a film to remember.

[Highly rated reviewer]

One of the glories of international cinema

Perhaps the greatest directors ever to come out of Britain, Powell and Pressburger here decided to recreate the Himalayas in Shepperton Studios, with terrific results. A wonderfully overwrought story about a small group of British nuns going mad in the Orient (the light, the wind, the holy man on the mountain, David Farrar in shorts), is turned into pure gold by the writer-directors' ability to manage and control everything, from the music (note the way the final reel is co-ordinated precisely to the pre-written score), through the art direction and lighting (surely the greatest ever) to the miraculous acting.

There isn't a single duff moment in this film (you can even forgive Esmond Knight and Jean Simmons pretending to be Indians, since part of the film's wider point is about fitting in - or otherwise), and it may well be the best British film ever (if it isn't, then something else by the Archers surely is).