Movie Review: Black Narcissus (1947)

Genre: Drama  

Directors: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger  

Starring: Deborah Kerr, David Farrar, Sabu, Flora Robson, Jean Simmons, Kathleen Byron  

Running Time: 100 minutes  

Synopsis: Calcutta-based nuns are invited by a governing General to establish a school and hospital at a remote and dilapidated palace in the Himalayan mountains. Although not ready for leadership, Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr) is selected to head the mission. Once at the palace, the nuns struggle against howling winds and a foreign culture while interacting with locals including the Young General (Sabu) and native girl Kanchi (Jean Simmons). The rugged presence of the General's agent Mr. Dean (David Farrar) unleashes lust within the order, unhinging the erratic Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron). 

What Works Well: A seemingly straightforward story of religious colonialists on a mission to do good takes a dark turn, as directors Powell and Pressburger are most interested in the seeds of failure lurking within the artificialities of cultural conquest. The nuns are misfits within walls depicting the palace's harem origins, while the locals are more dutiful than appreciative by lining up for education and medicine because they are paid to do so. Under the weight of an unwelcoming physical and emotional environment, the presence of a frequently bare-chested man unlocks havoc. Vivid colours and the incessant sound of wind augment the creeping mental disintegration.

What Does Not Work As Well: The first half is slow and deliberate, with only hints of what is to come. The ambitious introduction of multiple characters is hampered by a modest running time, resulting in some truncated or altogether abandoned resolutions. 

Conclusion: Saviors in need of salvation.



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