Watch School of The Holy Beast
- 1974
- 1 hr 31 min
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6.6 (1,728)
School of The Holy Beast is a Japanese film from 1974 directed by Norifumi Suzuki. The movie is set in a Catholic convent where a young novice named Maya (played by Yumi Takigawa) seeks to unravel the mystery surrounding her mother's death. Maya tries to understand why her mother, who was also a nun, committed suicide. She suspects that there is more to her mother's death than what she has been told, and that the convent holds many secrets.
Maya soon discovers that the convent is a place of corruption and perversion. The Mother Superior (played by Emiko Yamauchi) uses her position of power to suppress the nuns, and she seems to take pleasure in their suffering. The nuns are physically and sexually abused, and they are punished severely whenever they express dissent. The Mother Superior is surrounded by a group of devoted nuns who follow her every order, no matter how cruel or inhumane.
Maya is appalled by what she sees, and she resolves to bring justice to the nuns. She starts to investigate the secrets of the convent, and she discovers the Mother Superior's plot to convert the convent into a money-making enterprise. Maya becomes more determined than ever to expose the Mother Superior's evil deeds and to save the nuns from their torment.
In her quest, Maya finds an ally in a young lesbian nun named Kazuko (played by Yayoi Watanabe). Kazuko is sympathetic to Maya's cause, and she agrees to help her in any way she can. Together, Maya and Kazuko try to uncover the truth about the convent's dark past and the Mother Superior's nefarious plans for the future.
School of The Holy Beast is a dark and brooding film that delves into the depths of human depravity. The movie portrays the Catholic Church as a corrupt and unjust institution that preys on the vulnerable. The nuns in the convent are depicted as victims of a system that is designed to suppress them and to keep them in line. The film raises important questions about power, corruption, and the relationship between religion and authority.
The cinematography of the film is striking, with its use of shadow and light to create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The movie depicts a world that is grim and foreboding, where danger lurks around every corner. The score complements the mood of the film, with its eerie and haunting compositions.
The acting in the film is noteworthy, with Yumi Takigawa delivering a compelling performance as the young novice who is determined to expose the truth. Emiko Yamauchi is equally impressive as the manipulative and sadistic Mother Superior. Yayoi Watanabe brings a sense of vulnerability and compassion to her role as the lesbian nun.
In conclusion, School of The Holy Beast is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the darker side of religion and human nature. The movie is not for the faint of heart, as it deals with themes of sexual abuse, violence, and perversion. The film is a must-watch for fans of Japanese cinema and those interested in exploring the complexities of power and corruption.