El (This Strange Passion) (Torments)

El (This Strange Passion) (Torments) (1953)

  • 100% of critics liked it
    (6 reviews)

  • 88% of users liked it
    (702 ratings)

In El, it is director Luis Bunuel's contention that uncontrollable insanity can grow within even the most rational of men. Spanish aristocratic Arturo de Cordova, outwardly the picture of courtly charm, marries lovely Delia Garces, who is much younger than he. From the honeymoon onward, Cordova… More

Unrated,
Directed By
Genres
Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy
In Theaters
Jul 9, 1953 Wide

Critic Reviews

  • Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

    The hero's wonderful crooked walk in the final shot seems the perfect emblem of Bunuel's own sly subversion in adverse circumstances.

  • Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

    Abraçando o expressionismo como instrumento fundamental para representar o protagonista, Buñuel fascina com suas rimas visuais e temáticas.

  • Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

    Fascinating Mexican Bunuel film

  • Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine

    Released at the pinnacle of his prolific Mexican period, Él (This Strange Passion) remains one of Buñuel's crowning achievements.

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Stella D


    one of the best bunuels i have seen. what a shame these mexican films are so overlooked in favor of his later french period. this one would do hitchcock proud and indeed he seems to have 'borrowed' a certain scene for the famous vertigo finale. much of the film would be… More

  • Tsubaki S


    The usual Buñuel flick, enough feet fap material for a full fetish party, his usual attacks to the high class and the catholic church. Arturo de Cordova in extra ham mode, with the crazy eyes and everything going on. I felt the ending was not as strong as the rest of the movie, thus… More

  • Pierluigi P


    Amazing Buñuel film, as paranoic, mysognist and mesmerizing as always. great performance by Arturo De Córdova. some say the bell tower scene inspired Hitchcock in the equally brilliant climax of vertigo.

  • Eric B


    Such a wonderfully wicked film, with a fantastic performance by Arturo de Córdova as one of the most detestable characters you'll ever see. Is it just me, or is the female lead a ringer for Elizabeth Perkins?

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Cast

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