Nazarín (1958)

82% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
88% of users liked it
(1,073 ratings)

Acclaimed director Luis Buñuel displays several of his trademark interests in this drama about a priest who leaves his order. The director's disdain for organized religion and the establishment, as well as his tendency to shock through visual imagery, are both apparent. Nazarin (Francisco Rabal) is… More Acclaimed director Luis Buñuel displays several of his trademark interests in this drama about a priest who leaves his order. The director's disdain for organized religion and the establishment, as well as his tendency to shock through visual imagery, are both apparent. Nazarin (Francisco Rabal) is the priest who leaves his order and decides to go on a pilgrimage. As he goes along subsisting on alms, he shelters a prostitute wanted by the police for murder. He is released from suspicion and she eventually catches up with him when she escapes imprisonment. Another woman joins the duo and soon the ex-priest is learning more about the human heart and suffering than when he wore robes. As for the shocking scenes, suffice to say the ravages of a plague are also shown. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Luis Buñuel
Written By: Julio Alejandro, Luis Buñuel
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1958 Wide

Critic Reviews

Renata Adler, New York Times
It is so grim that it lacks even the energy to present itself dramatically.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
It lacks his brilliant wit and seems much less adventurous than his 60s masterpieces.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
A very straightforward film for Buñuel.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Perhaps the most accomplished and difficult of Luis Buñuel's Mexican films.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
This is another fine example of Buñuel's powerful films made during his exile in Mexico.
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
The most breathtaking cinematic cross-examination of faith I have ever seen… not content to ignore religion as a non-issue, or to take cheap shots at its practitioners.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
The surreal moments are relatively few in this wonderfully acted and underviewed masterpiece
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
While the film itself remains a subtle attack on religious naivete, the director would never be as mindful of the possibilities of spiritual healing as he is here.

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Pierluigi P

Only Buñuel's boundless brilliance and cynicism could achieve this mischievous, thought-provoking drama. A sad testament of what happens inside nearly all religious groups, only very few practice what they preach.
Dimitris S

Dig up your hole Virgin Mary, Mother Teresa is waiting for you and her beloved prince-charming is standing aside!!!<br/>Act 5 over, Scene 5 over, don't you worry Nazarin, your time hasn't come just yet...