Black Narcissus (1947)

[***1/2 stars/*****]

When the forces of nature take hold upon you, there is no escaping it. 

A psychological drama with a hint of erotica, Black Narcissus stands for allure, and a deep, relentlessly rising foreboding attraction. 

Caught off guard
A group of nuns are sent high up into the Himalayas at a Rajput king's request. 

It doesn't help that the place allocated for the nuns formerly housed mistresses of the king's father - a harem. 

Previously, a group of monks tried setting up their establishment at the place, but left soon after.  

Will the nuns succeed where others of their kind have failed? 

What is it about the mountains, the inhabitants, in the light of repressed desires, and disciplined lives in the service of the lord? 

Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr), the appointed 'Sister Superior' along with five more nuns, is determined to educate the local Indian villagers, provide free medical treatment, set up a vegetable garden, and to teach lace-making to the local girls. 

But there is something overpowering about the Himalayas, the rich clean breeze and its people. 

A raw sensuality pervades the surroundings, and soon Sister Clodagh and the other nuns struggle to control their senses to the sheer beauty and allure of the place. 

It is on the troublesome Sister Ruth (Kathleen Byron) that the locale has its most alarming effect, leading to envy, sexual tensions, murderous intent and tragedy. 

Mountain air, repressed souls 
Based on Rumer Godden's 1939 novel Black Narcissus, co-directors and screenplay writers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger deftly embroider this drama.

Kathleen Byron is a steal as Sister Ruth, a forceful character who powers this psychological drama. 

Deborah Kerr is good too, as is Jean Simmons as the beautiful Kanchi, Sabu as the curious young general and David Farrar as Mr. Dean - the general's agent.    

Balanced take, largely...
Though most of the film was shot in-studio and not in India, the makers convey the sense of location competently. 

Even if you make out the painted mountains in some shots, the elevation conveyed in the ringing of the bell scenes is commendable.

The characters are relatable, the screenplay rushes on skillfully, there is no overplay, but for a touch of British dominance and superiority, compared to the 'natives.'

The unprecedented climax scenes curve this drama up several notches. 

Black Narcissus is a good entertaining British drama, lit with exceptional moments - a cautionary and discreetly insightful tale on self-denial, repression and cultural divides.

A 40's British mini-classic.