Simon of the Desert
Seen it?1965 | 45 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and fantasy fans. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 45 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1965: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Simon, a deeply religious man living in the 4th century, wants to be nearer to God so he climbs a column. The Devil wants him come down to Earth and is trying to seduce him.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.6 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
Won 1 Venice award: Grand Jury Prize of the Venice Film Festival.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 17K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Luis Buñuel
- Claudio BrookSimón
- Silvia PinalThe Devil
- Hortensia SantoveñaThe Mother
- Enrique Álvarez FélixBrother Matías
- Francisco ReigueraThe Devil as an Old Witch
- Luis Aceves CastañedaPriest
- Antonio BravoPriest
- Enrique del CastilloThe Mutilated One
- Enrique García ÁlvarezHermano Zenón/Old monk
- Eduardo MacGregorHermano Daniel/Monk