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Poster for Viridiana

Viridiana

Seen it?

1962 | 90 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. 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 loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 30 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1962: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Viridiana is preparing to start her life as a nun when she is sent, somewhat unwillingly, to visit her aging uncle, Don Jaime. He supports her; but the two have met only once. Jaime thinks Viridiana resembles his dead wife. Viridiana has secretly despised this man all her life and finds her worst fears proven when Jaime grows determined to seduce his pure niece. Viridiana becomes undone as her uncle upends the plans she had made to join the convent.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    97% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.7 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Cannes award: Palme d'Or.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $679K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 59K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Luis Buñuel

  • Silvia PinalViridiana
  • Francisco RabalJorge
  • Fernando ReyDon Jaime
  • José CalvoDon Amalio
  • Margarita LozanoRamona
  • Victoria ZinnyLucía
  • Teresa RabalRita
  • Luis HerediaEl Poca
  • Joaquín RoaDon Zequiel
  • José Manuel MartínEl Cojo