Viridiana

A landowner sets his sights on his niece, a young novice who wishes to dedicate her life entirely to the service of God—and who consequently rebuffs her uncle’s advances. When he subsequently commits suicide, she establishes a shelter for the homeless on his estate. Yet, this act of charity spirals out of control. The beggars’ "Last Supper" descends into an orgy—an event that led to the film’s immediate ban in Spain, while also earning it the Palme d’Or in 1961. Buñuel tells the story of people who intend to do good but founder against the reality of the world. Viridiana hopes to offer her charges "a little human warmth"—but their needs cannot be measured by conventional moral standards. Caught between a critique of religion and dark humor, the film presents a bitter, burlesque portrait of a society that no longer understands itself. (Florian Widegger)