Black Narcissus 1947

Thomas M. Pryor, New York Times: While Messrs. Powell and Pressburger may have a picture that will disturb and antagonize some, they also have in Black Narcissus an artistic accomplishment of no small proportions. Read more

Noel Murray, AV Club: It remains a rapturous, near-indescribable work of cinematic art. Read more

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: Powell's equally extravagant visual style transforms it into a landscape of the mind -- grand and terrible in its thorough abstraction. Read more

Michael Sragow, New Yorker: This is a landmark of Hollywood-on-Thames trompe-l'oeil. Read more

Dave Calhoun, Time Out: Theatre this Michael Powell film most certainly is, as stressed by the gothic melodrama of the story and the acting, the studio setting with its beautiful backdrops and vivid colours and the most deliberate of characters and events. Read more

Keith Uhlich, Time Out: There's something truly unearthly about this place of howling winds, yawning chasms and atmosphere thick with temptation. Sanctity, it will be proven, is no match for sin. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Production has gained much through being in color. The production and camerawork atone for minor lapses in the story, Jack Cardiff's photography being outstanding. Read more