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The Rite
The Rite
7.4
/10
1,188 Ratings

THE RITE

Riten

Directed by Ingmar Bergman
Sweden, 1969
Drama, TV Movie

Synopsis

Three itinerant actors are accused of taking part in a performance deemed pornographic by the state’s authorities. As they are called to court, criminal interrogations and interpersonal confrontations ensue, causing them to expose their neuroses and inner psychological torments.

Synopsis

Three itinerant actors are accused of taking part in a performance deemed pornographic by the state’s authorities. As they are called to court, criminal interrogations and interpersonal confrontations ensue, causing them to expose their neuroses and inner psychological torments.

Our take

Reminiscent of Hour of the Wolf and The Magician, this gem from Bergman’s overlooked mid/late 1960s work is a bold debate on censorship, and perhaps the filmmaker’s most cathartic treatment of his usual themes of theatricality and performance. Featuring a cameo from Bergman himself—playing a priest!