Die Nonnen von Santa Fiora

The jury is still out as far as nunsploitation and I are concerned; it's not that I don't appreciate sleaze in movies, just that the idea of a load of God-fearing women living behind convent walls doesn't really appeal to me all that much. It's lucky, then, that cult cinema God Joe D'Amato is on hand to spice this theme up a little, with a load of nymphomaniac 'nuns' getting up to all-sorts with each other and any man that that happens to stop by. It's obvious that D'Amato was far more interested in making a porn movie than a film about nuns and their beliefs, and this shines through as the focus is always on the sexual antics, and any whisper of a plot line exists only to string more sex scenes together. There is a plot, however, and it follows a convent full of nuns. After taking in a wounded man against all the convent rules, the nuns soon find themselves making this man the focus of all their desires. However, he has also brought with him the devil (in the form of a statue), and this leads the local priest to visit the convent in order to expel the demon, only he ends up featuring in the nuns' desires also...

At first, I didn't think this movie was going to work as a porn film because the first couple of sex scenes are far too rigid and it seems like the actresses are just doing what they're told. However, D'Amato soon bucks this trend with a plethora of tender and perverted scenes that feature some of the most buxom nuns I've ever seen! D'Amato makes great use of his actresses' bodies, and this is a big bonus for the film; as it's much more full on than a lot of the nunsploitation sleaze. Despite the fact that this is a low quality sleaze movie, the production values are really good! The picture is crystal clear, and most of the acting is passable even when they've got their clothes on. The soundtrack courtesy of Nico Fidenco is infectious, and helps to make the overall film more erotic. This film is also bound to appeal to anyone that loves sleazy trash movies, as D'Amato is happy to go a little further than just showing your basic sex scenes, and the film also features lesbians, rape and wooden dildo's... Overall, Images in a Convent is a surprisingly good slice of nunsploitation and comes highly recommended to fans of this type of movie.

Images in a Convent (1979)

*** (out of 4)

Joe D'Amato's notorious nunploitation film is considered by many to be the most disgusting and brutal. At a local convent nuns find themselves possessed by Satan, which soon gives them the temptation of sex. As is to be expected, this film certainly delivers in the nudity/sex department, although it never gets too hardcore and the reputation is a tad bit misleading because this is actually a fairly well made film. D'Amato, who also served as the DP, makes the budget look a lot higher than it actually is and the story is entertaining, or at least the sexual nuns are. Not nearly as trashy as some of its ilk.

Yes friends, D'Amato does it again with another sleaze film that is sure to burrow it's way into all TRUE trash lovers hearts...IMAGES IN A CONVENT is that rare kinda film that D'Amato is sooooo good at. A good mix of atmosphere and filth that works well on both levels. I found the story a little convoluted, but here goes:

A girl is brought into a convent against her will to keep her Uncle from abducting her. Around the same time a wounded male traveler is allowed to stay in the convent to recuperate from his wounds. He tries to bone everyone in sight. There's a Pan-like statue that means something - maybe it's the Devil, maybe it's not. The nuns all touch each other inappropriately. A head nun is sent to fetch a Father to expel the Devil and is raped along the way. The Father comes to the convent anyway because he "felt" that he was needed and all the nuns try to screw him...The End.

Honestly, I couldn't really make heads or tails of the storyline, but there is enough tits, ass, and 70's puss-fros to not really care what the hell is going on plot-wise. The dual assault on the traveling nun is suitably sleazy as she's subjected to some graphic forced fellatio. The nuns all going' buck at the end is cool as one of 'em is ravaged with a wooden dildo. I don't know if this film had any real "point" - but it sure delivered some "goods". Not as "well-done" as some of the other nunsploit films, and doesn't quite beat out my favorite, SCHOOL OF THE HOLY BEAST...but it comes close if for nothing else than pure sleaziness. I love you Joe D'Amato...8/10

Set within the cloistered confines of a convent, the film explores themes of forbidden desire, sin, and the supernatural. The nuns, portrayed by an ensemble cast, find themselves entangled in a web of lust and eerie occurrences that challenge their faith and morality. D'Amato's direction creates an atmosphere thick with tension and sensuality, making the convent setting both a place of repression and hidden passions.

The cinematography is one of the film's stronger points. The use of lighting and shadow plays a crucial role in establishing the mood, with candlelit scenes and dark corridors enhancing the sense of mystery and intrigue. The soundtrack, a mix of haunting melodies and period-appropriate music, further immerses the audience in the film's unique atmosphere.

However, Immagini di un convento is not without its shortcomings. The plot often feels secondary to the film's erotic elements, resulting in a narrative that lacks depth and coherence. The characters, while intriguing in their initial setup, are not fully developed, leaving their motivations and transformations somewhat superficial. The balance between the thriller and erotic aspects is uneven, with the latter sometimes overshadowing the former to the detriment of the story.

The performances are a mixed bag as well. Some actors deliver compelling portrayals that draw the viewer in, while others appear wooden and detached, detracting from the overall impact of the film. Additionally, certain scenes intended to shock or titillate may come across as gratuitous or exploitative, which could alienate some viewers.

In conclusion, Immagini di un convento is an atmospheric and visually striking film that struggles to maintain a consistent and engaging narrative. Its blend of eroticism and thriller elements offers moments of intrigue and intensity but ultimately fails to coalesce into a satisfying whole. Fans of Joe D'Amato's work and those interested in 1970s erotic cinema may find it worth a watch, but it may not appeal to a broader audience seeking a more balanced and coherent thriller.

(1979) Images In A Convent/ Immagini di un convento (In Italian with English Subtitles) ADULT DRAMA

Adapted from the novel "La religieuse" by Denis Diderot, cinematography, co-written and directed by Joe D'Amato that has countess of Lignate, Isabela (Paola Senatore) brought to the monastery of nuns so that she can be converted. In charge of converting her is Mother superior, Sister Angela (Nana Aslanoglu). And it is not long before Isabela infects other nuns with perverted thoughts beginning with Sister Licinia (Marina Ambrosini) after she hears Isabella chanting out her uncle's name while lying on her bed, touching herself. She would barge in before she makes out with her. And when Sister Marta (Marina Hadman Bellis) notices this, and Licinia pleads her to punish her. She does this by whipping her while she is fully named other than the stockings and the head gear she has on before she too seduces her.

All of this is just an excuse to showcase many of the big breasted women to put in some compromising positions to which none of them are really that old- full frontal and back and front. I must admit there were times I was a little aroused to see that many beautiful women. All they had to do was remove the devil statue to another location and then problem solved. Like, what is a devil statue doing in a convent of nuns in the first place.