Praying Mantis

"Les Mantes Religieuses " (= Praying Mantis" was brilliantly transferred to the TV screen by Jack Gold an efficient director ("Catholics" "the Medusa touch" ). It was not an easy task ,for it is an epistolary novel a la Choderlos de Laclos's "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" . The story of these praying mantis who eat the male cause they are deadlier than he is,and finally eats each other is full of suspense and black humor,Monteilhet's forte.Cherie Lunghi ( her angelic face works wonders)was ideally cast in this story and all the supporting actors are up to scratch.

Montheilet,who was also a historian ,wrote interesting historical novels about Nero and Joan of Arc.

This engaging dramatic love story was my first taste of the beautiful & captivating Cherie Lunghi. A film which tugs at the heart strings of the viewer and takes them from the thrill & excitement of love to it's deceit and betrayal. This enthralling 2-part movie has kept me returning to view it over 2 decades and I never tire of watching it.

Recommended as an excellent introduction to the charms of Miss Lunghi, with notable performances of Jonathan Pryce and Carmen du Sautoy.

This film was made in the wrong era. It should have been made in the '40s. This film seemed to be out of time and place. The wonderful twists in plot and stories and the never ending drive in its pace towards the final conclusion is just wonderful. For being such a low budget film, it was finely crafted and well-made. Since it is against the policy of IMDB, I cannot give away its ending, but it does make a comment that no matter how smart or brilliant one may be, yet one does not have it all figured out. Watching this film for the first time on Masterpiece Theater, many years ago was a religious experience. Most of the items on Masterpiece seemed to be too intellectual for me or beyond my experience, but this film was exceptional. Finally, the film's conclusion is this, 1. One does pay for one's sins in this life (There is no forgiveness). 2. Robert Burns' poem "Mice and Men" rings true here.

I first saw this years ago on mystery - PBS. Had to wait years to find the video, and can't find it on DVD, however if you ever get a chance to see one great mind blowing movie - do see this movie. Very well written and acted the movie has a get even love triangle murder and intrigue, but so believable!! I can still say the lines of this movie years after seeing it. Its that good! Involving some of the great independent actors of today , The 2 couples and how their lives intertwine in a murder for revenge movie, is well worth seeking out and watching!! I think you can rent it. Make sure you get the whole version, the VHS has some cut out from even the aired version on PBS and that makes more sense and shows more of the "who controls who" which is part of the mind twist to the movie (without giving it away). Great movie, one that you'll be talking about for a long time.

Wicked! Witty! Wonderful! One of the best psychological suspense thrillers to be brought to the screen, this movie might've have been easily subtitled "Spite & Malice", but never have the two vices been served up so divinely! Cherie Lunghi shines!