Blanche

In a world where excess seems to equate success, it is easy to see why Walerian Borowczyk's movies are finally gaining him the recognition he deserves. True, in many cases, what was once considered "smut" by the viewing public is now regarded as erotic masterpieces, and many of Borowkzyk's films, 'The Beast', 'Immoral Tales', even his art-nunsploitation flick 'Behind Convent Walls', seem to be gaining widespread acclaim. This is thanks, in part, to critics like Mark Kermode, who presented 'The Beast' uncut on the FilmFour channel, and also DVD houses such as Cult Epics, who have released beautifully remastered versions of many Borowczyk films. However, words almost fail me when it comes to the availability of 'Blanche'. This beautiful film, a medieval fairytale-cum-tragedy, is worlds away from erotic fare such as 'The Beast', and is Borowczyk's finest hour. And yet, whilst there is a 3-disc special edition of the latter title, 'Blanche' has never received anywhere near as much care and attention. In fact, apart from a mid-90's VHS version (which seemed to drop out of the shops as quickly and quietly as it had dropped in, but now fetches a fairly excessive price on ebay), 'Blanche' is practically impossible to find anywhere. It doesn't even have its own page on Wikipedia! Surely this is a crime against all cinema lovers, and to Borowczyk himself, who deserves to be remembered as the great filmmaker that he was, and not just a creator of interesting erotica.

Just saw this for the second time after a 40-year gap and can confirm it's a gem. Borowczyk's vision of medieval France is full of authentic touches - costumes, sets, artifacts, music; giving one the feel of really being in the C13th. Contrary to what one reviewer here said, there is plenty of great music in the film - all played on authentic period instruments, with the musicians on set. The attention to detail is phenomenal, and the story is engaging. Although the plot is somewhat bleak with a high body count at the end, it manages to be funny as well - I loved all the business surrounding the kings retinue of ugly monks, one of whom pops a slice of sausage into his mouth every time the camera focuses on him.

Blanche is an example of Continental 70's film making at its most colourful, adventurous and luschious. See this medieval fantasy as a precursor of all those artless attempts to evoke times of mythic romance and violence that fail to pleasure the senses as this does. A directorial triumph. Recommended to those wishing to indulge their cinematic senses.

A very beautiful, elegant and poetic film. Far more enjoyable than I expected (I worried that I would have to sit through another Lancelot du Lac) and far better than the reputation of Mrr. Borowczyk suggests. I wish Walerian Borowczyk retired after making this one – as judging from Blanche and preceding Goto, as well as from his animations we could think of him as of great talent who did not direct enough films, but instead we have what we have - Franco-Polish equivalent of Tinto Brass. Blanche is a really nice film - following certain trends of Pasolini's Trilogy of Life and precursor of similar medieval undertakings of both Rohmer and Bresson, alas, he traded respectability for commercial success – churning art porn exercises at alarming speed. With the exception of the Story of the Sin - all of his erotic output is just cold, nighttime entertainment, Arty soft-core, or Soft-core art but incomparable to Blanche and Goto.

I can see why this is a movie critics kind of movie. We have a very unique camera perspective with some very good made shots and almost no music.

The movie feels like a play it even shot like one. I cannot say the movie is badly made. I think it's very goodly made, but sadly my brain is kind of dying while watching it because it lacks energy. I want some more stuff to happen. I think that's the hardest part of this kind of movie to enjoy the slower pace and the more artistic show.

I think this could be a comedy all of these man that want this woman and she just want to be a good Christian lady and every other person wants to kiss her. It's kind of funny.

In the movie takes itself serious, I'm kind of respect the sideways perspective because it is taking it more objective or you of it because of the camera angle almost like a play, but I cannot respect just how much of nothingness I feel well watching it,