Que o Céu a Condene

Incredible production values for a Fulci film. This may be his best looking work - from the set to the costumes - it's a great looking film. The acting is also much better than in most of his other films. However, the story was not that interesting. Its told in a series of flashbacks. I finished the film just not knowing what the point of it all was. Not a horror film, but it features horrific content.

I have to say that a lot of effort and great work has gone into producing such a fine Blu-ray print. I once tried to watch this some time ago and it was just too washed out but this is wonderfully sharp and colourful - a real treat for the eyes. Trouble is I must have lost concentration now and again what with all the Latin, the religious ceremony and the general historic recreations, for I seemed to miss the back and forth time lapses and got terribly confused. Got the lengthy torture scenes loud and clear and eventually caught up but this is not an obvious pleasure but certainly a magnificent looking number for Fulci completists.

I do not go much for Fulci's horror movies which remain very inferior,IMHO, to those of his Italian colleagues (Dario Argento and Mario Bava).But this one ,by keeping the horror sequences to the minimum (the tortures scenes do not last long fortunately),is eminently commendable.

The cast includes two French actors :one of them ,Georges Wilson ,a very earnest stage thespian ,and the father of Lambert Wilson,is very unexpected here ,and his part of the violent perverse noble who rejoices cause two of his sons are dead so he won't have to feed them anymore and who imprisons his daughter in a dungeon is quite impressive .The other French actor is Raymond Pellegrin in a supporting role.Adrienne Larusso is incredibly beautiful as Beatrice Cenci and Thomas Milian gives a restrained effective performance.

The plot is not easy to catch up with ,because the director blends present and past without the traditional codes .No transition most of the time.Besides ,there are many characters ,and many of them are underwritten (Beatrice's brother for instance)

It's a film of blood and fury,the monsters are everywhere :Francesco Cenci is terrifying but so is the Holy Office whose goal is to appropriate the Cenci's fortune.

Like this?try these....

Flesh and blood (Paul Verhoeven,1985)

The devils (Ken Russel,1970)

La monaca di Monza (ERIPRANDO Visconti,1968)

I read the 12 reviews (at this time), and not much to add really. It really feels like the 16th century. There is something special about the detail put in to the costumes and set designs. The acting is really 1st class, and Fulci really works them to get convincing performances. The story line deserves a lot of credit, this being a 1969 flick. Its non-linear structure is maximised to full effect. Sadly its literally unheard of, despite coming out 2 years before The Devils (1971). Would have thought the controversial content, would have at least have kept it in the spot light over the years. Its a fine period piece, and I can see why Fulci was proud of it.

I recently watched the Italian film 🇮🇹 Conspiracy of Torture (1969) on Tubi. The story centers on a castle ruled by a tyrant who abuses his daughter, mistreats his wife, and is no better to his servants. When the daughter devises a plan to kill her cruel father and free the family from his grip, the question becomes: can she trust her co-conspirators, or will they betray her when it matters most?

Directed by Lucio Fulci (The New York Ripper), the film stars Tomas Milian (Traffic), Adrienne Larussa (Terror at Alcatraz), Georges Wilson (The Longest Day), and Ignazio Spalla (Sabata).

The film evokes the feel of a Hammer production, with its gothic castle setting, period costumes, and atmosphere of moral decay. The cast gives solid performances, and the characters are entertainingly drawn. As expected in the genre, there's no shortage of beautiful women and flashes of horror nudity. The torture scenes are creatively staged, featuring unique contraptions and memorable kills. While the practical effects are minimal and the blood looks like red paint, the film maintains a consistent level of tension and intrigue throughout.

In conclusion, Conspiracy of Torture is a well-executed period horror film, full of gothic flair, striking women, and engaging twists. I'd give it a 7/10 and recommend watching it at least once.