The Beguiled
The Beguiled

Movie spotlight

The Beguiled

1971
Movie
105 min
English

Offbeat Civil War drama in which a wounded Yankee soldier, after finding refuge in an isolated girls' school in the South towards the end of the war, becomes the object of the young women's sexual fantasies. The soldier manipulates the situation for his own gratification, but when he refuses to completely comply with the girls' wishes, they make it very difficult for him to leave.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Google Users75%
Director: Don SiegelGenres: Drama, Thriller, Western

Plot Summary

During the American Civil War, a wounded Union soldier seeks refuge at an all-girls boarding school in the Confederacy. His presence disrupts the strict routines and repressed desires of the women, leading to a dangerous game of manipulation, jealousy, and betrayal. As tensions rise, the women find themselves at odds, each vying for his attention and ultimately leading to a violent confrontation.

Critical Reception

The Beguiled received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with critics often praising Siegel's direction and the performances of the cast, particularly Geraldine Page. However, some found the plot somewhat contrived and the film's tone uneven. Over time, it has gained a reputation as an effective, albeit somewhat overlooked, thriller with a distinctly feminist undertone.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and gothic undertones.

  • Clint Eastwood's performance is noted as a departure from his usual heroic roles.

  • Geraldine Page's portrayal of the stern headmistress is a standout.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's suspenseful narrative and the intriguing psychological dynamics between the characters. Many appreciate the film's unique take on a Civil War-era setting, though some find the plot's resolution to be somewhat abrupt.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location at a plantation home called "Oak Alley" in Vacherie, Louisiana, which is a well-known historic site.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

Undeniably creepy. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about <em>'The Beguiled'</em>, though. It's definitely one of the more bizarre films that I've seen, intentionally so of course. I'm just not convinced if it's a good film though, it do...

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