Les Séminaristes

A strangely static and visually refined film from first to last frame, which may tempt you to dismiss it as self-indulgent visual onanism, yet its chosen form is a perfectly adequate microcosm composed of static religious icons. Among other things, Servants is an important reminder of silent resistance, in contrast to the usual panicked reminiscences of pre-revolutionary times. Among other things, the chosen form also brilliantly reveals the emptiness of party gestures (the dead meeting) versus silent, humble resistance within its own mantinels. ___ Anyway, for this film we can read one of probably the most stupid reviews in this database (and there are plenty to choose from), which accuses the film of not being "sure what purpose this film actually SERVES today" (like what the fuck?). How worried about your own relevance do you have to be to start waving such a primitive banner? Can someone please let me know "what purpose this person actually serves today?" (14/08/2021)

The filmmakers managed to perfectly portray the constrained atmosphere of the time, which they achieved mainly thanks to the striking black-and-white stylization, oppressive music and distressing sound. However, the largely depressing Servants ultimately suffers from the fact that the story lacks momentum, a slightly more developed plot and more fleshed-out characters. (65%) (18/05/2022)

At first glance, Servants captivated me with its compellingly raw audiovisual approach that managed to convincingly create the unpleasant atmosphere of a seminary. Even if the film feels stilted at times, it manages to give a decent approximation of the conditions four decades ago through its black and white cinematography and all the more oppressive images. Probably a one-view film, but well worth it. A weaker four stars! (04/06/2021)