Beyond the Walls (1985)
This 1985 Spanish film reveals one of the many terrible aspects of 16th century Spain, still plagued by the radical Christian Inquisition, one of a plethora of difficulties Spaniards faced at the time. Spanish super star Carmen Maura plays a nun who agrees to a selfless scam, a fake stigmata, only to avoid separation from her lover, another nun. It's a serious and passionate work, highlighting the theme of outspoken women-against-repression, seen in other good gay and lesbian films. This is not a lesbian "Nun sense" or another "Dark Habits" (by Almodovar, which also starred Carmen Maura, and also set in a Spanish convent, with some lesbian nuns). Perhaps, best of all, 'Extramuros' is realistic and frank. It isn't shy about its characters' sexuality. Their sexuality, and the film as a whole are genuine.
Cast
- Carmen Maura - Sor Ana
- Mercedes Sampietro - Sor Ángela
- Aurora Bautista - La Priora
- Assumpta Serna - La Huéspeda
- Antonio Ferrandis - El Médico
- Manuel Alexandre - Capellán
- Conrado San Martín
- Valentín Paredes
- Marta Fernández Muro
- Beatriz Elorrieta - Monja
Screenplay
- Jesús Fernández Santos (Novel)
- Miguel Picazo (Screenplay)
Themes
LGBT Identity and Love Struggle, LGBTQ+ Stories
Keywords
female homosexuality, lgbt, catholicism
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Beyond the Walls about?
- This 1985 Spanish film reveals one of the many terrible aspects of 16th century Spain, still plagued by the radical Christian Inquisition, one of a plethora of difficulties Spaniards faced at the time. Spanish super star Carmen Maura plays a nun who agrees to a selfless scam, a fake stigmata, only to avoid separation from her lover, another nun. It's a serious and passionate work, highlighting the theme of outspoken women-against-repression, seen in other good gay and lesbian films. This is not a lesbian "Nun sense" or another "Dark Habits" (by Almodovar, which also starred Carmen Maura, and also set in a Spanish convent, with some lesbian nuns). Perhaps, best of all, 'Extramuros' is realistic and frank. It isn't shy about its characters' sexuality. Their sexuality, and the film as a whole are genuine.
- Who directed Beyond the Walls?
- Beyond the Walls was directed by Miguel Picazo.
- Who stars in Beyond the Walls?
- Beyond the Walls stars Carmen Maura, Mercedes Sampietro, Aurora Bautista, Assumpta Serna, Antonio Ferrandis, Manuel Alexandre.
- How long is Beyond the Walls?
- Beyond the Walls has a runtime of 1h 58m (118 minutes).
- What genre is Beyond the Walls?
- Beyond the Walls is a Drama, Romance film.
- Where was Beyond the Walls produced?
- Beyond the Walls was produced in Spain.
- What are the themes of Beyond the Walls?
- The themes of Beyond the Walls include: LGBT Identity and Love Struggle, LGBTQ+ Stories.