Name of the Rose (R) 7.5

The Name of the Rose (1986): An intellectually nonconformist monk investigates a series of mysterious deaths in an isolated abbey. (7.7)

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Writers: Umberto Eco (novel), Andrew Birkin (screenplay)
Stars: Sean Connery, Christian Slater, Helmut Qualtinger

A murder mystery set in a monastery in the middle ages gives a very intriguing storyline. As a back-story there is the debate between factions of the church itself. We can see quite clearly how the movie conveys the relationship between the church and the general populace without saying it in words. Looking from outside, it is interesting to see that even the man with a rudimentary deductive skills can make a mockery of the church's inquisition. Connery is the perfect actor to play the lead role of William of Baskerville. Young Christian Slater performs the role of the apprentice quite well. The sets and the costumes are very well done. An all around nice movie that perhaps hasn't gained much popular acclaim. My Rating: 7.5