2. Flavia the Heretic (1974)
A nun's anti-clerical, women's rights crusade set in the middle ages. How does that sound? Starring Florinda Balkan as the moral crusading titular nun. How much better does that sound? Yes, this 1970s Euro Trash classic is a fabulous little film that deserves to be praised and extolled for its realism and brilliant execution. In the 14th century, Flavia was sent to a Convent by her cruel father. She questions everything: why man is superior to woman, why she must be punished severely for the tiniest of transgressions. She runs away with a Jewish man who is seriously tortured and Flavia is whipped within an inch of her life. Muslims have been causing ructions in the immediate area. Flavia takes up with the Muslim commander and they launch an assault on her convent with the rape and pillage of the nuns - payback for years of oppression. Unfortunately our heroine is betrayed by the Muslims and handed back to the Catholic church where she awaits her dreadful fate... This film is more than mere 'nunsploitation', it is serious in its intent and is a lot more complex than your average exploiter. There is violence and nudity but it is not exploitation, it is an integral part of the plot showing us the consequences of the characters' actions. The film is also fairly historically accurate as well. If you are a naughty nuns fan - this is the best you can get and if you are just a casual viewer - Flavia the Heretic - is an entertaining view.