815,748 admissions in France. Reception Critical response Janet Maslin wrote in The New York Times in 1987: "Though it deals with theology and rises to a stunning test of faith, Under Satan's Sun has a thoroughly secular style. That's one of the many things that make it fascinating. It's a work of great subtlety, some difficulty and tremendous assurance, one that demands and deserves close attention." Nigel Floyd wrote in Time Out London: "Pialat's ascetic meditation on faith, sainthood, and the nature of evil is a film of shattering intensity. ... Through the coldly-lit images and restrained flesh-and-blood performances, self-confessed atheist Pialat insists on the absolute reality of events, an approach which allows something intangible (spiritual?) to seep in at the edges of the frame. Despite the confusing cutting from scene to scene, the narrative's rigorous logic, the performances, and the stark visual beauty yield profound pleasures." Accolades The film won the Palme d'Or, the top prize for best film in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. It was the first time in 21 years that the Palme d'Or went to a French film; Claude Lelouch had last won it in 1966 for A Man and a Woman. Pialat was congratulated by French President François Mitterrand, who wrote that Under the Sun of Satan "shows the vitality that can and should characterize French cinema". The film was nominated for the César Award for best film, director, actor (Depardieu), actress (Bonnaire), cinematography, editing and poster. Home media In 2013, the film was finally released as a Blu-ray disc playable in all regions. References External links Cannes profile 1987 films 1987 drama films Films about Catholic priests Films based on French novels Films based on works by Georges Bernanos Films directed by Maurice Pialat Films shot in France French drama films 1980s French-language films Palme d'Or winners Resurrection in film 1980s French films