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Quills

Meet the Marquis de Sade. The pleasure is all his.

2000 · 2h 4m · R Drama
Directed by Philip Kaufman

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Overview

In early 19th-century France, the Marquis de Sade is confined to an asylum where his forbidden writings continue to circulate beyond its walls. As the authorities tighten control, a clash unfolds between the Marquis’ unyielding imagination, the reformist ideals of the Abbé in charge, and the repressive measures of a doctor sent to silence him. Desire, power, and censorship collide in a battle over freedom of expression.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
75%
Tomatometer
Fresh

"Quills" is sensational in every sense of the word.

Jeremy Gerard, Variety
Fresh

It pokes at sexual taboos - it's pretty subversive, considering - but sexuality and creativity are indelibly linked, and its true subject is expression, repression and catharsis.

Derek Adams, Time Out
Fresh

Quills, about the marquis de Sade, is a voluptuous impasto. Everything in it -- the colors, the locations, the people -- seems swirled with a mixture of decadence and grace.

Peter Rainer, New York Magazine/Vulture
Rotten

More heavy-handed than memorable.

Desmond Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh

A marvelous, saucy romp.

Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald

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