The Name of the Rose (1986)

Set in 1327, The Name of the Rose is a slow-burning, atmospheric medieval mystery that follows Franciscan friar William of Baskerville and his young novice Adso as they arrive at a remote Benedictine abbey where a series of violent, unexplained deaths has stirred fear and accusations of heresy. William — a sharp, skeptical detective of his age — uses logic, observation and erudition to unravel clues hidden in the abbey’s labyrinthine library, drawing him into conflict with the authoritarian forces of the Church, including the implacable Inquisitor Bernardo Gui. As the investigation deepens, secrets about power, knowledge and censorship emerge, and the stakes grow higher when the Inquisition moves in. Viewers can expect a moody, gothic atmosphere, rich period detail and tense, claustrophobic settings that heighten suspense rather than relying on action. The film blends intellectual puzzles and philosophical debates with genuine menace and occasional brutality; its pleasures come from the unfolding mystery, sharp character work, and the collision of faith and reason. If you enjoy literary, thought-provoking crime dramas set against a vividly realized historical backdrop, this film delivers a cerebral, haunting experience.

Actors: Sean Connery, Christian Slater, Helmut Qualtinger

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud

Runtime: 130 min

Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery

7.8 /10 54 /100 7.7 /10 7.0 /10