Based on the controversial 19th century novel by Anatol France, the film features superb performances by Jerzy Kryszak as a fanatic claiming right to act in God’s name and Dorota Kwiatkowska as the immodest, sensuality-oozing Thais.
Combining uninhibited eroticism with philosophical content, the story is a tale of clash of two worlds and two systems of values.
In 4th century BC, after spending years in the desert, fanatic monk Paphnuce returns to Alexandria, a city he left long ago. His goal is to convert the promiscuous Thais – a famous actress and courtesan. He gains access to her thanks to help from an old friend. Initially ridiculed and ignored, the monk’s words start to have an effect on the beautiful woman, who for some time now has been haunted by the feeling of meaninglessness and fear of death. Eventually, Thais decides to give up worldly possessions and join a monastery. Paphnuce achieves his goal, but also realises that in the meantime he has fallen in carnal – and therefore sinful, according to his beliefs – love with the converted sinner.
