The Church (1989) Michele Soavi

A church is built during medieval times on top of a pile of dead bodies that were considered possessed. Hundreds of years later a young librarian unleashes the evil within, by removing a rock in the catacombs. Series of events occur meanwhile, everybody just does not seem to be the same. Father Gus is the only one not possessed, he must save the city from becoming a pandemonium, he must find the ancient secret of the church so it can crumble to pieces.

"La Chiesa"/"The Church" is a great Gothic horror film made by Michele Soavi with wild usage of camera, very hypnotic Goblin soundtrack and overall creepy atmosphere. The film was written and produced by Dario Argento, so fans of Italian horror won't be disappointed. It starts out with incredible scene of massacre, where a crusading army kills all inhabitants of a small village. There is plenty of violence and the photography is absolutely stunning. Soavi uses the camera tricks only hinted at in his wonderful "Deliria"(1987). There are several amazing camera shots and the lighting is excellent. The film is visually striking and the gore effects are quite good. The sequences involving secret machinery built into the structure of the cathedral are especially well executed. A must-see for fans of Italian horror!