Boccaccio '70
Director: Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini, Mario Monicelli
Actors: Anita Ekberg, Sophia Loren, Romy Schneider
PlotThe film is an anthology comprised of four distinct segments, each inspired by the works of Giovanni Boccaccio and set in modern-day Italy. The first story centers on a lecherous man who is haunted by the image of a glamorous billboard model, making his mundane life increasingly surreal. This tale explores themes of desire and the intrusive nature of advertising on personal fantasies, blending reality with fantasy as the protagonist struggles with his obsession.
In the next story, a priest campaigns against a carnival booth featuring a voluptuous woman, claiming it promotes immorality. However, the attempt to shut it down leads to unexpected consequences, revealing the hypocrisy and hidden desires within the seemingly pious community. The third segment dives into the life of a married woman who discovers her husband has been frequenting brothels. To teach him a lesson, she decides to set up her own business, learning surprising truths about herself and society in the process. The final episode focuses on a successful and elegant woman who manipulates male admirers into bidding for her company, challenging societal norms and expectations about femininity and power.
Writers: Giovanni Arpino, Suso Cecchi D'Amico, Italo Calvino
Release Date: 26 Jun 1962
Runtime: 205 min
Rating: Unrated
Country: Italy, France
Language: Italian, German
Home Video Reviews
Boccaccio '70' is a captivating anthology that offers sharp critiques of 1960s Italian sexual mores, featuring stunning stars and direction, but with minimal extras.
Read our review of Boccaccio '70 Blu-ray to find out more