A young boy named Fabrizio and girl Laura must psychically explore their budding sexuality.Things get complicated when arrogant Silvia enters the picture & our young hero is drawn to her and Laura now feels ignored.They begin playing cruel games and tormenting her.For instance,during a game of hide and seek Laura finds them lying naked beneath a tree and she is forced to view their love scene."Spielen wir Liebe" aka "Maladolescenza" has to be one of the most controversial films ever made.When it came out it was banned or heavily cut in many countries as child pornography.The film contains plenty of surprisingly graphic nudity provided by Martin Loeb,Eva Ionesco and Lara Wendel.Both girls were twelve years old at the time of making the movie.At least the sex scenes are quite tasteful and thankfully simulated,but I still think that the film-makers crossed the line.The film was actually banned in Germany on 28th of July 2006 due to its content,so DVD will be no longer available for public consumption.
33 Reviews
banned all over the world
trashgang19 May 2009
This is one of the most banned movies or highly cut movies at all times, Cannibal Holocaust was banned in 33 countries, but when the time was right it became available all over the world. Maladolescenza never did. In 2002 there was a movie Ken Park that was discussed and been cut due the fact that adolescents were naked in the movie and Adam Chubbuck was in a controversial shot on the cover that was released. But the film wasn't banned because they were over 18 years old. Back in the seventies and especially at the end of that era everything could be done. The rise of the slashers, the glory days of (s)exploitation and the 42nd sleaze. But one thing people couldn't stand, the use or abuse of children. They still should be innocent. But some flicks dared the viewer to watch something different. In 1975 The Psychopath came out, a story about a looney children's television show host taking revenge when 'his kids' were punished from their parents, shown on screen. Beatings with a belt, what was normal in the seventies was shown. The movie never got a proper release. 1976 took it a bit further, Assault on Precinct 13 came out, a girl is shot in her face by an ice cream man. That scene had to been cut out, nowadays it's funny in some way, then it was a real shocker. 1989 brought us, Beware Children at Play. Children are killing adults but the adults take their revenge by killing the children. Never got a proper release and it was spit out by the journalists. But sometimes their was that special one, 1976, France brought us, Une Vraie Jeune Fille. Charlotte Alexandra played a 14 year old girl going on holiday on a farm with her uncle and aunt. Being bored she starts to exploit her body. One scene was much spoken about, she experiments with a worm running on her private parts. The movie was banned but is now available uncut. The age of Charlotte at the time being was never known, but she must have been around her twenties. The only thing known was that she was born at the end of the fifties. So she was an adult. One year later German/Italie brought us Maladolescenza. Again a story about a boy living in his own world and exploiting young girls to examen his/their bodies. Once it was known that it all was shown in an explicit way the movie became banned. There was nudity in it from the two girls, only 13 and 11 years old, showing their private parts and breasts. The only versions that were available was a cut version of 77 minutes, not the full 90 minutes. But the movie had a problem, showing young girls explicit it was an ideal movie for pedophiles. Well sought by them all copies were destroyed but of course some people had the full uncut versions. It was almost unavailable full uncut until in 2006 Andreas Bethmann brought out the full uncut on his X Rated Kult label as Spielen Wir Liebe only to be sold in Germany, of course that didn't work out and it was banned again. in some countries people went to jail just by buying this flick. There is a lot said about this flick, is it childpornography or not. Just let me tell that it was an official release, and the two girls were never forced to undress. But still, nowadays the word pedophile is a hot item and the movie is still banned. Even on ebay it is on the banned item list. Sometimes it pops up under Spielen Wir Liebe or Puppy Love. And guess what, it goes for a lot of money. So far no retailer dares to sell it. Probeply the most hard to get item on the net and at Conventions. All I want to say, if you can get a full uncut try to go back in those days were everything was possible. And still their will be voyeurs and pedo's searching for it, but it isn't that if you watch a horror you become a killer that if you watch this one that you will go hunting innocent children.
Justified controversy.
mellies18 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I'm glad to see the controversy of this movie is reflecting on the comments too. That means it's really one of the most controversial movies ever, and only because it deals with underage sexuality in a very graphic manner and their natural cruelty. Only because?!!! Yes, only because of that! Why not?! Or anyone here still think teens or even children have no sexuality, or are not capable of having cruel intentions? In what planet are you living, humm?
Talking about the movie, it is really very idyllic, with eerie photography and music, and the only three teenager actors acting like they were in a Greek tragedy. By the way, the "climate" of the film reminds me of long time ago read Greek and Roman pastoral stories. Perhaps, this is not simple coincidence, who knows? As far as I know, the director was never invited to explain what he intended while doing this one. They were very busy, inviting him for prosecution... All in all, it's not a great movie, but is hard to forget once you give it a try, due to the haunting atmospherics and, perhaps, the sexual content, like in those old pastoral poems I mentioned before. On the other hand, it's a shame that movies in this line cannot be done anymore because of hypocrisy, what makes me think whether we are really evoluting, or the contrary...
7 out of 10, for it's courageous (although exploitative)and unique portrait of youth.
Talking about the movie, it is really very idyllic, with eerie photography and music, and the only three teenager actors acting like they were in a Greek tragedy. By the way, the "climate" of the film reminds me of long time ago read Greek and Roman pastoral stories. Perhaps, this is not simple coincidence, who knows? As far as I know, the director was never invited to explain what he intended while doing this one. They were very busy, inviting him for prosecution... All in all, it's not a great movie, but is hard to forget once you give it a try, due to the haunting atmospherics and, perhaps, the sexual content, like in those old pastoral poems I mentioned before. On the other hand, it's a shame that movies in this line cannot be done anymore because of hypocrisy, what makes me think whether we are really evoluting, or the contrary...
7 out of 10, for it's courageous (although exploitative)and unique portrait of youth.
Beautiful but disturbing.
missyamerica1811 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Let me just start by saying that as a young woman, I was taken by surprise by the film and even shocked at times, but I felt that the film had a very powerful impact. An impact that has nothing to do with pedophilia. (Well, at least not for me).
The plot involves Fabrizio, his dog, and Laura, a young teen that is madly in love with him. After meeting him a year ago, she returns to him during the summer months. Fabrizio chooses to live his life as a "king" in the forest and delights in taunting and tormenting young Laura. (Honestly, there were moments when I wanted to strangle this actor, but that was the intention of the director). Fabrizio enjoys mentally abusing Laura, as well as treating her like a prisoner. When Laura and Fabrizio climb the "Blue Mountain" one afternoon, Fabrizio decides that he wants to rule the forgotten city and needs a queen. However, young Laura will not do because she must return to her parents at night instead of staying by his side. (Clearly, Fabrizio is letting the Peter Pan syndrome get to him a bit too much...) The two young teens share a fairly graphic first sexual encounter (one that made me feel a bit uncomfortable, I must admit), but Fabrizio's morbid behavior toward Laura is even more disturbing after they make love for the first time. One day, the duo meet Sylvia, a young teen that lives in a house outside the forest. Unlike Laura, Sylvia is very arrogant and pampered looking. (However, I feel that Laura was by far lovelier). Fabrizio, being angered by Laura, tells her that he will forgive her if she gets Sylvia to join their games. Thus, she does as he commands and Sylvia and Fabrizio become partners in crime. They are both as cruel as the other and delight in tormenting Laura in the most hideous ways. (I almost had to stop the movie at times because I was so upset by their actions). The scene were Sylvia and Fabrizio hunt Laura like an animal is very, very disturbing. Naturally, Sylvia and Fabrizio fall in love and delight in a good amount of sexual play. (Yes, other moments that made me uncomfortable, but they are very true of today's teenagers). In the end, Sylvia tells Fabrizio that she cannot remain as his queen and must return to school. This fatal admission leads to a tragic ending...
The film is very, very beautifully made, but also very disturbing and depressing. It reminded me of a Grimm's fairy tale for adults. (Have you ever read any of those)? Also, it has similarities to Lord of the Flies, as well. I purchased the German X-Rated DVD release of the film and am very pleased to say that it is uncut. I can completely understand why the film was heavily censored and/or banned, however, as a young woman I can also see the truth in the film. Teenagers are not as innocent as they are often believed and this film is just an example of reality. What bothered me beyond the sexuality was the violence. Seeing poor Laura be the butt of Sylvia and Fabrizio's cruel punishment was almost too much to watch...I highly recommend on its artistic and emotional basis.
The plot involves Fabrizio, his dog, and Laura, a young teen that is madly in love with him. After meeting him a year ago, she returns to him during the summer months. Fabrizio chooses to live his life as a "king" in the forest and delights in taunting and tormenting young Laura. (Honestly, there were moments when I wanted to strangle this actor, but that was the intention of the director). Fabrizio enjoys mentally abusing Laura, as well as treating her like a prisoner. When Laura and Fabrizio climb the "Blue Mountain" one afternoon, Fabrizio decides that he wants to rule the forgotten city and needs a queen. However, young Laura will not do because she must return to her parents at night instead of staying by his side. (Clearly, Fabrizio is letting the Peter Pan syndrome get to him a bit too much...) The two young teens share a fairly graphic first sexual encounter (one that made me feel a bit uncomfortable, I must admit), but Fabrizio's morbid behavior toward Laura is even more disturbing after they make love for the first time. One day, the duo meet Sylvia, a young teen that lives in a house outside the forest. Unlike Laura, Sylvia is very arrogant and pampered looking. (However, I feel that Laura was by far lovelier). Fabrizio, being angered by Laura, tells her that he will forgive her if she gets Sylvia to join their games. Thus, she does as he commands and Sylvia and Fabrizio become partners in crime. They are both as cruel as the other and delight in tormenting Laura in the most hideous ways. (I almost had to stop the movie at times because I was so upset by their actions). The scene were Sylvia and Fabrizio hunt Laura like an animal is very, very disturbing. Naturally, Sylvia and Fabrizio fall in love and delight in a good amount of sexual play. (Yes, other moments that made me uncomfortable, but they are very true of today's teenagers). In the end, Sylvia tells Fabrizio that she cannot remain as his queen and must return to school. This fatal admission leads to a tragic ending...
The film is very, very beautifully made, but also very disturbing and depressing. It reminded me of a Grimm's fairy tale for adults. (Have you ever read any of those)? Also, it has similarities to Lord of the Flies, as well. I purchased the German X-Rated DVD release of the film and am very pleased to say that it is uncut. I can completely understand why the film was heavily censored and/or banned, however, as a young woman I can also see the truth in the film. Teenagers are not as innocent as they are often believed and this film is just an example of reality. What bothered me beyond the sexuality was the violence. Seeing poor Laura be the butt of Sylvia and Fabrizio's cruel punishment was almost too much to watch...I highly recommend on its artistic and emotional basis.
An OK 70s Italian coming of age art film
wshake21 June 2007
A typical 70s Italian coming of age film, original and good music, but with some quirks, interesting but not fantastic photography, poor and at times confused storyline (e.g. the role of the wolf-dog, and where does the boy come from?) with poor dialogue, nice ambiance.
The reason it is still (relatively) well-known and sought after is probably the nude scenes (including typical 70s pseudo-coitus) involving an 11 and 13 year old girl with an older teenage boy (Eva Ionesco and Laura Wendel) - it is interesting from a socio-political point of view to see how these representations of very young adolescents was considered acceptable and normal in the whole of Europe (and US) 30 years ago, whereas now it is more than taboo.
The story revolves round bullying of one girl (Laura) by the other two characters, and her discovery of sex, a quite accurate representation of an aspect teenage life. The character of Eva (Silvia) does not evolve to the very end of the film and already appears very versed in the erotic arts - there is no "coming of age" for her: she is a very vain young girl who is already aware of her sexual charms, but ultimately is just used and ends the film crying like the little girl she really still is. The boy is an utterly despicable bully, while Laura comes across as a very naive and weak victim.
The reason it is still (relatively) well-known and sought after is probably the nude scenes (including typical 70s pseudo-coitus) involving an 11 and 13 year old girl with an older teenage boy (Eva Ionesco and Laura Wendel) - it is interesting from a socio-political point of view to see how these representations of very young adolescents was considered acceptable and normal in the whole of Europe (and US) 30 years ago, whereas now it is more than taboo.
The story revolves round bullying of one girl (Laura) by the other two characters, and her discovery of sex, a quite accurate representation of an aspect teenage life. The character of Eva (Silvia) does not evolve to the very end of the film and already appears very versed in the erotic arts - there is no "coming of age" for her: she is a very vain young girl who is already aware of her sexual charms, but ultimately is just used and ends the film crying like the little girl she really still is. The boy is an utterly despicable bully, while Laura comes across as a very naive and weak victim.
Unusual and somewhat disturbing, like Haneke directing 'The Blue Lagoon'. Just not that good.
carnivalofsouls29 November 2007
'Maladolescenza' has the air of a dark fairy tale, with its child protagonists, forest setting, and the discovery of a castle's ruins. Yet at its core, the film is essentially an unusual psychosexual study of adolescents. Opening with a dream sequence employing the not-so-subtle metaphor of Fabrizio wrestling with his menacing hound, the film details his psychological persecution of Laura, the girl who has pledged her love to him, and his eventual romance with the equally malicious Sylvia. The film's psychological complexities do give the film merit, yet there's no doubting how unnecessarily exploitive the film is in its depiction of nudity and sex. The film's look relies more on its gorgeous locations rather than particular cinematographic skill, and there's no doubting the film's greatest asset is the creepy, children's choir-augmented soundtrack. With its odd dreamlike quality, the film is at best interesting, yet pales beside Louis Malle's surreal and brilliant 'Black Moon' from the same era. Certainly deserving of the art versus pornography debate, for unlike many banned films, Pasolini's 'Salo' or Larry Clark's 'Ken Park' for instance, the film is rather unremarkable from an artistic perspective. Cinema seems to be gradually losing its ability to shock, so perhaps 'Maladolescenza' should be admired for retaining that power thirty years after its release. However shock value is the one reason alone the film is memorable.
The film does have its defenders. Yet so does Nazism.
The film does have its defenders. Yet so does Nazism.
An interesting film if you are objective.
justinwilliams3712 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I had read a lot about this film so was a bit dubious about watching it. It turns out that it is actually quite interesting. I have read elsewhere that it has no plot, the acting is poor etc. Remember, this was filmed in 1976, and you cannot escape the fact that they are child actors ( A subject of great debate when it comes to this film). Essentially this is about all the crazy feelings that can be present during puberty. There is love, hate, cruelty, yearning and ultimately realisation and understanding. Personally I think the actors Lara Wendel and Martin Loeb did a very fine job. Eva Ionesco? I think she may have been there for other reasons. There are some relatively explicit scenes in this film and the viewer should keep in mind that these girls were eleven years old at the time. Although they deal with it in quite an adult manner, well, it didn't need to be graphic and it is plainly wrong. Martin Loeb plays Fabrizio, in my opinion, borderline insane. He plays it very well. Lara Wendel plays Laura, who is infatuated with Fabrizio, she may even believe that she loves him. She brings the softer more caring character to the film. Fabrizio plays some very cruel mind games with her for the most part but there are a few occasions where he almost seems to have feelings for her. Anyway, she eventually gives herself to him in a none too romantic situation, but true to life, is it for anyone first time? It is awkward and fumbling. Then we have the arrival of Sylvia (Eva Ionesco). Fabrizio is attracted to her and it seems he has almost met his match in the somewhat aloof and equally cruel Sylvia. The treatment of Laura deteriorates further until Sylvia grows bored of it all at the Summer's end. Fabrizio has other ideas though and this leads to tragedy.
Terrible Trash
silentwind2 September 2005
Would anyone really watch this RUBBISH if it didn't contain little children running around nude? From a cinematic point of view it is probably one of the worst films I have encountered absolutely dire. Some perv woke up one day and thought I will make a film with little girls in and call it art, stick them in countryside and there isn't any need for a story or explanation of how they got there or why they don't appear to live anywhere or have parents because p*rn films don't need anything like that. I would comment on the rest of the film but I haven't ticked spoilers so I will just say avoid, avoid avoid and find yourself a proper film to watch
A clinical study of bullying
przgzr24 August 2007
The movie's fame makes people neglect its other contents. Questions about disturbing nudity mean closing eyes to avoid really disturbing questions and messages of the movie. Maladolescenza offers a dark, bleak, unpolished and sadly realistic picture of growing up, of the age that adults consider most beautiful years in whole life, either forgetting their youth, suppressing their memories the way people often do, or maybe indeed being so lucky to have a childhood of dreams.
And Maladolescenza is a dreamlike movie, a fairy tale that shows how easy can dreams become a nightmare, how close are fairy tales to horror. But it also confirms that never during whole human's life this extremes get so close as during school years.
Placing the movie in a inexpressibly beautiful nature is an ingenious decision. Such an ambient can hardly fail. "Mission", "Blue Lagoon", "Six Days Seven Nights", "Picnic at Hanging Rock"... but all these locations are rather exotic; Maladolescenza was filmed in the heart of Europe (though plot is carefully sited out of place and time) showing that beauty is all around if you just look for it. But it creates a contrast.
Apart from the first scene (a weird one, but a hint of Fabrizio's personality), the movie starts rather slowly, looking as a Saturday morning family movie. The idea to introduce only three characters appears to be effective - no one influences the kids, what makes the movie message even more disturbing: this shows what kids are, no one forces them to do what they do. Especially Fabrizio who lives in forest seems not to have much contact with rest of the world, his cruelty is immanent, essential. Sylvia is not much different, though she is a product of civilization: she not only joins Fabrizio's behaving, but induces more creative way of torture, gained in our modern "human" world. We can imagine her doing everything to be with most popular boy in the class, then with best sportsman in the school, later maybe with some pop-star...
Finally, Laura. The opposite character, played by Lara Wendel who came from nowhere. While Ionesco was already a famous photo model - her acting can be annoyingly stilted, but fits into Sylvia's character - and Loeb played main role in "Mes petites amoreuses", Lara is almost a newbie in movies as Laura is a newbie in teen-adulthood. But unlike Sylvia she is shy, obeys parent's orders (being home on time) and they trust her (letting her be away from home whole day). A perfect victim for bullying.
So this movie makes one of the best analyzes of bullying ever made on screen. A surprise for 70's, because the amount of this problem was recognized recently. Some movies dealt with bullying but hardly ever in such a pure form until Larry Clark's "Kids"; his "Bully", though using that word, deals with consequences of bullying in young adults (who still keep the same interpersonal relations). Only Scandinavians (who, at least in movies, understand children as if they had invented them) dare to handle it either as sub-plots or even main plots (Rubber Tarzan, Det skaldede spogelse, Saning eller konsekvens...). In other cinematographies victims of bullying are usually characters made to laugh at, as if they deserved their fate ("Back to Future" where Marty reverses the situation, what is unbelievable for real victim)..
Laura needs Fabrizio. She is lonely. This lonely forest is so uninhabited that she has no other peers. She grew up with Fabrizio and tolerates the changes he is going through. Believing it is only a passing period she accepts her role afraid she would be rejected otherwise. And here we see the difference between bullying and torturing or simple violence: Laura isn't running away or avoiding perpetrators (e.g. "Iluzija", "Bluebird", "Före stormen"), she constantly returns day after day hoping that things will become as they were before. But they never do. This obedience of the victim feeds bully's strength, his feeling of power grows.
Sexuality in the movie is not an expression of love (as some comments say) but it is also not a rape (as some others suggest). It is just the way victim is proving her loyalty and obedience.. In the beginning of the movie there is curiosity, peeking normal for the age, but once when bully-victim relation is established it affects the sexuality as well. Sylvia, who knows the real life better than Fabrizio and Laura, noticed or was told already that people (mostly females) can control others (mostly males) by proper use of sex. Fabrizio fell in trap, and Sylvia mixing the developing adolescent/adult sexuality and still existing child cruelty starts an avalanche that leads to tragedy.
For Laura this is not just one bad summer. Remember how she was happy to meet Fabrizio. She doesn't ever mention and never misses anything from outer world. Probably she hasn't good experiences there either, it's easy to assume she's been bullied in school too victims are special type of children and bullies will always recognize them. And now, the only safe and beautiful place became equal or even worse than her everyday world. The only true and gentle friend became equal or worse than the others. It's not hard to trace this fate to psychic disorders or suicides, so frequent in teenage years.
People who are easily offended, whose attitudes don't allow them to watch certain content, shouldn't give a try to this movie. But they still shouldn't blame it for being shallow, worthless, just because of things they've heard about it. The best way of checking is, certainly, watching, and it could be more useful for people who work with children (teachers, psychologists, social workers, counselors) and for victims of bullying, to understand why they couldn't help themselves... though a question why no one else didn't help (them) always stays unanswered.
And Maladolescenza is a dreamlike movie, a fairy tale that shows how easy can dreams become a nightmare, how close are fairy tales to horror. But it also confirms that never during whole human's life this extremes get so close as during school years.
Placing the movie in a inexpressibly beautiful nature is an ingenious decision. Such an ambient can hardly fail. "Mission", "Blue Lagoon", "Six Days Seven Nights", "Picnic at Hanging Rock"... but all these locations are rather exotic; Maladolescenza was filmed in the heart of Europe (though plot is carefully sited out of place and time) showing that beauty is all around if you just look for it. But it creates a contrast.
Apart from the first scene (a weird one, but a hint of Fabrizio's personality), the movie starts rather slowly, looking as a Saturday morning family movie. The idea to introduce only three characters appears to be effective - no one influences the kids, what makes the movie message even more disturbing: this shows what kids are, no one forces them to do what they do. Especially Fabrizio who lives in forest seems not to have much contact with rest of the world, his cruelty is immanent, essential. Sylvia is not much different, though she is a product of civilization: she not only joins Fabrizio's behaving, but induces more creative way of torture, gained in our modern "human" world. We can imagine her doing everything to be with most popular boy in the class, then with best sportsman in the school, later maybe with some pop-star...
Finally, Laura. The opposite character, played by Lara Wendel who came from nowhere. While Ionesco was already a famous photo model - her acting can be annoyingly stilted, but fits into Sylvia's character - and Loeb played main role in "Mes petites amoreuses", Lara is almost a newbie in movies as Laura is a newbie in teen-adulthood. But unlike Sylvia she is shy, obeys parent's orders (being home on time) and they trust her (letting her be away from home whole day). A perfect victim for bullying.
So this movie makes one of the best analyzes of bullying ever made on screen. A surprise for 70's, because the amount of this problem was recognized recently. Some movies dealt with bullying but hardly ever in such a pure form until Larry Clark's "Kids"; his "Bully", though using that word, deals with consequences of bullying in young adults (who still keep the same interpersonal relations). Only Scandinavians (who, at least in movies, understand children as if they had invented them) dare to handle it either as sub-plots or even main plots (Rubber Tarzan, Det skaldede spogelse, Saning eller konsekvens...). In other cinematographies victims of bullying are usually characters made to laugh at, as if they deserved their fate ("Back to Future" where Marty reverses the situation, what is unbelievable for real victim)..
Laura needs Fabrizio. She is lonely. This lonely forest is so uninhabited that she has no other peers. She grew up with Fabrizio and tolerates the changes he is going through. Believing it is only a passing period she accepts her role afraid she would be rejected otherwise. And here we see the difference between bullying and torturing or simple violence: Laura isn't running away or avoiding perpetrators (e.g. "Iluzija", "Bluebird", "Före stormen"), she constantly returns day after day hoping that things will become as they were before. But they never do. This obedience of the victim feeds bully's strength, his feeling of power grows.
Sexuality in the movie is not an expression of love (as some comments say) but it is also not a rape (as some others suggest). It is just the way victim is proving her loyalty and obedience.. In the beginning of the movie there is curiosity, peeking normal for the age, but once when bully-victim relation is established it affects the sexuality as well. Sylvia, who knows the real life better than Fabrizio and Laura, noticed or was told already that people (mostly females) can control others (mostly males) by proper use of sex. Fabrizio fell in trap, and Sylvia mixing the developing adolescent/adult sexuality and still existing child cruelty starts an avalanche that leads to tragedy.
For Laura this is not just one bad summer. Remember how she was happy to meet Fabrizio. She doesn't ever mention and never misses anything from outer world. Probably she hasn't good experiences there either, it's easy to assume she's been bullied in school too victims are special type of children and bullies will always recognize them. And now, the only safe and beautiful place became equal or even worse than her everyday world. The only true and gentle friend became equal or worse than the others. It's not hard to trace this fate to psychic disorders or suicides, so frequent in teenage years.
People who are easily offended, whose attitudes don't allow them to watch certain content, shouldn't give a try to this movie. But they still shouldn't blame it for being shallow, worthless, just because of things they've heard about it. The best way of checking is, certainly, watching, and it could be more useful for people who work with children (teachers, psychologists, social workers, counselors) and for victims of bullying, to understand why they couldn't help themselves... though a question why no one else didn't help (them) always stays unanswered.
Foreign tale of perversion AVOID
ctigerlass14 March 2006
I rarely comment on films but I've read the other comments and I cannot believe that there are people applauding this celluloid rubbish. I know there are certain people who have their own agenda but lets take it on merit; poorly acted, badly shot and the story felt as the director was making it up as he was going along. I am not going to focus on the sexual aspect of the film involving little kids as the makers of the film obviously knew what they wanted and what their audience would want. All I can say is it is a terrible film, the content is poor and offensive, the production is amateurish and I am glad they could not make a film like this legally today
Beautiful, Cruel, Tragic -SPOILERS INCLUDED-
lokalbahn8 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Generally speaking, Maladolescenza is NOT my kind of movie. Being a fan of Hunt for Red October, The Final Countdown, and the like, it was rather unusual for me to come across a movie such as Maladolescenza, much less order it. The DVD arrived last week and I have watched the movie twice since then. I am still stunned by it.
The movie is about three teenagers who spend their summer vacation together in the mountains of Austria (?). Laura (Lara Wendel), a 12 year old girl is helplessly in love with Fabrizio (Martin Loeb), an older boy who lives in the area where she is on vacation. She tries everything to get him to answer her love, but Fabrizio somehow gets a kick out of mentally and physically tormenting Laura. Her love for him lets her endure the pain he inflicts on her. However, events spiral out of control after Fabrizio and Laura encounter Sylvia (Eva Ionesco), who is on vacation in the same area.
Sylvia is every bit as cruel as Fabrizio, and both take great pleasure in tormenting Laura in every way possible (the "Hide-and-seek" scene, as well as the "Pit"-scene being the two most extreme scenes that come to mind). As the summer draws to a close, Fabrizio tries to convince Sylvia to remain. She refuses, and on their last day together, the drama reaches a murderous climax
This movie is definitely a masterpiece. Granted, it shows its age in the props, and the style the characters dress. Still it is a beautiful picture, with very atmospheric camera work, and a fitting soundtrack that ranges from beautiful to unnerving, even disturbing (Watch for the German traditional while Laura is being hunted by Sylvia and Fabrizio).
The three kids that I mentioned above in the plot are the only characters in this movie. They have to carry the whole movie, which makes their performance even more impressive. Lara Wendel is great in her portrayal of Laura, the innocent, naive 12-year old. You just can't help but feel sorry for the poor little thing. Eva Ionesco while being a beautiful girl, plays the part of the arrogant, cruel, manipulative Sylvia with perfection, although even her facade cracks during the last 10 minutes. As for Martin Loeb, I did not like him from the very start, which means that his portrayal of the sadistic punk is good as well, although I still think he is the weakest member of the cast. Don't get me wrong, I am commenting on their acting capabilities, not on the nude scenes in the movie. These kids were great actors for their age.
When Maladolescenza came out, it was decried as child pornography almost immediately, and the film was banned or heavily cut in many countries.
After watching this movie, I understood why it is one of the most controversial ones around. The theme of cruelty between kids, and the sexual awakening of adolescents is very dangerous territory to tread on. Still it shows that adolescents and teenagers are not the innocent angels that many adults like to think they are (as I had to find out the hard way), and it does so very well. As for the child porn allegations: A German legal board re-evaluated this movie this year, concluding that it contains no illegal or criminal material.
All in all a very controversial, cruel, but also very beautiful movie.
- BEGIN SPOILER -
The movie is about three teenagers who spend their summer vacation together in the mountains of Austria (?). Laura (Lara Wendel), a 12 year old girl is helplessly in love with Fabrizio (Martin Loeb), an older boy who lives in the area where she is on vacation. She tries everything to get him to answer her love, but Fabrizio somehow gets a kick out of mentally and physically tormenting Laura. Her love for him lets her endure the pain he inflicts on her. However, events spiral out of control after Fabrizio and Laura encounter Sylvia (Eva Ionesco), who is on vacation in the same area.
Sylvia is every bit as cruel as Fabrizio, and both take great pleasure in tormenting Laura in every way possible (the "Hide-and-seek" scene, as well as the "Pit"-scene being the two most extreme scenes that come to mind). As the summer draws to a close, Fabrizio tries to convince Sylvia to remain. She refuses, and on their last day together, the drama reaches a murderous climax
- SPOILER END -
This movie is definitely a masterpiece. Granted, it shows its age in the props, and the style the characters dress. Still it is a beautiful picture, with very atmospheric camera work, and a fitting soundtrack that ranges from beautiful to unnerving, even disturbing (Watch for the German traditional while Laura is being hunted by Sylvia and Fabrizio).
The three kids that I mentioned above in the plot are the only characters in this movie. They have to carry the whole movie, which makes their performance even more impressive. Lara Wendel is great in her portrayal of Laura, the innocent, naive 12-year old. You just can't help but feel sorry for the poor little thing. Eva Ionesco while being a beautiful girl, plays the part of the arrogant, cruel, manipulative Sylvia with perfection, although even her facade cracks during the last 10 minutes. As for Martin Loeb, I did not like him from the very start, which means that his portrayal of the sadistic punk is good as well, although I still think he is the weakest member of the cast. Don't get me wrong, I am commenting on their acting capabilities, not on the nude scenes in the movie. These kids were great actors for their age.
When Maladolescenza came out, it was decried as child pornography almost immediately, and the film was banned or heavily cut in many countries.
After watching this movie, I understood why it is one of the most controversial ones around. The theme of cruelty between kids, and the sexual awakening of adolescents is very dangerous territory to tread on. Still it shows that adolescents and teenagers are not the innocent angels that many adults like to think they are (as I had to find out the hard way), and it does so very well. As for the child porn allegations: A German legal board re-evaluated this movie this year, concluding that it contains no illegal or criminal material.
All in all a very controversial, cruel, but also very beautiful movie.
A pseudo-erotic coming-of-age triangle
BeneCumb19 August 2018
Due to a lady friend of mine, I just "stumbled upon" this film, without any previous knowledge whatsoever... Well, the depiction is bold from the first scene, but the script and performances (particularly girls) are mediocre at best. The nature is beautiful, the music/soundtrack befittingly chosen, but that is not enough to enjoy a 1,5-hour film, if the transition of scenes is uneven, actor´s lines fictitious and the thoughts and deeds not logical - even when bearing in mind of age of the main (and only) characters.
The film also includes evident influences of Pasolini - but not implemented in full. Apparently the German-Italian cooperation with international child performers did not provide an excelling result. Well, there are underaged nudes in the film, but nothing "arousing" is visible, why it is odd that it was labelled as child pornography in various countries; it is more like something happening in nudist colonies. Especially odd now when many teens upload their sex tapes over Internet...
The film also includes evident influences of Pasolini - but not implemented in full. Apparently the German-Italian cooperation with international child performers did not provide an excelling result. Well, there are underaged nudes in the film, but nothing "arousing" is visible, why it is odd that it was labelled as child pornography in various countries; it is more like something happening in nudist colonies. Especially odd now when many teens upload their sex tapes over Internet...
aside from beautiful color segments, worthless
stevecstewart7 March 2008
the tortuous emotional impact is degrading, whether adult or adolescent the personal values shown in this movie belong in a bad psychodrama if anywhere at all. This movie has a plot, but it is all evil from start to end. This is no way for people to act and degrades both sexes all the way through the movie. teen killing - bad preteen sex - bad emotional battering - bad animal cruelty - bad psychological torture - bad parental neglect - bad the only merit if any is the excellent color shots of contrasting red, blond and green leaves a bad feeling for anyone that respects life and peace, what a bad mistake to make, or to watch... it is UGLY
A movie of its time?
tanje_beudel4 September 2006
Having grown up in Amsterdam,Holland, where our liberal ideas are pretty much the norm, I have to say that I cannot understand why this movie caused so many problems when it came out! Sure, it is a movie of the 70's when peace and love were still there amongst a lot of old and younger people in Holland. I saw the film on a good DVD version last year and thought it was a love story about youth, rite of passage and growing up. The music in the background was pretty dire and some of the scenes were a bit dull (what was the snake scene all about??) but generally it wasn't a bad film. If some people get wound up about preteen nudity, then all I can say is they should get a life!!
Cried with laughter throughout
danielsonn-8834530 April 2023
Jesus I think I've done myself a hernia 🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭 This is one of the weirdest and most terribly translated to English films I've ever seen - and lemme tell ya I've seen some twisted sheit in my time!! Honestly I was almost hyperventilating you've got to watch this but make sure you've had a drink or 9 to get the maximum effect 🤣😭🤣😭🤣😭😭🤣🤣😭
The dubbing randomly switches back and forth between German and Italian (at least in the version I watched). As for the serious part, I'm not sure how old these brats are meant to be but as usual in real life the actors are about 36 🤣😭🤣🤣 dear dear I've gotta catch my breath back. Enjoy. Post it!!
Summertime oblivion.
punishmentpark31 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The idea of a teenage couple (and a pet German Shepherd) spending their (last?) summer vacation together, playing (cruel or tender) games, discovering their 'own secret castle' (including a mysterious cave) and, finally, introducing a third teenager into their midst, with dire consequences, is really a good one - a straightforward coming of age story in a way, but darker and meaner than usual. Every scene has its merit, though I found it rather awkward to watch the sex scenes, which also has to do with the acting; I didn't find it that good or natural - even if the honest portrayal of nudity gave it an extra dimension that I have never seen before. Another problem was that a lot of scenes started dragging on at some point. The voice-over musings did work really well, as did most of the dreamy soundtrack (especially the children's songs, but that recurring synth pop song was a bit of an abomination to hear so many times). Without passing further judgment on a film that is clearly a product of its time and place in some respects, this is certainly a special film in more than one way.
A good 6 out of 10. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that poor dove...
A good 6 out of 10. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that poor dove...
Powerfully real
howard.schumann2 July 2007
Normally depicting the kind of cruelty that children are capable of is limited to works of fantasy such as William Golding's Lord of the Flies. Maladolescenza, a German-Italian production from 1977, however, deals with it in a way that is powerfully real showing in graphic terms adolescent bullying and use of sex as an instrument of domination. Because of its depictions of children in sexual situations, however, it has been banned in many countries, most recently in Germany in 2006. While I'm not entirely clear about the purpose and intent of the director, I did not find it to be any more salacious than the films of Larry Clark and even more beautifully realized and honest. Please be advised, however, that Maladolescenza is a very disturbing film and is not recommended for those offended by cruelty to animals (in this case a bird) or children presented in the nude and in threatening situations.
Set to an original score by Pippo Caruso based on medieval songs and dances, the film takes place in a brooding forest that holds the ruins of an ancient city. There are only three actors in the film and they deliver memorable performances. Two adolescents, Fabrizio (Martin Loeb) and Laura (Lara Wendel), live close to the edge of the forest and spend their summer holidays playing together as they have for many years. 12-year old Laura is in love with Fabrizio and teases him sexually but he responds only by taunting and frightening her. Like most bullies, however, he knows just when to let up in order to reassure his victim and give her a false sense of security. When the two discover the mysterious old city, Fabrizio declares himself to be king, but in order for Laura to be queen, she must first be able to win the cruel tests he has devised.
Among these are having a snake thrown on top of you as you lay on the ground and being chased by a snarling dog through the woods. Laura, like many willing victims, proclaims her trust in Fabrizio in spite of his sadism and his killing of her pet bird. When they at last make love together, however, it is done with tenderness and the film shows Fabrizio as good hearted when it suits his own purposes. When a new 13-year old girl, Sylvia (Eva Ionesco), joins the group on the invitation of two friends, things do not work to Laura's advantage. Sylvia, unlike Laura, is manipulative and cold and soon she and Fabrizio join forces to humiliate and frighten Laura, at one time compelling her to run through the woods while they shoot bows and arrows at her while wearing terrifying masks.
Realizing that Fabrizio and Sylvia have fallen for each other, Laura heartbreakingly begins to dress and act like Sylvia to win back Fabrizio's affection but without success. As the summer nears an end, Fabrizio is determined that Sylvia will never leave him alone and the result is a senseless tragedy that could have been easily averted. Although the setting is idyllic, under the skillful direction of Pier Murgia, Maladolescenza maintains a constant atmosphere of impending threat. While the story can be seen as a metaphor for the confusing currents of puberty, it can also be interpreted as symbolic of the loss of innocence and the misdirection of sexual energy into avenues of power and domination, perhaps an underlying theme in the history of the Third Reich.
Set to an original score by Pippo Caruso based on medieval songs and dances, the film takes place in a brooding forest that holds the ruins of an ancient city. There are only three actors in the film and they deliver memorable performances. Two adolescents, Fabrizio (Martin Loeb) and Laura (Lara Wendel), live close to the edge of the forest and spend their summer holidays playing together as they have for many years. 12-year old Laura is in love with Fabrizio and teases him sexually but he responds only by taunting and frightening her. Like most bullies, however, he knows just when to let up in order to reassure his victim and give her a false sense of security. When the two discover the mysterious old city, Fabrizio declares himself to be king, but in order for Laura to be queen, she must first be able to win the cruel tests he has devised.
Among these are having a snake thrown on top of you as you lay on the ground and being chased by a snarling dog through the woods. Laura, like many willing victims, proclaims her trust in Fabrizio in spite of his sadism and his killing of her pet bird. When they at last make love together, however, it is done with tenderness and the film shows Fabrizio as good hearted when it suits his own purposes. When a new 13-year old girl, Sylvia (Eva Ionesco), joins the group on the invitation of two friends, things do not work to Laura's advantage. Sylvia, unlike Laura, is manipulative and cold and soon she and Fabrizio join forces to humiliate and frighten Laura, at one time compelling her to run through the woods while they shoot bows and arrows at her while wearing terrifying masks.
Realizing that Fabrizio and Sylvia have fallen for each other, Laura heartbreakingly begins to dress and act like Sylvia to win back Fabrizio's affection but without success. As the summer nears an end, Fabrizio is determined that Sylvia will never leave him alone and the result is a senseless tragedy that could have been easily averted. Although the setting is idyllic, under the skillful direction of Pier Murgia, Maladolescenza maintains a constant atmosphere of impending threat. While the story can be seen as a metaphor for the confusing currents of puberty, it can also be interpreted as symbolic of the loss of innocence and the misdirection of sexual energy into avenues of power and domination, perhaps an underlying theme in the history of the Third Reich.
Men and women: explained.
AnthonyPetrov29 January 2011
That only phrase seems to summarize what this movie is about. I like it that they've chosen adolescents as the main characters because this makes the play more natural and sincere (children don't lie, etc.) Some episodes may look controversial for today's moral standards but that was pretty much okay back then in 70's.
What I like most about the movie are its soundtracks. The music is just awesome through the whole movie. At some point I've even heard a theme from Drunk Girl by Something Corporate from their 2002 album Leaving Through The Window. Wow! At first I was astonished. Then I realized that SoCo have probably used the theme, rather than the movie's crew had a time machine to travel from 1977 to 2002 and steal it from the song.
What I like most about the movie are its soundtracks. The music is just awesome through the whole movie. At some point I've even heard a theme from Drunk Girl by Something Corporate from their 2002 album Leaving Through The Window. Wow! At first I was astonished. Then I realized that SoCo have probably used the theme, rather than the movie's crew had a time machine to travel from 1977 to 2002 and steal it from the song.
Hey, put some clothes on!
ElijahCSkuggs10 February 2009
Heading into Maladolescenza I was only aware that it was a flick that had young actors getting nekkid. And boy howdy did they! But besides the little bums, this flick was surprisingly well-made and had a plethora of messages to be taken from it.
The story revolves a young boy (Fabrizio) and girl (Lara) who met the past summer vacation and decided to continue their summer vacations together from here on out. Since the last vacation together they've both changed. Especially the young boy. Instead of innocence and play ruling the day, it's quite obvious his hormones are getting the better of him. This is all quite confusing to Lara, but since she has grown so fond of Fabrizio, she decides to "play" along. The story takes a different turn when another little girl (Silvia) shows up, which ends up making life even harder for poor Lara.
Firstly, Maladolescenza is an extremely thought-provoking movie. You have young teens stripping their clothes and doing some pretty heavy petting. For anyone who has a real clue, this isn't anything out of the norm. Ever watch Maury? Sheeit. Anyways, besides getting over the butt-hole in your face the story has other messages being presented. From parenting issues, to loss of innocence, loneliness, to delusion, and more than anything bullying.
Going through some of the comments on here I've seen people burst out saying it's pure child porn. In all honesty, it could be used for that. It's got little kids naked. Strap a heart-rate monitor on a pedophile and I'm sure that it'll explode. With that said, I also read that someone said it was "tame"....what the hell are you watching? How many flicks with adolescent nudity have you seen? Get with it.
Ignore and look past all the hype you've heard of it being called nothing but child porn and watch a film that deals with child innocence and bullying on levels that are rarely seen. Recommended for serious and open-minded film-goers.
The story revolves a young boy (Fabrizio) and girl (Lara) who met the past summer vacation and decided to continue their summer vacations together from here on out. Since the last vacation together they've both changed. Especially the young boy. Instead of innocence and play ruling the day, it's quite obvious his hormones are getting the better of him. This is all quite confusing to Lara, but since she has grown so fond of Fabrizio, she decides to "play" along. The story takes a different turn when another little girl (Silvia) shows up, which ends up making life even harder for poor Lara.
Firstly, Maladolescenza is an extremely thought-provoking movie. You have young teens stripping their clothes and doing some pretty heavy petting. For anyone who has a real clue, this isn't anything out of the norm. Ever watch Maury? Sheeit. Anyways, besides getting over the butt-hole in your face the story has other messages being presented. From parenting issues, to loss of innocence, loneliness, to delusion, and more than anything bullying.
Going through some of the comments on here I've seen people burst out saying it's pure child porn. In all honesty, it could be used for that. It's got little kids naked. Strap a heart-rate monitor on a pedophile and I'm sure that it'll explode. With that said, I also read that someone said it was "tame"....what the hell are you watching? How many flicks with adolescent nudity have you seen? Get with it.
Ignore and look past all the hype you've heard of it being called nothing but child porn and watch a film that deals with child innocence and bullying on levels that are rarely seen. Recommended for serious and open-minded film-goers.
Still challenging after 30 years
rozklad8 July 2010
This film has so much to say about important issues, and does it so well in many ways, that I really do want to believe it was conceived as a serious work of art and not as a sop to the dirty raincoat brigade. I've read all the reviews here by its stalwart defenders, who argue a good case for a unique film, but I remain to be fully convinced.
Did the production team deliberately court controversy by using so much child nudity or were they genuinely taken aback by the reaction to its release? Western Europe in the 1970s was pretty liberal about such things, and still is by American standards (thank God!), but even so the boundaries of "mainstream" films must have been pushed back quite a bit with Maladolescenza. Arguing that so much footage of pubescent sex was essential to the artistic integrity of the whole would have been difficult even then. Nowadays the film couldn't possibly be made, which is probably a good thing overall simply because (in my view) young children should not be sexualised for the benefit of adults. However in the case of Maladolescenza, although the girl actors were only 11 or 12, I think you would find it pretty difficult to assert that they were exploited or harmed in any way, judging from a cursory look at their filmographies; though I am open to persuasion otherwise by anyone who really knows.
So what we have is a curiosity from another age, and it's really rather good. The controversy over its content, which has made it so notorious (and which attracted my attention in the first place, and no doubt many others'), will rage forever, but beyond all that it's a pretty convincing study of adolescent torment and suffering. The locations are stunning and the three young actors are quite beautiful, highlighting all the more the psychological and physical torture they inflict on each other, which is achingly well portrayed and well acted. The film is shocking in its portrayal of children's cruelty, more so than any other I can think of, even Lord of the Flies. This is clearly deliberate, yet the shock value is compounded by the sex scenes — also intentional of course, but necessary to the whole? Sex is clearly integral to the power games being played out by the kids, and again this is a convincing aspect of the plot as a whole. Kids really do behave like that (you deny it at your peril) and a shiver went down my spine as I recalled my own youth — so the film worked in this way for me. It's challenging and that's good. I just recoil a little from seeing so much young flesh in such sexual situations. There's nothing wrong with nudity, yes even child nudity, and nothing wrong with sex; but combine the two and you cross the line at some point, and I think this film does, even though it's tastefully done and certainly not what I'd call child porn. That's my take on it, from my English standpoint. But sorry, righteous Christians and outraged moralists, I don't reckon I'll burn in hell for watching and enjoying it, and I'd far rather live in a society that permits eccentricities like this than your prurient paradise.
So yes, it's uncomfortable and challenging viewing, on many levels, and on these terms the film is undoubtedly successful. It obviously sickens the prudish, and although I can understand why, that actually contributes to its appeal for me. Ban it? Never! You don't have to watch it and neither do I, but I am strangely attracted by its power and sheer oddity. Flaws: yes, plenty of course, it's no masterpiece. The ending is daft for one, the dog pretty pointless for another (when it's around, which is not much). There also seem to be one or two non-sequiturs in the narrative flow, which may suggest some hasty editing (some sources give the original film length as 117 or 127 minutes, whereas the "uncut" version generally in circulation today only runs to around 91 minutes). But hopefully it will survive as a controversial cult classic for those of us with a taste for the weird, and a reminder of better times when the sight of a naked child did not automatically lead to mass hysteria from the self-righteous moral brigade across the pond.
Overall verdict — Great: no. Darned good: yes. Shocking: oh yes. Just don't try and do it again!
Did the production team deliberately court controversy by using so much child nudity or were they genuinely taken aback by the reaction to its release? Western Europe in the 1970s was pretty liberal about such things, and still is by American standards (thank God!), but even so the boundaries of "mainstream" films must have been pushed back quite a bit with Maladolescenza. Arguing that so much footage of pubescent sex was essential to the artistic integrity of the whole would have been difficult even then. Nowadays the film couldn't possibly be made, which is probably a good thing overall simply because (in my view) young children should not be sexualised for the benefit of adults. However in the case of Maladolescenza, although the girl actors were only 11 or 12, I think you would find it pretty difficult to assert that they were exploited or harmed in any way, judging from a cursory look at their filmographies; though I am open to persuasion otherwise by anyone who really knows.
So what we have is a curiosity from another age, and it's really rather good. The controversy over its content, which has made it so notorious (and which attracted my attention in the first place, and no doubt many others'), will rage forever, but beyond all that it's a pretty convincing study of adolescent torment and suffering. The locations are stunning and the three young actors are quite beautiful, highlighting all the more the psychological and physical torture they inflict on each other, which is achingly well portrayed and well acted. The film is shocking in its portrayal of children's cruelty, more so than any other I can think of, even Lord of the Flies. This is clearly deliberate, yet the shock value is compounded by the sex scenes — also intentional of course, but necessary to the whole? Sex is clearly integral to the power games being played out by the kids, and again this is a convincing aspect of the plot as a whole. Kids really do behave like that (you deny it at your peril) and a shiver went down my spine as I recalled my own youth — so the film worked in this way for me. It's challenging and that's good. I just recoil a little from seeing so much young flesh in such sexual situations. There's nothing wrong with nudity, yes even child nudity, and nothing wrong with sex; but combine the two and you cross the line at some point, and I think this film does, even though it's tastefully done and certainly not what I'd call child porn. That's my take on it, from my English standpoint. But sorry, righteous Christians and outraged moralists, I don't reckon I'll burn in hell for watching and enjoying it, and I'd far rather live in a society that permits eccentricities like this than your prurient paradise.
So yes, it's uncomfortable and challenging viewing, on many levels, and on these terms the film is undoubtedly successful. It obviously sickens the prudish, and although I can understand why, that actually contributes to its appeal for me. Ban it? Never! You don't have to watch it and neither do I, but I am strangely attracted by its power and sheer oddity. Flaws: yes, plenty of course, it's no masterpiece. The ending is daft for one, the dog pretty pointless for another (when it's around, which is not much). There also seem to be one or two non-sequiturs in the narrative flow, which may suggest some hasty editing (some sources give the original film length as 117 or 127 minutes, whereas the "uncut" version generally in circulation today only runs to around 91 minutes). But hopefully it will survive as a controversial cult classic for those of us with a taste for the weird, and a reminder of better times when the sight of a naked child did not automatically lead to mass hysteria from the self-righteous moral brigade across the pond.
Overall verdict — Great: no. Darned good: yes. Shocking: oh yes. Just don't try and do it again!
A Great Art & coming of Age Film
kalvinharp23 January 2007
I own this movie & am proud of it. I live in the good old USA and had to buy my copy in Europe, so i could get it uncut, the full 93 min version. This movie may be very controversial, but anybody who can't see past the nudity is very closed minded. This movie is a brilliant piece of art. The forest alone, is worth a million words, not to menchine the story. I'm 19, and had a difficult upbringing, especially in junior high, but this movie nails it, the emotions and feelings that i had as a preteen and young teen. I praise this movie for exploring this difficult transition from childhood to adulthood. Anybody who would call this movie pornography, is ignorant, as far as i'm concerned, at most maybe you could argue that it is mild erotica, but even that is a stretch. When are people going to realize that nudity does not equal pornography, and love making does not always equal sex. Anyway, i have to put in my vote as one of the best coming of age movies that i have ever seen, a 9/10. I have seen a lot of movies, spending a lot of my winters watching movie after movie, I'm a huge movie buff, and through my experience i have found that European movies tend to be a lot more honest about feelings, love, and life in general, then do US movies, where ratings are based on sex and violence. This movie remains a favorite of mine to this day on how brutally honest it protrays this adolescent transition. A must see for anyone who loves art or who is struggling through adolescence.
Outstanding movie, great photography and acting *WARNING SPOILERS*
karl-mauk9 September 2004
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie at its theatrical release in 1977. It was so heavily cut that essential parts of the plot were missing. I just now saw the new DVD edition and I was smitten just how good this movie is! At its original theatrical release vilified as child pornography it didn't get the attention it deserved. And it couldn't get proper appreciation because the mutilated theatrical release version was a great nothing with most of the essential scenes
*SPOILER*
even the murder at the end
*END SPOILER*
having been cut out. When I saw it first in 1977 it practically left no impression on me whatsoever whereas the uncut version left me completely speechless and unsettled about just how evil it is. Even though it is beautifully photographed, has a fantastic score and is extremely well acted by the three young actors, it is by now means pleasant to watch. It is a movie that you will often think about long after you have seen it. This one will really haunt you, take my word for it! Just a word on the DVD edition that seems to be the only source for the integral version. The releasing company cannot be praised enough for making this film now accessible after 27 years but they could have done a better job with the anamorphic transfer. They could have cleaned the film of disturbing artefacts and they should have been more careful with the English subtitles for the original Italian version. Apparently they have translated the German dialog book because there are things translated in the subtitles that are not said and things that are said are not translated! It is a total mess! And at the end when Fabrizio sits silently on a rock in the cave
*SPOILER*
after just having murdered Sylvia and having sent Laura away, I repeat, sitting there in complete silence after having committed the murder, the subtitles translate the silence telling us that "it was a hot summer, the two girls were the first love I had and I have never seen them again"!!! The German version has a voice-over telling even more precisely that the murdered girl is now a high-school teacher! Such a complete nonsense, but clear if you know that the murder scene had been completely omitted in the theatrical release version and that this was the incredibly cheesy original theatrical ending with the voice over narration suggesting that they had just left for home after their vacation in the mountains!
*END SPOILER*
The releasing company should really have made the subtitles according to the spoken word and not according to the German dialog book! Anyway: This film is an absolute masterpiece and I can highly recommend it. I gave it 9/10 deducting one point for the obvious exploitation intention it was made with.
*SPOILER*
even the murder at the end
*END SPOILER*
having been cut out. When I saw it first in 1977 it practically left no impression on me whatsoever whereas the uncut version left me completely speechless and unsettled about just how evil it is. Even though it is beautifully photographed, has a fantastic score and is extremely well acted by the three young actors, it is by now means pleasant to watch. It is a movie that you will often think about long after you have seen it. This one will really haunt you, take my word for it! Just a word on the DVD edition that seems to be the only source for the integral version. The releasing company cannot be praised enough for making this film now accessible after 27 years but they could have done a better job with the anamorphic transfer. They could have cleaned the film of disturbing artefacts and they should have been more careful with the English subtitles for the original Italian version. Apparently they have translated the German dialog book because there are things translated in the subtitles that are not said and things that are said are not translated! It is a total mess! And at the end when Fabrizio sits silently on a rock in the cave
*SPOILER*
after just having murdered Sylvia and having sent Laura away, I repeat, sitting there in complete silence after having committed the murder, the subtitles translate the silence telling us that "it was a hot summer, the two girls were the first love I had and I have never seen them again"!!! The German version has a voice-over telling even more precisely that the murdered girl is now a high-school teacher! Such a complete nonsense, but clear if you know that the murder scene had been completely omitted in the theatrical release version and that this was the incredibly cheesy original theatrical ending with the voice over narration suggesting that they had just left for home after their vacation in the mountains!
*END SPOILER*
The releasing company should really have made the subtitles according to the spoken word and not according to the German dialog book! Anyway: This film is an absolute masterpiece and I can highly recommend it. I gave it 9/10 deducting one point for the obvious exploitation intention it was made with.
Unmissable to any cinephile
peanutjoe9 August 2005
Often beautiful at a visual level, poignant on its directorial style, joyful but nostalgic at the same time, and ultimately a satisfactory experience for the all-rounded, open-minded viewer (you may want to stay clear, and while at it also to spare us from a certain neo-medieval kind of retarded comments, if you happen not to be one).
You may love this movie, you may hate it, or you may simply end up wondering what's all the controversy about and why is it still banned or heavily censored in certain so-called "advanced" countries.
One thing is certain: if you like film in general, you should watch it (there's a great new DVD available from Germany, with English subtitles).
Not only because it's a centerpiece both of cinema styles and social perspectives in change and of its own author's career and I dare say, personal life, but also because it's one of those rare, last standing moments of sheer honesty which are representative of a bygone era, and indirectly also representative of how close-minded and hypocrite our western world has become in the past two decades, in direct contrast with what should be expected from a society which repeatedly acknowledges itself (no one else probably would, and clearly DON'T) as the most "advanced" - making it all the more ironic that this simple but interesting movie IS, after all, all about the loss of innocence and youth.
You may love this movie, you may hate it, or you may simply end up wondering what's all the controversy about and why is it still banned or heavily censored in certain so-called "advanced" countries.
One thing is certain: if you like film in general, you should watch it (there's a great new DVD available from Germany, with English subtitles).
Not only because it's a centerpiece both of cinema styles and social perspectives in change and of its own author's career and I dare say, personal life, but also because it's one of those rare, last standing moments of sheer honesty which are representative of a bygone era, and indirectly also representative of how close-minded and hypocrite our western world has become in the past two decades, in direct contrast with what should be expected from a society which repeatedly acknowledges itself (no one else probably would, and clearly DON'T) as the most "advanced" - making it all the more ironic that this simple but interesting movie IS, after all, all about the loss of innocence and youth.
An Exploitative Yet Relevant "Coming-Of-Age" Tale...
EVOL6665 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I really don't know how to judge MALADOLESCENZA. Of course there is huge controversy surrounding the material shown, and for good reason. The relatively explicit sexualization of underage actors is going to be a point of contention for many viewers. Being a hard-line anti-child pornography advocate myself, it's hard to dismiss the explicit nudity and sexuality portrayed in this film. But as someone that takes a strong stance against child-exploitation - do I consider this film kiddie-porn? I have to honestly say no. Does it cross the line of "good taste"? Yes. Is there any "artistic-merit" in this film? Again, yes. I haven't been this torn by a film in a long time...
Note that I saw the film with no subtitles or dubs, so I may have missed a bit in translation, but the basic storyline concerns a young boy and girl who begin "coming into their own" against the backdrop of an adultless forest. After their first sexual encounter, another young girl enters the picture that is a bit of a control-freak and the boy and the "new-girl" begin tormenting the "old-girl" by hurting her feelings in every way possible, while still pretending to be her friend...
Personally, I can understand the controversy surrounding MALADOLESCENZA, but I can't honestly view the film as a piece of child pornography. I think that it's a harsh coming-of-age tale that deals with adolescent sexuality in an uncompromising and realistic (and even often beautiful) manner. I wasn't much older or more experienced than the actors in this film when I had my first sexual encounter - so I can relate to the film on a nostalgic level. Is it unnecessarily "graphic" - yes. I think that the same story could have been told with less nudity and sexualization, but it may not have had the same impact had those scenes been cut. I've seen many films that blur the lines between art and sleaze, and MALADOLESCENZA is one of the few that I truly found noteworthy. I think that along with the works of such directors as Larry (KIDS, KEN PARK) Clark - MALADOLESCENZA is a film that will probably be too harsh for "mainstream" viewing - but I still found it to be hauntingly beautiful yet strangely disturbing at the same time...8/10
Note that I saw the film with no subtitles or dubs, so I may have missed a bit in translation, but the basic storyline concerns a young boy and girl who begin "coming into their own" against the backdrop of an adultless forest. After their first sexual encounter, another young girl enters the picture that is a bit of a control-freak and the boy and the "new-girl" begin tormenting the "old-girl" by hurting her feelings in every way possible, while still pretending to be her friend...
Personally, I can understand the controversy surrounding MALADOLESCENZA, but I can't honestly view the film as a piece of child pornography. I think that it's a harsh coming-of-age tale that deals with adolescent sexuality in an uncompromising and realistic (and even often beautiful) manner. I wasn't much older or more experienced than the actors in this film when I had my first sexual encounter - so I can relate to the film on a nostalgic level. Is it unnecessarily "graphic" - yes. I think that the same story could have been told with less nudity and sexualization, but it may not have had the same impact had those scenes been cut. I've seen many films that blur the lines between art and sleaze, and MALADOLESCENZA is one of the few that I truly found noteworthy. I think that along with the works of such directors as Larry (KIDS, KEN PARK) Clark - MALADOLESCENZA is a film that will probably be too harsh for "mainstream" viewing - but I still found it to be hauntingly beautiful yet strangely disturbing at the same time...8/10
Shocking and powerful tale about preteen cruelty
vocklabruck25 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Don't let the controversy fools you. Let me tell you this movie has a lot more than nude scenes. Actually it has a VERY DEEP meaning: It's a perfect tale visually beautiful and with a great score.
This is one of those rare films you want to stop in the first minutes because what is shown goes beyond you, but for some reason you keep watching. It leaves a mark on you. This film is not for everybody, not recommended for those close minded conservative people who think kids are completely innocent creatures with no sexual desire, no bad intentions, no nothing. I mean, you have to admit they are human beings too. Then you will be able to see what is in the core of this tale.
The story is about 3 adolescents who spend their holidays in a forest. I can't help finding these 3 characters highly stereotypical, but this is necessary. Actually this is how the film works, because you can find these stereotypes in almost every person:
Laura (Lara Wendel, 12): the lovely, sensitive and naive girl who is in love with someone who doesn't love her back, the girl who will do ANYTHING to be with the others, even if that means to be humiliated to death.
Fabrizio (Martin Loeb, 18): the screwed-up boy who controls other people deliberately using his strength and self-confidence superiority, the selfish boy who doesn't give a damn for anybody, the guy who is bad and enjoy it.
Silvia (Eva Ionesco, 11): the dream blonde coming from outer space, the arrogant and malicious girl who is aware of her extreme beauty and will use it to manipulate other people.
The acting could have been better, but if you have in count these 3 kids were the only characters who carried the entire movie on their shoulders they were great. Personally I think it could have been better to get a younger actor for the Fabrizio character, someone closer to the girls age. By the way, from these characters Silvia is maybe the least important but on the other hand it is the only one who keeps its feet on the ground. Silvia is not so innocent as Laura and neither so nuts as Fabrizio.
I will not extend too much about the story, since other posters have commented enough, but basically Fabrizio and Silvia spend all their days making fun of Laura and tormenting her through cruel games until the point of risking her life. Just to mention a couple, the scene where Laura is tied and with a snake crawling over her and the scene where she is being hunted by the other two bullies using REAL arrows! There are also cruel scenes with animals. All these scenes are raw, graphic, and really disturbing, way more disturbing than the sex scenes most people talk.
As for the sex scenes, actually most of them are precisely to show the cruelty of Fabrizio and Silvia towards Laura, and not to show sex itself. Since Laura loves the boy, Silvia and Fabrizio make love not only to enjoy themselves but to torture poor Laura. This movie has been banned in some locations considered as child pornography, while actually it is not. Yes, I admit the sex scenes are disturbing and could have been done not so graphically, but they are not pornographic. They appear nude but you will not see genital joint close-ups, erections, things you would expect in a real XXX film, and their moves/poses are clumsy because they are unexperienced and obviously not doing it for real. The boldest thing you see is two kids lying down nude one on the other and rubbing or a kiss near the female pubic area. Most of all is left to your mind, out of camera frame. Even kisses in mouth are simulated with the position of the heads. In fact, this film is not even erotic because the sex scenes are made in a kind of an angelical dream, not trying to arouse the audience.
Sadly many people cannot see beyond those sex scenes and are not able to discover the real meaning of the story: the real evil teenagers can be. Even some covers I have seen of this film make you think wrongly that this is a shallow erotic film. Actually this is a story about cruelty. You will feel sorry for Laura because she is the target, she is the third party, she is the one who always takes the back seat and is being hated with no reasons. But somehow near the end she is cruel too, hiding something important.
But I will stop spoiling. If you have the possibility, give this film a try because it really worths it. In fact, I could even say the story is good for teens, maybe not the film because it is very graphic, but the story itself teaches you a lot about life and why we are so cruel as adults. After all, we all were children once.
This is one of those rare films you want to stop in the first minutes because what is shown goes beyond you, but for some reason you keep watching. It leaves a mark on you. This film is not for everybody, not recommended for those close minded conservative people who think kids are completely innocent creatures with no sexual desire, no bad intentions, no nothing. I mean, you have to admit they are human beings too. Then you will be able to see what is in the core of this tale.
The story is about 3 adolescents who spend their holidays in a forest. I can't help finding these 3 characters highly stereotypical, but this is necessary. Actually this is how the film works, because you can find these stereotypes in almost every person:
Laura (Lara Wendel, 12): the lovely, sensitive and naive girl who is in love with someone who doesn't love her back, the girl who will do ANYTHING to be with the others, even if that means to be humiliated to death.
Fabrizio (Martin Loeb, 18): the screwed-up boy who controls other people deliberately using his strength and self-confidence superiority, the selfish boy who doesn't give a damn for anybody, the guy who is bad and enjoy it.
Silvia (Eva Ionesco, 11): the dream blonde coming from outer space, the arrogant and malicious girl who is aware of her extreme beauty and will use it to manipulate other people.
The acting could have been better, but if you have in count these 3 kids were the only characters who carried the entire movie on their shoulders they were great. Personally I think it could have been better to get a younger actor for the Fabrizio character, someone closer to the girls age. By the way, from these characters Silvia is maybe the least important but on the other hand it is the only one who keeps its feet on the ground. Silvia is not so innocent as Laura and neither so nuts as Fabrizio.
I will not extend too much about the story, since other posters have commented enough, but basically Fabrizio and Silvia spend all their days making fun of Laura and tormenting her through cruel games until the point of risking her life. Just to mention a couple, the scene where Laura is tied and with a snake crawling over her and the scene where she is being hunted by the other two bullies using REAL arrows! There are also cruel scenes with animals. All these scenes are raw, graphic, and really disturbing, way more disturbing than the sex scenes most people talk.
As for the sex scenes, actually most of them are precisely to show the cruelty of Fabrizio and Silvia towards Laura, and not to show sex itself. Since Laura loves the boy, Silvia and Fabrizio make love not only to enjoy themselves but to torture poor Laura. This movie has been banned in some locations considered as child pornography, while actually it is not. Yes, I admit the sex scenes are disturbing and could have been done not so graphically, but they are not pornographic. They appear nude but you will not see genital joint close-ups, erections, things you would expect in a real XXX film, and their moves/poses are clumsy because they are unexperienced and obviously not doing it for real. The boldest thing you see is two kids lying down nude one on the other and rubbing or a kiss near the female pubic area. Most of all is left to your mind, out of camera frame. Even kisses in mouth are simulated with the position of the heads. In fact, this film is not even erotic because the sex scenes are made in a kind of an angelical dream, not trying to arouse the audience.
Sadly many people cannot see beyond those sex scenes and are not able to discover the real meaning of the story: the real evil teenagers can be. Even some covers I have seen of this film make you think wrongly that this is a shallow erotic film. Actually this is a story about cruelty. You will feel sorry for Laura because she is the target, she is the third party, she is the one who always takes the back seat and is being hated with no reasons. But somehow near the end she is cruel too, hiding something important.
But I will stop spoiling. If you have the possibility, give this film a try because it really worths it. In fact, I could even say the story is good for teens, maybe not the film because it is very graphic, but the story itself teaches you a lot about life and why we are so cruel as adults. After all, we all were children once.
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