Reviews

Even though I have only seen the Italian language TV print, this is still an amazing film! Tinto Brass is truly a master of cinema.

Visually, this film is just stunning and the music is excellent. Brass really aims at covering many themes of the time. Interracial romance is one of the major plot elements. A woman is followed by a handsome black gentleman after her husband appears to drop her off in a park. She also encounters free loving hippies, war protests, interracial violence, suicide etc...

As much as I enjoy Brass' erotic films, I fell in love with his surrealist approach. One can only hope that one day a complete version of the film is released.

Turkish Delight is one of those films that is a rare gem. In my opinion, this is Paul Verhoven's finest piece of work. I can rarely say that a film deeply touches my life, but this is one of those cases. It's power just overwhelmed me.

Eric Vonk is a somewhat carefree and rebellious young artist that finds true and undying love in the arms of young Olga, an equally as free spirited young redhead. Though their relationship is very sexually dynamic, it is also filled with sincere tenderness and honest devotion. Unfortunately, Eric is left with the harsh reality of adulthood and heartbreak when Olga leaves him (for very questionable reasons). Eric learns that sometimes love is so strong that nothing can extinguish it.

The power of the film lies in its gritty realism. This isn't a film that tries to leave out the "gorey" details of life. As a matter of fact, Paul Verhoven is very in your face. He wants his audience to experience a range of emotions and even feel the need to turn away here and there. (One scene that immediately springs to mind involves a toilet...) However, in the end I could't help but be overwhelmed by the beauty of the love story. It is the most powerful film of its kind, in my opinion.

Unfortunately, the film is not that well know in the US. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 1974, but it seems to have somewhat disappeared after that. The film is ranked the best Dutch Film of the Century and certainly one of its most popular.

The novel, written by famed Dutch author Jan Wolkers, is read in many Dutch schools. It continues to sell many copies to this day. However, it went out of print in the US in 1983. While copies are available from used online book sources, the price tag is usually a bit steep.

Jan Wolkers' novel is truly a masterpiece. Like the film, it uses gritty and sometimes obscene language but it never fails to ooze with passion and love. The reader cannot help but feel Wolkers' love for the young redheaded creature.

A musical version of the story is opening in Amsterdam, however, I am not sure that anything can compete with the work of art that Verhoven created. The 1974 film will always be the one and only in my heart.

I first saw this film by chance when I was visiting my uncle in Arizona about 3 and 1/2 years ago. The VHS print was a little faded looking, but I was very haunted by what I had watched. Did it all make sense? Well, honestly, no it didn't. However, this is a film that requires more than one viewing to understand all of its aspects. The beautifully tragic score haunted me and the bizarre images made quiet an impression.

Well, when I found out that Anchor Bay had released this oddity on DVD, I picked it up immediately. I was very pleased by the transfer, though I felt the extras rather lacking. Though the film concerns the "O" and Sir Stephen characters, it really has nothing to do with Pauline Reage's original novel or the 1974 film The Story of O. However, the film does pay attention to artistic detail and symbolism of an almost mystic kind. "O" decides to prostitute herself for Sir Stephen in violent 1920s Hong Kong. Her mission is to prove her unending devotion and love for her master through giving her body to other men. Naturally, Sir Stephen enjoys watching her during her unpleasant sexual escapades and even finds himself a mistress. However, the tables are turned when "O" actually finds a kind of love with a young male admirer. Suddenly, Sir Stephen feels the threat...

I feel that the deep meaning behind the film (including the tragic score and artistic direction) really make this film a classic. The viewer is introduced not only to the lives and pasts of "O"'s fellow brothel mates, but the turmoil of 1920s Hong Kong is also explored. Like the political setting, the prostitutes all find themselves in need of belonging. No one is happy in the film, even if they believe that they are. (However, "O" does find a sense of happiness with her young admirer). One prostitute tearfully remembers how her father used to act like a dog when she was drunk, naturally leading to a fetish for having her customers act like a dog. Another older prostitute is obsessed with her past as an actress. She cannot let that vision go. She treats her clients as co-stars and even swears she hears a piano in the river.

As for "O", she has a flashback about her father leaving her in a chalk circle. When he leaves, she feels a sense of abandonment. Of course, in that same flashback Kinski suddenly becomes her father. I was very, very disturbed by this image. I truly felt for "O" at this point in the film. She hardly ever smiles and this scene really explains why. Her fear of abandonment is so great that she sees Sir Stephen as her father and caters to his every obscene demand in hopes of proving her love.

Another curious aspect of the film is the young child (that ages at the end) that sells fortune in a box. It is a very random character, but somehow it just adds to the sense of loss and emptiness in the film. At one point, the director even uses painted cardboard figures to represent people. Now, if that isn't symbolism for you! (Laugh)

All in all, I really love this film. I feel that it is a very deep and somewhat moving experience. It has erotic scenes, but the scenes aren't really meant to arouse. Like the lives of the characters, the sex acts are empty. They are motions, but lack feeling and tenderness. (Once again, the only tender scene is between "O" and the young man). "O" believes she is in love and that lowering herself is an honor, however, she finds in the end that she has choices. She too can be her own person and pursue her own happiness, however, she also has the option to stay in that circle that her father drew. The director leaves a lot of unanswered questions, however, some things don't need answers. The viewer will make the judgment that works for them.

I must say that I wish a special edition of this DVD would be released that had director commentary. I think it would be fascinating to hear his opinion of the film and its message years later. It is a shame that the soundtrack was never released. This film has a truly haunting and heart breaking score. There is something about the lingering vocals that send a chill up my spine. I can truly feel the sense of loneliness in the film by just listening to the music.

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.

Since I have several parts in the new scenes being shot for the Unearthed Films release, I just want to tell horror fans to check the disc out. Brian Paulins is one of the nicest guys out there and he really knows how to put his actors at ease. However, what I like about him most is that he isn't in it for fame. He and his friend Rich are just two twisted young men (and I a twisted young lady) who really enjoy the horror genre.

While I don't want to give away the new scenes that are being added, I will say that I got to partake in some of the extreme new gore! I also get to pay homage to one of my favorite horror/love stories of all time, Buio Omega (aka Beyond the Darkness).

Honestly, of all of the shot on video films I have seen, Brian definitely makes the most polished. The film is very clear and steady as opposed to some overly bright and shaky camera work (not to mention horrid sound) on other older shot on video films. The acting is also very good. I have the first edit of Bone Disease on DVD and I must admit that the acting was very, very good for a shot on video flick. Hell, most of the time I forgot that it was shot on video!

For fans of films such as Burial Ground (aka The Nights of Terror) and Day of the Dead, the zombie effects should not disappoint. Brian goes through a lot of time and effort molding his zombie masks and special effects and this effort shows.

All that being said, please check out the 2005 Unearthed Films release! The edit will definitely have a few more added extreme and shocking gore moments, as well as more extras.

Though "Hitch Hike" is a very well made film, I feel that the hype made it fall somewhat flat for me. That isn't to say that I didn't truly enjoy it, however, I was told that there were a good deal of surprises and I didn't find too many. The acting is first rate, the soundtrack amazing, and the plot intense.

A married couple that is doing a bit of traveling, decides to pick up a hitch hiker named Adam. At first, it seems that Adam is a fun loving and friendly young man, but soon the couple find that he is a dangerous criminal. Along the way, the couple is put under the abuse and control of Adam. Naturally, the beautiful wife suffers most...

Though the plot was well structured and the action intense at times, I just didn't feel that the surprises were there. I had read many times that the ending was a really shocker and that it was impossible to see it coming. However, both my mother and I saw it coming all along! There was no real shock, it was just waiting for the moment to come. So, that being said, the film is amazing, but just don't expect to get an ending that will through your head through a loop. It may be surprising to others, but I just saw it as very predictable.

The disc from Anchor Bay looks great, however! There are some interesting extras and takes on the film from the director and the actors. Luckily, I have a CD-R of the excellent score, but it is a shame an isolated music track wasn't put on the disc for others.

As a twenty-year-old woman, I could really appreciate David Hamilton's "Laura" for what it was. Not long ago, I was a girl of sixteen with a major crush on a man old enough to be my father. However, I also know that I am not unique in this aspect and it often happens as a young woman matures.

The film is based on Laura, a sixteen-year-old ballet student, and her love for a forty-year-old sculptor. In the beginning of the film, we find that the sculptor, Paul, is having trouble finding inspiration. However, when he sees young Laura his woes are cured. There is a catch. Laura's mother was once Paul's lover, thus she is very protective of her daughter and somewhat jealous. When Paul asks if Laura can model for him, her mother agrees to take photos of her for him, but that is all. Thus, Laura must figure out how to deal with her awakening sexuality and her love for Paul.

I felt that the film was rather tastefully done. What could have been crude was handeled with class. I admit that Dawn Dunlap, the actress playing Laura, looked young, however, I do believe that she was of age when the film was shot. Also, there are no explicit love scenes between Laura and Paul. There is a very erotic simulated scene, but that is the extent of it. However, I will say that there is a lot of young women bearing it all for the sake of art.

All in all, I really enjoyed the film and was happy to find a used copy. I must also give kudos to Patrick Juvet's score! The music was quiet lovely, and I am considering ordering a used LP from the film.

Regardless of what people say about Hamilton, I do think that this subject was handled with class and sophistication. However, that is just one person's humble opinion.

Though fans of European cinema are most likely to remember the erotic art films of Walerian Borowczyk, "Blanche" purposely avoids explicit sexuality. In fact, the film is a tragic tale of love and lust sans the nudity and sex.

(The only nude scene takes place at the very beginning when Blanche is getting out of her bath.)

The plot concerns the Blanche, the young wife of a much older lord, and the tragedy that is the offspring of 4 men's love for her. Her stepson (a very handsome young man) is pure of heart and is madly in love with her. When he expresses his feelings toward her, she refuses to return them out of loyalty to her husband. Thus, Blanche is a very naive and dedicated woman. However, when the king and his page arrive Blanche is faced with their affections for her...

The story avoids the cliché "happily ever after" ending. In fact, the only survivor in the whole tale is the king. What begins as a light and airy tale ends on a bleak note.

Fans of Borowczyk or European cinema in general should look this film up. It isn't a very fast paced or action filled tale, but the story is very well structured and effective. It is a shame that films aren't made in this vein anymore.

"Valerie and Her Week of Wonders" is one of the most visually stunning films that I have ever seen. As a matter of fact, its dreamy atmosphere stirred similar dreams of my own.

On the eve of her first menstruation, thirteen-year-old Valerie comes to view sexuality in many different ways. Her father may or may not be a vampire that wants to take her energy, her grandmother is a sexual deviant that would sell Valerie to regain her youth, a visiting priest attempts to take advantage of her, and the man that loves her (possibly her brother) gives her pearl earrings to save her from harm. Along the way, Valerie experiences sexual confusion that may or may not be a dream...

Though the plot seems to make no sense, it really does when examined. Clearly, this is a story of a young woman's budding sexuality and the fear and pleasure that can bring. The viewer never finds out if the man that loves her is her brother, however, I tend to believe that he really wasn't. I believe that Valerie did want a relationship with this young man, but in her mind he became her brother so that she couldn't be persuaded into "sin."

Like the fore mentioned, there are many areas of the film that are left without an explanation. However, do dreams usually make perfect sense?

The only films that deal with similar subjects as beautifully are "The Company of Wolves" and "Paperhouse." Fans of this film may want to seek these other two titles out.

I first saw "Paperhouse" on VHS in 1989. At the time I was seven, and all I remembered was loving the visuals and the music. Well, flash forward to a used video sale in 2002. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on a used copy.

"Paperhouse" is a very unique love story, in my opinion. Both Anna and Marc need love and acceptance in the film, and they get that from each other. The logic isn't important. All the audience needs to know is that both of them exist in the real world, they are both suffering from either mental or physical strain, and they have the same doctor. The bond that Marc and Anna build is very strong, and even as a child I was able to accept their love for each other. The most moving scene, in my opinion, is when Anna is in the hospital and asks her doctor about Marc and then for her drawing. Her parents bring her her pad, and she says "I wouldn't want to live if he died." That scene moves me every time I watch the film, and the fact that she draws a lighthouse refuge for him proves her growth as a character.

I would recommend this film to just about anyone. Not only does it have some very eerie scenes, but it is a fairy tale that takes me away each time I see it. I can honestly say that after seeing this film, I wish I had someone like Marc in my life.

Another plus about the film is the terrific Hans Zimmer soundtrack. Too bad it is out of print now. Luckily, a friend was able to get me a copy.