Desideria
Desideria

Movie spotlight

Desideria

1980
Movie
104 min
Italian

All her life, an overweight girl has been ignored by her rich and attractive mother. But when the ugly duckling becomes a swan, she turns into a world-class tease, exacting her revenge by seducing her mother's boyfriend...

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Carlo LizzaniGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a small village in Sardinia, a young woman named Desideria is ostracized by the community due to her perceived madness and her mother's past secrets. She finds solace in her imagination and the company of animals, but her desire for acceptance and love leads her down a path of tragedy as she clashes with the village's rigid social structure and the superstitions that surround her. The film explores themes of isolation, social judgment, and the yearning for freedom.

Critical Reception

Desideria received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often highlighting its atmospheric portrayal of Sardinian life and the powerful performance of its lead actress. However, some found the narrative slow-paced and the themes somewhat bleak. It is generally regarded as a significant work within Italian cinema of the era, particularly for its social commentary.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its evocative depiction of rural Sardinian life and a compelling central performance.

  • Criticized by some for a somber tone and deliberate pacing.

  • Noted for its exploration of societal alienation and the consequences of prejudice.

Google audience: Audience reception information for 'Desideria (1980)' is not readily available through typical Google review aggregations.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Sardinia, capturing the rugged and isolated landscape that mirrors Desideria's own emotional state.

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