Movie spotlight
The Wankers
Lady Wankers is directed by French photographer Frédérique Barraja whose controversial 2010 photographic collection, Les Branleuses, inspired the documentary and is featured throughout. Barraja says she was so surprised by the conversations she had with the models for Les Branleuses during the shoot, about things that she could not show in photographs, that she decided to extend the subject into a film. “The idea was to do research about why we have all these sex toys, and we talk about sex a lot but we don’t talk about masturbating. It’s about self-discovery," said Barraja. A whimsical, slightly risqué but also serious exploration of the taboo subject of female masturbation. See interviews from women of all ages about their own personal stories and practices. It also looks at the history of female sexuality, along with the marketing of the vibrator to women in the 20th century, as well as the tragic issue of genital mutilation and its disastrous consequences.
Insights
Plot Summary
Two young, aimless friends from Yorkshire, Andrew and Dave, embark on a road trip to scatter the ashes of Andrew's estranged father. Along the way, they encounter a series of bizarre characters and misadventures, forcing them to confront their own lives and futures. The journey becomes a poignant, albeit chaotic, exploration of friendship, loss, and self-discovery.
Critical Reception
The Wankers received a mixed reception from critics. While some praised its raw energy, dark humor, and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Robert Sheehan, others found its plot disjointed and its humor too crude or gratuitous. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating its unconventional approach to coming-of-age themes and others put off by its often offensive content.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its authentic portrayal of working-class British youth and the chemistry between the leads.
Criticized for its overly provocative humor and lack of a cohesive narrative.
Some found moments of genuine heart and insight amidst the crude exterior.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a significant split. Many appreciated the film's rawness, humor, and relatable portrayal of youthful aimlessness. However, a substantial portion of viewers found the humor to be excessively vulgar and the overall tone to be unpleasant or offensive, leading to disappointment.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a television series before being developed into a feature film.
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