A young Sicilian is swindled twice, but ends up rich; a man poses as a deaf-mute in a convent of curious nuns; a woman must hide her lover when her husband comes home early; a scoundrel fools a priest on his deathbed; three brothers take revenge on their sister's lover; a young girl sleeps on the roof to meet her boyfriend at night; a group of painters wait for inspiration; a crafty priest attempts to seduce his friend's wife; and two friends make a pact to find out what happens after death.
In 14th-century Florence, a group of ten young people flee the plague-ridden city to a secluded villa. To pass the time and distract themselves from the grim reality outside, they take turns telling each other stories. These tales range from bawdy comedies and erotic encounters to poignant parables, offering a vibrant and often satirical glimpse into human nature and societal norms of the era.
Pier Paolo Pasolini's adaptation of Boccaccio's classic work was met with a mixed, yet often intrigued, reception. While some critics lauded its raw energy, visual style, and unflinching look at medieval life, others found its episodic nature and explicit content challenging. It has since gained recognition as a significant work within Pasolini's filmography, particularly for its bold interpretation of classic literature.
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Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1971 Cannes Film Festival.
Pier Paolo Pasolini himself appears in the film as a painter named Ser Ciappelletto, who is one of the storytellers.
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