Boccaccio '70
Boccaccio '70

Movie spotlight

Boccaccio '70

1962
Movie
204 min
Italian

An anthology of four comic moral tales about the hypocrisies surrounding sex in 1960s Italy: frothy young love and office politics in the big city; milk advertisements that begin to haunt an aging prude; a trophy wife enduring her husband's very public affairs; a lucky ticket-holder at a small town fair.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Google Users83%
Director: Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini, Mario Monicelli, Luchino ViscontiGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

This anthology film presents four distinct satirical tales set in contemporary Italy, each exploring themes of desire, morality, and the absurdities of modern life. From a woman who becomes a celebrity for her ample cleavage to a man haunted by the infidelity of his wife, the segments offer a darkly humorous look at human nature and societal hypocrisy. The stories are linked by a shared spirit of witty observation and a critique of the prevailing social norms.

Critical Reception

Boccaccio '70 was met with mixed to positive reviews, often praised for its directorial talent and individual segments, though some found the overall cohesion lacking. Critics acknowledged the ambition in presenting a modern take on Boccaccio's tales, with performances, particularly Sophia Loren's, often highlighted. Its satirical edge and exploration of sexual mores were noted, though its episodic nature led to varied audience reception.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the contributions of its renowned directors and star power, especially Sophia Loren.

  • Lauded for its satirical commentary on modern Italian society and its exploration of desire.

  • Criticized by some for an uneven tone and lack of strong narrative connection between its segments.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's comedic elements and the performances of its lead actors, finding the satirical approach engaging and relevant to societal observations.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The segment 'Le tentazioni del dottor Antonio' (The Temptations of Doctor Antonio) directed by Federico Fellini features an animated billboard of the busty woman played by Germana Giamattei coming to life, a pioneering use of animation integrated directly into live-action footage for its time.

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