Sacred Youth
Sacred Youth

Sacred Youth

1958Movie90 minFrench

Mr. Longué, aged 79, is offered a life annuity on his provincial estate by his nephew. He receives the same, but more advantageous, offer from his insurer, but Mr. Longué has decided to undergo a rejuvenation treatment in Switzerland, at Dr. Koranoff's establishment. The effect was striking, and he was given a new lease on life, leaving his heirs and insurer in complete disarray. His wife, witnessing her husband's metamorphosis, also undergoes the treatment, and off they go on a second honeymoon to Italy.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Michelangelo AntonioniGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of post-war Italy, the film follows the complex emotional entanglements of a group of young people struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing society. The narrative explores themes of alienation, existential angst, and the search for meaning amidst societal pressures and personal desires. It delves into the protagonists' disillusionment and their attempts to forge genuine connections in a world that often feels indifferent.

Critical Reception

Sacred Youth (also known as "The Girl from the Red House" or "The Bad Girls") received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often highlighting Antonioni's burgeoning directorial style and the film's introspective tone. While some found the pacing slow and the narrative somewhat opaque, others praised its exploration of youthful ennui and its visual artistry. It is considered an important early work in Antonioni's filmography, foreshadowing his later explorations of modern alienation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric portrayal of post-war youth disillusionment.
  • Noted for Antonioni's emerging stylistic trademarks, though some found it less accessible than his later works.
  • Explores themes of alienation and the search for identity with a somber, introspective mood.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for "Sacred Youth" is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize audience sentiment.

Fun Fact

Although it is an early work by the acclaimed director Michelangelo Antonioni, "Sacred Youth" is less widely known and discussed compared to his later masterpieces like "L'Avventura" or "Blow-Up."

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review