The Hussy
Twenty-year old misfit François earns his living by gathering boxes and bottles to resell to local shopkeepers. He lives with his grossly insensitive mother and stepfather. Mado is a gawky 11-year old, who is neglected by her family because of the oddness of the way she expresses her affection. For reasons which never become clear, François kidnaps Mado, and takes her to live with him in the attic of his parents' home. Instead of feeling fear, Mado enters into the spirit of the abduction, and they joust with one another, increasingly finding love and comfort in their relationship. When the police come upon them, however, they put an entirely different interpretation on their behavior.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, unable to escape her past, attempts to build a new life in a new town. However, she soon finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and desires that threaten to consume her. As she navigates complex relationships and faces societal judgment, her resilience is tested in her quest for love and acceptance.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to negative reviews, often criticized for its melodramatic plot and exploitative elements. While some appreciated its attempts at exploring complex themes, many found its execution to be lacking in depth and nuance. It is considered a product of its time, reflecting certain cinematic trends and societal attitudes.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its portrayal of a woman struggling against societal constraints.
- Criticized for its predictable plot and lack of character development.
- Seen as a sensationalized melodrama with limited artistic merit.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, making it difficult to ascertain a general consensus. Those who have seen it often point to its dated themes and overt melodrama as significant drawbacks, though some acknowledge its historical context.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a wave of Australian exploitation films that gained notoriety in the late 1970s and early 1980s, often pushing boundaries with their subject matter.
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