

Decameron
Never miss a satire if you'd like to have a wider view of the 60's or 70's (and maybe the 80's) Eastern Europe. Both the regime and behavior of people are pilloried, with many-many hints that show deeper details of the correlation of the two. And the creators didn't miss to have some words about the West and it's part of this history. But don't sit down to see the film if you'd like to have a light funny evening movie, 'cause that will lash up your feelings alright. The director is that same Peter Bacso, who directed the legendary satire 'A tanu' (The witness) which deals with the same historical era, the same relations between politics and the people, just from a little different point of view.
Insights
Plot Summary
In medieval Italy, a group of ten young Florentines flee the plague and retreat to a secluded villa. To pass the time and distract themselves from the surrounding devastation, they engage in storytelling, sharing tales of love, lust, and morality. Their narratives weave together a tapestry of human desires and follies, reflecting the timeless nature of these themes.
Critical Reception
Michael Almereyda's "The Decameron" received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some appreciated its artistic ambition and the performances of its lead actors, many found the film to be uneven, failing to fully capture the spirit or complexity of Boccaccio's original work. The modern interpretation was seen by some as a departure that didn't quite land, leading to a generally lukewarm critical response.
What Reviewers Say
- The film struggles to translate the richness of Boccaccio's tales to the screen.
- Performances are a highlight, particularly from the main cast.
- The modern reinterpretation feels disjointed and lacks narrative cohesion.
Google audience: Audience reviews suggest a divided opinion, with many finding the film's attempt at a modern adaptation of classic stories to be flawed. Some viewers appreciated the effort and the actors, but a significant portion felt the movie was ultimately disappointing and failed to engage them.
Fun Fact
The film's release was notably limited, with many critics and audiences only encountering it through home video or specialized screenings due to its minimal theatrical run.
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