Live Action Movie Review - SALO (Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma)

[ZombieHorde]

Country of origin: Italy

Year: 1975

Genre: Drama

Story: In fascist Italy, four prestigious men bring various staff and kidnapped teenagers, which they have purchased, to a secluded chateau. The four men share their philosophies and listen to stories told by four unusually experienced prostitutes. The men use these stories as inspiration for their interactions with the teenagers. SALO is based on the 1785 French classic, 120 Days of Sodom by de Sade. Salo consists of the introduction and first chapter of that wonderful book. (Side Note: I have seen one version of that book which seemed to be only an outline for the actual story, so buyer beware.)

Acting: Excellent

Humor: Not very funny.

Violence: Extremely violent. SALO is the only movie in which I have seen viewers literally gag.

Sex: Lots of nudity and sex, most of which is disturbing.

Overall: SALO was directed by the Italian master, Pier Paolo Pasolini. This movie is one of the greatest movies ever made. SALO is extremely strong, be careful who you watch it with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o2ul-UwOvU">A nonviolent, non-grotesque fan made trailer for SALO on youtube.

[jannyk]

1. I have a copy on

Laser Disc of all things - still have the Laser Player and about 20 discs (like LP's) in storage somewhere. I watched it several years ago - a very powerful and disturbing movie.

[ZombieHorde]

2. I never knew SALO was released on laser disc.

I want to find it on Blu-ray.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Gag? When it ran in NY years ago, half the theater walked out by the time...

"Circle of Blood" came around. There was an audible collective gasp from the audience when that title popped up-- after "Circle of Shit" this oughta be something.

It was.

(It is, of course, on my Netflix queue.)