Saló, Or the 120 Days of Sodom (1976)

Saló, Or the 120 Days of Sodom

Release Date: January 10, 1976

Drama

Not Rated

Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini

Rating: One Thumb Up

I'd hate to have to go back and "relive" this movie. I watched it in January of this year, and was sick to my stomach. The most horrifying thing about this film - even more horrifying than the events that take place - is that it's based on true events. 

This movie takes place in Saló, Italy. Four fascist libertines (the Duke, the Bishop, the Magistrate, and the President), along with the company of guards and 4 middle-aged women, summon 9 young men and women and hold them hostage in an isolated Villa. For 120 days, they are subjected to physical, emotional, and mental sexual torment and abuse.

There are three parts, or three "circles" to this film. Each of the middle-aged women takes turns in telling a story of an event that happened in their past. "The Circle of Shit". "The Circle of Manias". "The Circle of Blood". After each story is told, it is acted upon the prisoners.

I would say that I do not recommend anyone to watch this film, however, the fact of the matter is, this is a really deep and touching story. It shows some of the things that are going on in the world in which we live. This movie is also sick and twisted, and will haunt your mind forever. You will regret watching. Because once you watch it, you cannot unwatch it.

But don't let that stop you from watching one of the most controversial films of all time. I find it to be a journey into history, and a moral to the overall point that is being made. This is why I recommend all to see at least once. Despite the events that take place, watch the film and see it for what it truly is.

Peace.

Sources

The Criterion Collection. "Saló, Or the 120 Days of Sodom". Web. 2013.

http://www.criterion.com/films/532-salo-or-the-120-days-of-sodom

IMDb. "Saló, Or the 120 Days of Sodom". Web. 2013. 

http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0073650/

Movie Mail. "Saló". Web. 2013.

http://www.moviemail.com/film/dvd+blu-ray/Salo/

The New York Sun. "Pasolini's Cruel Masterpiece". Web. 2013.

http://www.nysun.com/arts/pasolinis-cruel-masterpiece/84572/