Best Italian Erotic Thrillers (10+1list)

Best Italian Erotic Thrillers

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Italian Erotic Thrillers – In the early 1970s, there was a wave of horror/thriller Cinema that swept across Italy. Brutal murder mysteries clubbed with an abundance of erotic scenes was the best Italian-Erotic-Thrillersformula of success for the talented Italian directors of the time!

Even a new film genre was introduced, known as Giallo, only to accommodate these Italian Erotic Thrillers custom-made on such typical homicidal stalkers who love to wear black leather gloves and enjoy stabbing a series of pretty young women who surprisingly aren’t keen on wearing much clothes!

But let’s face the fact, the Italians probably know a thing or two more about ‘Erotism’ and ‘Thrill’ than most of the rest of the world!

So, relax and enjoy these violent and erotic murder mysteries straight from Italy, though all the films in the list doesn’t fall strictly under the Giallo genre, but no doubt they are some of the Best Italian Erotic Thrillers!

10. The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970)

L’uccello dalle piume di cristallo (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2eknxl-A84

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersA serial killer is on the prowl. An American writer in Italy witnesses a murder attempt and soon his own life comes under danger.

Directed by the acclaimed master of horror classics Dario Argento (his debut film), a twisted murder mystery with great imagery and cool background score, the film credited for kick-starting the ever-popular giallo genre!

A few other Erotic Thrillers from the same director are Tenebre (1982) and Deep Red (1975).

9. Rabid Dogs (1974)

Cani arrabbiati (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCKt9LoFDBM

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersThree vicious criminals takes hostage of some passengers in a car including a sick child, and force them to drive away from the town – their only chance of escape from the police. A ruthless crime drama that comes up with some superb plot twists just when you least expect them.

Directed by the great Italian horror filmmaker Mario Bava (and Lamberto Bava), this is one gritty thriller that you shouldn’t miss!

A few other Erotic Thrillers from the same director are Blood and Black Lace (1964) and Evil Eye (1963)

8. The House of the Laughing Windows (1976)

La casa dalle finestre che ridono (original title)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7kIXSz4bKk

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersA professional painting restorer is hired and invited to a small village where he needs to restore an old painting of St. Sebastian but soon he finds out that something is terribly wrong in that mysterious village. He decides to investigate further!

Directed by Pupi Avati, a classic giallo mystery thriller, haunting and unnerving, with an ending that is impossible to guess.

7. Short Night of Glass Dolls (1971)

La corta notte delle bambole di vetro (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlMidH4tmvA

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersThe girlfriend of an American journalist visiting Prague disappears and it seems this is not the first case of young pretty girls getting disappeared in that area. And while investigating he stumbles into something too horrid and dark!

Directed by Aldo Lado, a rare  giallo with little gore but it certainly narrates a great suspense drama!

A few other Erotic Thrillers from the same director are Last Stop on the Night Train (1975) and Who Saw Her Die? (1972).

6. Almost Human (1974)

Milano odia: la polizia non può sparare (original title), The Death Dealer

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK0H48Xs4eE

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersA demented homicidal maniac kidnaps the daughter of a wealthy man and commits a series of heinous crimes, but can the detective behind his trail will be able to bring him to justice?

Directed by Umberto Lenzi, a taut thriller that doesn’t cringe from showing the dark and ugly side of the human nature. Rape, torture, murder, suspense, chase sequences – this film has got everything!

Another Erotic Thrillers from the same director is Seven Blood-Stained Orchids (1972).

5. Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key (1972)

Il tuo vizio è una stanza chiusa e solo io ne ho la chiave (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMBtjDjzb8c

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersSurrounding the estate of an alcoholic writer and his beautiful wife, began a series of murders. The police were as clueless as the audience until the climax when the mystery gets revealed!

Directed by Sergio Martino, a superb giallo based on Edgar Allan Poe‘s The Black Cat. One of the rare films that features both beautiful Italian actresses Edwige Fenech and Anita Strindberg.

A few other Erotic Thrillers from the same director are Blade of the Ripper (1971) and The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail (1971). 

4. House on the Edge of the Park (1980)

La casa sperduta nel parco (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V7AqahaNq4

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersTwo sleazy low-life punks takes hostage of a group of affluent people and subject them to every form of torture imaginable.

The cult actor David Hess gives the performance of his life and looks damn scary! 

After Cannibal Holocaust this is the movie for which director Ruggero Deodato is most famous or rather infamous for.

3. What Have You Done to Solange? (1972)

Cosa avete fatto a Solange? (original title) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hhz5EevFcE

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersIn the midst of a scandalous affair between a teacher and his young student, a series of girls all from the same Catholic School are being stabbed to death in the most horrific manner.

Is this a deranged serial killer at work or someone with a hidden motive?

Directed by Massimo Dallamano, a superb mystery, a giallo that has the ability to hold on to its suspense till the end.

Another Erotic Thriller from the same director is What Have They Done to Your Daughters? (1974)

2. Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_M3a3m6wOc

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersIn a remote southern Italian town a reporter and an immoral woman join hands to investigate a series of child killings. But soon they find that their own lives are in danger!

Directed by Lucio Fulci, my personal favorite who made some of the best Italian thrillers of the time, and starring famous actress Florinda Bolkan, this is one murder mystery that you don’t want to miss.

A few other Erotic Thrillers from the same director are One on Top of the Other (1969), A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin(1971) and The Psychic (1977).

  1. Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970)

Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMofSyukEo0

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersThe chief of detective commits the murder of his mistress and deliberately leaves enough clues to challenge the entire police force! Undoubtedly the most sophisticated thriller in this list with an amazing plot, brilliant narrative and cool performances.

Directed by Elio Petri, the film won the Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film (Italy) and also the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival that year!

A few other Erotic Thrillers from the same director are A Quiet Place in the Country (1968) and The Assassin (1961).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. L’immoralità (1978)

Film music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ1kcq-8kIU

Italian-Erotic-ThrillersWounded and on the run a man (who is a child-killer) is given shelter by a 12 year old girl and eventually they fall in love, physically as well! But then the young girl’s mother also wants the fugitive to satisfy her needs!

Directed by Massimo Pirri, this is one twisted tale of passion and crime with pretty decent performances and a superb piano score that played through out the film.

Similar Interest: Most sexually explicit erotic films

Similar Interest: Most sexually explicit violent films

Similar Interest: Best Kinky movies of all time

Similar Interest: Best French Suspense Thrillers of all time

Similar Interest: Best French Thrillers of Recent Times

Similar Interest: Best Psychological Thrillers

Similar InterestBest Spanish Thrillers of Recent Times

Similar Interest: Best South Korean Thrillers of recent times

Similar Interest: Best Conspiracy Thrillers ever made

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Simran Review

Simran Review

written by Souranath Banerjee

Simran Review: Kangana Ranaut is a hit but that doesn’t mean Simran (the movie) shares the same fate.

My Ratings: 3.6/5

The Bombshell Bandit: In mid 2014 a young girl of Indian origin wearing a wig and over-sized sunglasses, and pretending to be wiredSimran-Review with bombs went on a five-week crime spree robbing four banks across three U.S. states (Arizona, California, and Utah), until finally she was arrested and taken into custody. Her name was Sandeep Kaur, who was a nurse by profession, a gambler by avocation and a bank robber out of desperation!

Now, in the movie Simran the character of this daring girl played by Kangana Ranaut has got a new identity, being called Praful Patel, her profession also altered to a housekeeping-lady and then with plenty of obvious dramatics tossed in – we are finally introduced to this bizarre tale of the lipstick bandit (yup, bandit-name modified too).

Directed by acclaimed Hansal Mehta, written by Apurva Asrani (and may be Kangana Ranaut too!) the film Simran is a women-centric movie perfectly balanced on the petite but confident and able Simran-Reviewshoulders of the lead actress, none other than three times National award winner Kangana Ranaut!

And this time (again) she is remarkable to watch, her transformation to a typical NRI Gujarati girl enjoying her independent Amreeki lifestyle is simply flawless. Her zeal for life, her intensity to fight back, her yearning to live life to the fullest and most importantly her flaws and deficits – is what makes the film worth watching (that too no comparison with her performance as Rani from Queen).

But then the real question creeps in – does the other characters or even the script of Simran match up to her brilliance? Honestly no!

Often a movie gets stuck midway in-between a sensitive drama and a commercial comedy flick and unfortunately that’s exactly what has happened in this case.

Stereotypical characters, certain forced dramatic dialogues, the abrupt unnecessary need of comic reliefs with funny background Simran-Reviewscores – such absurdities takes away the film far from what could have been an incredibly emotional film.

Sohum Shah as the potential husband was decent, surely far better than the ever-fuming dad Hiten Shah or any other secondary characters.

The songs in the film doesn’t make much impact neither does any particular set of visuals, overall a decent flick that seems to be made purely to promote the sheer brilliance of one lead actor.

If only the movie Simran could have emphasized more on the reality of the true emotions – the anguish, the torment and the helplessness of the characters rather than awkwardly trying to please the Bollywood crowd with a happy end.

If only films like Dancer in the Dark (2000) were made in our country, not necessarily dark or tragic to that extent but at least true to its intent and content. I wish …

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com, Simran Facebook Page.

Best Europe Travel Films (10+1list)

Best Europe Travel Films

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Europe Travel Films – these films shouldn’t be confused with the Road-movies category made by European directors (though a few of them Europe-Travel-Filmsin the list does fulfill that criteria as well).

This particular list of movies, for them the locations are as important as the characters in the narrative, and they are meant to inspire you to travel to the stunning European cities so rich in beauty, culture and heritage.

To travel is to live and as they say ‘when you travel far enough you meet yourself‘. And it’s so true! In each of these films you will find the characters somehow discovering themselves at the end of their romantic/emotional or spiritual/adventurous journeys!

Hope you start packing your bags for Europe soon after watching these films! (No documentaries included in this list though.)

10. How Much Further (2006)

Qué tan lejos (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNnzrllQlzQ

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Ecuador

Two girls on a bus-ride to the city of Cuenca, but due to certain unavoidable reasons they finally decide to hitchhike their way. They meet interesting people, they have fun and experience the journey of their lives!

Directed by Tania Hermida, a pretty underrated travel drama with superb landscapes and a very well narrated plot.

9. The Way (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnTpJEFlj5g

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Spain

A father (Martin Sheencarrying the ashes of his adult son completes the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey.

Directed by Emilio Estevez, this emotional film takes us through a enchantingly scenic walk from the French border through northern Spain – known as The Way of St. James or Camino de Santiago.

8. Copenhagen (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivNMSxPE-_w

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Denmark

A guy comes to Copenhagen to find about his grandfather’s past but soon enough he falls in love with a girl only to find out later that she is a minor!

Directed by Mark Raso, this charming film is essentially a love-story but it will help you explore the beautiful and historic Danish capital; a perfect movie for romantic wanderers! 

7. The Trip (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9bPJmy68Rs

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: England

Two friends Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon (playing themselves) travels across the North Country of England in order to write their food and travel experiences for a magazine. 

If comedy, good food and traveling makes you happy then this first chapter of director Michael Winterbottom‘s The Trip Trilogy is definitely worth your time!

The other two films of ‘The Trip Trilogy’ are The Trip to Italy (2014) and The Trip to Spain (2017).

6. In July (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr7WImqnKBM

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Germany, Turkey

A professor (Moritz Bleibtreu) in search for his soulmate is ready to travel all across Europe, from Hamburg to Istanbul but does he really know who is his true love?

Directed by Fatih Akin, a brilliant tale of adventure and passion, full of comic moments and yet so romantic. Probably the best road-movie I have ever seen!

4. Midnight in Paris (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_3gIxrcWK8

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: France

Every midnight a nostalgic screenwriter (Owen Wilson) mysteriously goes back to the golden age of Paris – the 1920s, and there he finds his inspiration!

Directed by Woody Allen who has made numerous films focusing on many cities around the world but this Oscar wining film is special – Paris has never been so romantic!

5. A Room with a View (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFIPjRFuaHA

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Italy

When you visit a city as beautiful as Florence you surely deserve a view from your hotel room!

Directed by James Ivory, this brilliant romantic drama (nominated for 8 Oscars, won 3) celebrates both love and passion as well as the vistas of the picturesque city. Trust me, this movie is the reason for many to plan a visit to Italy!

4. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiVnD9i7BpE

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Greece

A fun-filled musical starring Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth among others; the backdrop being the gorgeous Greek landscapes surrounded by the vast blue oceans.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, if you adore ABBA and Greece, this is THE film for you!

3. Kings of the Road (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zq-EBhErEI

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Germany

A film-projection-equipment repairman and a heart-broken young man team up to travel along the East-German border – an unknown adventure begins!

The third film of the Road-movie Trilogy directed by acclaimed Wim Wenders, with the German countryside in the background this is a brilliant piece of Cinema both artistically and intellectually.

The other two films of the ‘Road-movie Trilogy are Alice in the Cities (1974) and Wrong Move (1975).

2. Before Sunrise (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25v7N34d5HE

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Austria

A guy meets a girl on a train and they instinctively decide to spend one evening together, trying to know each other while roaming around the picturesque city of Vienna!

The beautifully romantic first installment of the renowned Before Trilogy directed by the acclaimed Richard Linklater.

The other two films of the ‘Before Trilogy are Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013).

  1. The Spanish Apartment (2002)

L’Auberge Espagnole (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsvJFtUDfl0

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Spain

During his ‘Erasmus year’ a young French guy goes to Barcelona and rents a room with another five people all coming from different countries and speaking different languages!

The first part of the famous Spanish Apartment Trilogy directed by Cédric Klapisch, a brilliant comedy that portrays  the multicultural spirit of youth and the beauty of Spain like never before!

The other two films of the ‘Spanish Apartment Trilogy are Russian Dolls (2005) and Chinese Puzzle (2013).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. EuroTrip (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_Eu0X3B6OM

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Europe

Dumped by his girlfriend a guy plans a sudden trip (backpacking Europe) with his crazy friends.

Directed by  Jeff Schaffer, Alec Berg and David Mandel, this one is a very popular sex comedy, full of half-naked teenagers, adult jokes and slapstick moments. But then again it’s all about fun and traveling all across the Europe!

A few other films that definitely inspire us to travel to Europe are Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Roman Holiday (1953), Zorba the Greek (1964)Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Local Hero (1983), A Good Year (2006), The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005).

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best Coming of Age Films of recent times (10+1list)

Best Coming-of-Age Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

Coming of Age Films – the stories relating to the mysterious leap of the protagonist from their childhood/youth to the adulthood, Coming-of-Age-Filmsgrowing up not only in height/weight but also in maturity.

The coming of age genre has become pretty popular for some time now. Many acclaimed film directors have taken up the challenge of portraying their lead-characters as confused or ill-tempered juveniles who as the film progresses get rid of their ‘teenage miseries’ and finally opens up to life and owns it!

Most of the films in this list are based on such young rebellious minds who struggle to survive the typical awkwardness and embarrassments of adolescence.

And so, let the young minds bloom!

10. Submarine (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CAntLzsQ74

Coming-of-Age-Films

The story of a young boy and his problems of growing up – teen anxiety, miscommunications and an overall sense of confusion.

A superbly fresh and funny coming of age drama directed by Richard Ayoade, and brilliantly acted by Craig Roberts – beautiful visuals, superb music and great story telling.

A much underrated British comedy not to be missed.

9. Sing Street (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YqJ_aimkM

Coming-of-Age-FilmsDublin,1980s – a young boy starts a band to impress a girl he fancies, but soon the band takes off pretty well but does he finally get the girl?

Directed by John Carney, this is a unique story of artistic awakening, of young love, of bonding, friendship and some unavoidable suffering as well.

A funny musical coming of age film that will make you emotional as well.

8. The Way Way Back (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwNo1i3jkCo

Coming-of-Age-Films

Starting new relations is not so easy especially if you are a shy teenager, but then you realize that making friends is not that difficult after all.

Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, starring Sam RockwellSteve CarellToni Collette and Liam James this one is a brilliant story of a young mind – his equations with his mother, his new step dad and his belief in love and friendship. A remarkably smooth, crisp and highly entertaining film to consider.

7. Mistress America (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z8MCW16uZY

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA lonely college freshman goes to meet with her adventurous stepsister-to-be and her world changes in a wink.

(Click for Review)

Directed by one of the most acclaimed comedy director of our times Noah Baumbach, and such amazing performances by Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke. A film of great wit and humor.

6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5rh7O4IDc0

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA freshman in college gets to bond with a few seniors, they hang out, they enjoy their young lives – but it’s not as simple a plot as it seems.

Directed by Stephen Chbosky, although pleasantly funny, the film deals with some very serious topics like drug, alcohol and sexuality.

Rare but in this case the film is as good as the book written by the director himself. Specially recommended for Emma Watson fans.

5. Dope (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L41xwM8tIRQ

Coming-of-Age-FilmsBeing a geek in a tough neighborhood, life is not easy for young Malcolm. But then everything will change since he (along with his friends) get a chance invitation to a big underground party – an adventure of a lifetime and also the moment for him to prove himself a dope!

Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, this is a cool coming of age comedy, believable acting and full of fun.

4. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eOI3AamSm8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsWhen two young souls deeply in love decide to explore the world on their own! But then again, the film is also about the reactions of all the other characters surrounding them!

Uniquely stylized as expected from master director Wes Anderson, a classic tale of young love and it’s consequences full of dry comedy and wit. Storytelling at its absolute best!

3. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfmAllbYC8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsA film where a character has cancer generally takes a sad route but not this one. It’s the story of a young teenager who is forced to befriend a girl who has leukemia but then they have a super cool time together!

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, this film is amazingly quirky and innovative specially in its execution. It often takes on pretty serious matters but always with enough humor and laughter.

2. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB6Gecy6IP8

Coming-of-Age-FilmsLife never really seems fair to a young confused high school junior (Hailee Steinfeld) but then it becomes miserable when her best friend starts dating her ever-impressive older brother!

Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, this one is an unexpectedly brilliant comedy with great storytelling and superb performances. And then the presence of Woody Harrelson makes it even more special!

1. The Kings of Summer (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoPPhItyA74

Coming-of-Age-Films

A group of teenagers plan to build a house in the midst of the forest and live out there, entirely cut off from the civilization – their idea of complete independence!

But soon their friendship is to be tested in a way they have never imagined.

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, a superb story that elegantly binds the characters with each other and with nature as well.

and (The ‘+1’ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most crazy one. A must watch).

+1.  Boyhood (2014)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys-mbHXyWX4

Coming-of-Age-Films

A film so real and shot through such an unreal time-span that it gives you the feel of being a part of the journey with Mason (Ellar Coltrane), who was a 7 year old boy when Richard Linklater started filming and 18 when he finally the film was wrapped up.

(Click for review)

Boyhood is an emotional coming of age film, a daring experiment in the history of Cinema!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.