The Decameron (1971)
"Il Decameron" (original title)

An adaptation of nine stories from Bocaccio's "Decameron": A young man from Perugia is swindled twice in Naples, but ends up rich; a man poses as a deaf-mute in a convent of curious nuns; a... See full summary »

Director:

Pier Paolo Pasolini

Writers:

Giovanni Boccaccio (novel), Pier Paolo Pasolini

Stars:

Franco Citti, Ninetto Davoli, Jovan Jovanovic

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Franco Citti	...	Ciappelletto
Ninetto Davoli	...	Andreuccio of Perugia
Jovan Jovanovic	...	Rustico (scenes deleted)
Vincenzo Amato	...	Masetto of Lamporecchio
Angela Luce	...	Peronella
Giuseppe Zigaina	...	Monk
Maria Gabriella Maione	...	(as Gabriella Frankel)
Vincenzo Cristo
Pier Paolo Pasolini	...	Allievo di Giotto (as P.P. Pasolini)
Giorgio Iovine
Salvatore Bilardo
Vincenzo Ferrigno	...	Giannello
Luigi Seraponte
Antonio Diddio
Mirella Catanesi

Storyline

An adaptation of nine stories from Bocaccio's "Decameron": A young man from Perugia is swindled twice in Naples, but ends up rich; a man poses as a deaf-mute in a convent of curious nuns; a woman must hide her lover when her husband comes home early; a scoundrel fools a priest on his deathbed; three brothers take revenge on their sister's lover; a young girl sleeps on the roof to meet her boyfriend at night; a group of painters wait for inspiration; a crafty priest attempts to seduce his friend's wife; and two friends make a pact to find out what happen= s after death. Pasolini is up to his old tricks satirizing the Church, and throwing in liberal doses of life and love.

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Plot Keywords:

priest | church | nun | convent | painter | 

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Taglines:

Pasolini - Sacred and Profane

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sensuality, and for some language

Details

Country:

Italy France West Germany

Language:

Italian Neapolitan

Release Date:

1971 (France)

Also Known As:

The Decameron

Filming Locations:

Amalfi, Salerno, Campania, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Produzioni Europee Associati (PEA), Les Productions Artistes Associés, Artemis Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The first film in Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Trilogy of Life", continuing with The Canterbury Tales and concluding with Arabian Nights.

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Goofs

When Caterina sleeps with Riccardo a tan line can be seen on her back left a by bikini top. However the bikini was not in use in 14th century Italy.

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Connections

Referenced in The Case of the Bloody Iris (1972)

User Reviews

Full of rustic comedy, innocence and realism - 14th century Italy brought to life

The unapologetic choice of ancient, crumbling and dirty locations, coupled with the choice of "real-looking" actors devoid of manufactured graces made this film feel right. 14th century Italy surely was as full of natural humour, even in close proximity to death, as this film makes out. Casual sex in spite of the threat of mortal sin is treated likewise with candour. A real masterpiece showing humanity in all its various forms.