Assorted adolescent girls from various different social backgrounds find themselves caught up in the prostitution racket in Milan, Italy. From the mother who pimps out her own underage daughter to the one poor gal who runs away from home after being impregnated by her father, the stories told herein are quite poignant and powerful.
Director/co-writer Carlo Lizzoni not only adroitly crafts and sustains an unflinchingly grim, grimy, and gritty tone, but also grounds the seedy episodic narrative in a plausibly seamy workaday world. Moreover, Lizzoni and co-writer Mino Giorda deserve extra praise for addressing the complex and ugly reality of the problem head on and obstinately refusing to tie anything up all nice and neat in a bow. The actresses who play the naïve, vulnerable, and often victimized girls are heartbreakingly convincing in their roles. Lamberto Caimi's no-frills cinematography adds a strong sense of documentary-like verisimilitude. Ennio Morricone's spare moody score likewise does the trick. A very tough and potent cinematic kick to the gut.
Director/co-writer Carlo Lizzoni not only adroitly crafts and sustains an unflinchingly grim, grimy, and gritty tone, but also grounds the seedy episodic narrative in a plausibly seamy workaday world. Moreover, Lizzoni and co-writer Mino Giorda deserve extra praise for addressing the complex and ugly reality of the problem head on and obstinately refusing to tie anything up all nice and neat in a bow. The actresses who play the naïve, vulnerable, and often victimized girls are heartbreakingly convincing in their roles. Lamberto Caimi's no-frills cinematography adds a strong sense of documentary-like verisimilitude. Ennio Morricone's spare moody score likewise does the trick. A very tough and potent cinematic kick to the gut.