10+,
This film has been played so well that even a person normally disgusted by SM (yep, that would be me... Not in my POTUS porn profile) begins to understand the relationship and the beauty and intensity of it. In the beginning of the film is a bit of a spoiler, but even though you get a glimpse This doesn't really spoil your own ideas on how and why this relationship develops into a SM one.
To get the most out of this film I guess you would have to have a blank non understanding view of SM and really REALLY want to understand why people hurt themselves and others are able to hurt and love at the same time. I guess the most difficult role in such a relationship would be role of the person that has to inflicting pleasure in the form of pain. If not... I would consider it a BAD relationship with a sadist. For anyone who feels agitated by these last words. You are probably just discovered your inner self and realised you are a bad person. Go and change that if possible.
But back to the film...
Most people will still think that these are bad relationships, but most normal relationships aren't that good... The one portrayed here is in my eyes a good one. Both are fulfilling in each other's needs and besides that have a loving relationship. This film has given me the ability to understand the people that have good SM relationships. (not talking about the amount of pain) Let me clarify; I still don't understand any form of bad relationships.
Amazing how a film mostly played in the same setting can be so intense. It's like Dogville and could have been played in 2 almost bare rooms. Dogville: https://trakt.tv/movies/dogville-2003
I watched this movie in cinema when I was twelve and I loved every second of it. Over the years I have seen it many, many times and I always enjoyed it. Now I've seen the HD version and it blew me away. The colors are so vibrant, the costumes are so crazy rich in details, I've discovered things I'd never noticed before. This is more than craft, it's art. Sure, you also see flaws in the sets better but that's beside the point and doesn't matter at all. But this movie had a budget of 20m $, which is roughly double that of the first Star Wars, and that was crazy money back then. (all according to imdb)
As for the movie itself: if you think this is cheesy you haven't understood it and you're missing the point. This picks up the tradition of the old serials and they basically hit a homerun. Beside the looks you have one of the most memorable soundtracks done by one of the greatest rock bands ever. Some exceptional actors like Max von Sydow or Brian Blessed. Beautiful women like Melody Anderson, Mariangela Melato and, of course, Ornella Muti, who was once considered the most beautiful woman in the world.
The ingredients were all there but it was probably the right movie at the wrong time. No, honestly, I mean that. A lot of modern day blockbusters are silly and just look better. This was supposed to be at least two movies according to the short interview with Mike Hodges on the disc and I sure would have loved that.
Anyway, I know it's all a matter of taste and perspective but I still love this movie.
