La peccatrice

1940 · Movie · 88 min. · Italy

La peccatrice

"The woman’s “immodesty” and “sin” are made explicitly central to the film, from the title onward, but its point, I think, is to open up these notions to critical scrutiny. La peccatrice is certainly a schematic and sentimental fillm, particularly in its contrast between the corrupt city and the honest country, its mawkish ending, and in the way it dwells on Maria’s basic goodness, religiosity, and sense of shame when she thinks of her mother. It is also remarkable for its series of critical representations of men—Alberto, who leaves Maria in the lurch; Salvatore, who feels free to assault her when he learns of her irregular sexual past; the feckless Pietro; and the coercive Ottavio—and for its portrayal of Maria as a victim of callous men who ultimately regains control of her life and respect for herself"

Original title La peccatrice

Not rated (FilmAffinity)

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