Boccaccio '70 (1962)

75% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(2,355 ratings)

Released in the US by 20th Century-Fox, Boccaccio '70 is a compendium of short subjects directed by three of Italy's top filmmakers. Each story is written in the style of the famed Italian essayist Boccaccio, albeit told in contemporary terms. First up is "The Raffle", written by Cesare Zavattini… More Released in the US by 20th Century-Fox, Boccaccio '70 is a compendium of short subjects directed by three of Italy's top filmmakers. Each story is written in the style of the famed Italian essayist Boccaccio, albeit told in contemporary terms. First up is "The Raffle", written by Cesare Zavattini and directed by Vittorio De Sica: Sophia Loren (wife of Boccaccio '70 producer Carlo Ponti) plays the sexy operator of a shooting gallery, who offers herself as first prize to the best shot. In "The Job", written by Suso Cecchi D'Amico and directed by Luchino Visconti, Romy Schneider carries a torch for her philandering boss Tomas Milian. The final segment is "The Temptation of Dr. Antonio", directed by Federico Fellini and scripted by Fellini, Ennio Flaiano and Tullio Pinelli; in this one, Anita Ekberg is an image on a poster who comes to life for the benefit of a drooling middle-aged professor (Peppino De Filippo). A fourth episode, "Renzo and Luciana", directed by Mario Monicelli, was cut from U.S. release. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 3 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini
Genres: Romance, Art House & International, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 26, 1962 Wide
On DVD: Apr 26, 2005

Critic Reviews

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
It has glamour, sophistication, color, wit and sensuality (not necessarily in that order), all of which blend very well in the enveloping air of a facility that is to be devoted to the showing of sophisticated films.
Sarah Boslaugh, Playback:stl
...wonderful little time capsules of Italy in the early '60s [which] offer a look at different aspects of love and lust,
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Like most anthology films, it has its ups and downs, though the ups generally outweigh the downs.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Contrived and spotty.
, Time Out
De Sica and Monicelli went for broader, more traditional comedic effect -- less pretentious, but perhaps inevitably in this company, less memorable.
Bill Gibron, DVDTalk.com
All inferences to the famous poet aside, Boccaccio '70 is a celebration of the opposite sex, a foursome of testaments to the undying connection between women and life.
, Film4
An Italian portmanteau movie that sees three tales about the attraction and power of women.