Emmanuelle: ”A huge hit in the 70s, this soft-core classic gave birth to an entire industry or cinema, and spurred on countless sequels. But none of them compare with the original.

Starring The Dutch actress Sylvia Kristel (born in Utrecht) this film shines with magic, and is Able to capture a point in history that is impossible to reproduce today.

Supposedly based on a true story, the movie is about Emmanuelle Arsan, the newly married wife of a French diplomat who comes to join her husband in Bangkok. At the tender age of 22 (Kristel actress was 19 in reality), she is Seduced by the exotic and sensual landscape. She begins to experiment with an open marriage and soon finds out that she is bisexual …. and in fact she looks happier with women than with men – who often treat her like a possession.

This film is a milestone in cinema history. Unlike many films that tried to avoid an X-rating, the first  Emmanuelle film embraced it, and once it hit the cinemas the box office records skyrocketed. It is the most seen French film of all time and holds the record for the longest run at a single non-multiplex cinema (18 months in Paris, France). It has a viewing audience estimated at 300 million. After this film hit The Streets sex on film was a completely different beast and cinema would never be the same.

Even the music is first class and still does the rounds on its own …. and the cinematography is lush and evocative. This is a clever erotic movie. It stays in the mind long after seeing it and The charming Kristel looks comfortable with or without her clothes. She is far from a great actress, but she does have a poise and dignity which made her legendary. And even though it does not nearly reach the heights of Sartre or Foucault, it does attempt to deal with the philosophical contradictions of relationships and the fundamental idea of Possession
(and passion).”

Starts at 20.03 and costs 2.50 euros

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