Watch Don't Torture a Duckling

Don't Torture a Duckling is a 1972 Italian giallo film directed by Lucio Fulci. The movie stars Florinda Bolkan, Barbara Bouchet, Tomas Milian, and Irene Papas. The film was controversial when it was released due to its dark themes, and it remains a powerful and disturbing piece of cinema to this day. Set in a remote Italian village, the movie opens with the brutal murder of a young boy. The local police are baffled by the crime, and they call in a city detective, Inspector Martelli (Milian), to help solve the case. Martelli is a cynical and experienced investigator who quickly realizes that the village is hiding some dark secrets.

As Martelli begins to investigate the murder, he discovers that there have been other deaths in the village. In each case, the victim was a young boy, and each murder was more brutal than the last. The detective is convinced that there is a serial killer on the loose, but he struggles to find any concrete evidence.

Martelli soon finds himself at odds with the local community. The villagers are suspicious of outsiders, and they resent the detective's interference. Martelli's investigation is hampered by superstition, corruption, and false leads. To make matters worse, another murder occurs, and the pressure mounts for Martelli to solve the case before anyone else dies.

The film's cast is outstanding in their roles, particularly Bolkan and Milian, who deliver powerful performances as the two protagonists. Bolkan plays a troubled woman named Patrizia, who is accused of witchcraft by the villagers. Patrizia becomes a prime suspect in the murders, and she and Martelli team up to clear her name and solve the case.

Bouchet, in a smaller role, is also excellent as a journalist who investigates the murders. Her character provides an outsider's perspective on the village and its inhabitants.

Fulci's direction is masterful, and he creates a foreboding atmosphere that adds to the tension of the film. The movie's cinematography is stunning, and the picturesque rural setting contrasts with the ugliness of the crimes that are being committed.

Despite its gruesome subject matter, Don't Torture a Duckling is a thought-provoking movie that raises important questions about the nature of evil and the dangers of religious fanaticism. The film explores the theme of child abuse and neglect, and how it can lead to violence and psychopathy.

The movie's climax is tense and thrilling, with a surprising twist that is sure to shock audiences. The resolution of the case is poignant and tragic, highlighting the futility of violence and the need for compassion and understanding.

In conclusion, Don't Torture a Duckling is a powerful and disturbing film that is not for the faint of heart. The movie is a masterpiece of the giallo genre, with outstanding performances, stunning visuals, and a deeply unsettling storyline. Fulci is a master of his craft, and he delivers a film that is both thought-provoking and thrilling. If you're a fan of horror or crime films, this movie should definitely be on your watchlist.

Don't Torture a Duckling is a 1972 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.