Watch Immoral Tales

Immoral Tales is a French anthology film released in 1973, directed by Walerian Borowczyk. The film is broken down into four separate stories, each depicting a different tale of sexuality and desire. Despite being nearly 50 years old, the film still holds a place in the history of erotic cinema thanks to its unique storytelling style and controversial subject matter.

The first story, titled "The Tide," is set in the 19th century and follows a young aristocrat who falls in love with the beautiful daughter of a fisherman. As the two spend more time together, their relationship becomes increasingly passionate and dangerous, leading to a tragic ending. The story explores themes of forbidden love and social hierarchies, as well as showcasing the stunning French countryside.

The second story, "Therese Philosophe," is a more abstract and surreal tale of a young woman (played by Lise Danvers) who becomes obsessed with the pleasures of the flesh. The film takes place entirely within the confines of Therese's bedroom, as she engages in various acts of self-gratification and sexual exploration. The story is notable for its use of surreal imagery and the way it blurs the line between reality and fantasy, as well as its frank depiction of female sexuality.

The third story, "Erzsebet Bathory," is based on the real-life story of the infamous Hungarian countess who was accused of torturing and killing young girls in order to bathe in their blood. In the film, the Countess (played by Paloma Picasso) is depicted as a sadistic lesbian who takes pleasure in the suffering of her victims. The story is graphic and brutal, but its point of view is also highly critical of the Countess and her actions, making it a complex and thought-provoking entry in the film.

The final story, "Lucrezia Borgia," is the most extravagant and visually stunning of the four. Starring Charlotte Alexandra as the titular character, the story takes place in 16th century Italy and follows Lucrezia's escapades as she seduces both men and women. The film is lavish in its depiction of the opulent period setting, with sumptuous costumes and elaborate sets. However, like the other stories in the film, it also grapples with complex themes of desire and power, as Lucrezia uses her sexuality as a means of gaining influence and control.

Overall, Immoral Tales is a unique and provocative film that explores sexuality and desire in unexpected ways. Its combination of lush visuals, frank sexuality, and historical contexts makes it a fascinating entry into the world of erotic cinema, even decades after its initial release. While not for the faint of heart, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of what cinema can do.

Immoral Tales is a 1973 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.