Watch Nana

Nana is a French-Italian film directed by Dan Wolman, which was released in 1983. Set in the 19th century, the film tells the story of Nana, a young woman who rises from poverty to become a famous actress and courtesan in Paris. The film begins with Nana living in poverty in the outskirts of Paris with her mother, who is a drunkard and a prostitute. Nana's beauty and charisma attract the attention of several men in the village, and she is forced to leave her village after getting involved in a scandalous affair with a soldier.

Nana arrives in Paris with dreams of becoming an actress, but she finds herself struggling to make ends meet. She is eventually discovered by a theater manager, who gives her a small role in a play. Nana's talent and beauty quickly make her the talk of the town, and she is soon offered a lucrative contract by a wealthy baron.

As Nana's fame grows, she adopts a lavish lifestyle and becomes the mistress of several men, including the baron who helped launch her career. Despite her success, Nana remains unhappy and unfulfilled. She longs for true love and affection, but is unable to find it among the men who pursue her.

The film has a strong feminist undertone, as Nana is shown as a woman who refuses to be constrained by societal norms and expectations. She is unapologetically sexual and uses her beauty and wit to gain power in a world dominated by men.

Katya Berger delivers a powerful performance as Nana, capturing both her vulnerability and her strength. Her portrayal of a woman who is constantly torn between her desire for love and her ambition for fame and fortune is both nuanced and compelling.

Jean-Pierre Aumont and Yehuda Efroni also deliver strong performances as the men in Nana's life. Aumont plays the wealthy baron who becomes Nana's patron, while Efroni plays a Jewish banker who falls in love with Nana.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with stunning shots of Parisian streets, theaters, and salons. The costumes and set design are also impeccable, transporting the viewer back to the 19th century.

Overall, Nana is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, ambition, and the role of women in society. Its nuanced portrayal of a complex and flawed heroine makes it a must-see for fans of feminist cinema.