Watch The 10th Victim

In the lively, futuristic world of The 10th Victim, the world's violent tendencies have been redirected into a gladiatorial game called The Big Hunt. Players are paired up in random duos as assassin and victim, with the objective being for the assassin to kill their victim in order to earn prize money and to eliminate their previous hunting victim count. The first player to score ten kills wins a life of fame and fortune. In this bizarre and satirical world, murder is encouraged and glorified in the name of entertainment.

As the film opens up, we are introduced to Marcello Poletti (Marcello Mastroianni), a veteran player who is now one kill away from achieving the elusive life of fame and fortune he has been chasing his whole career. His next victim is a woman named Caroline Meredith (Ursula Andress), an American TV personality who also plays The Big Hunt game. However, as Marcello starts to track her, he realizes that there is more to the hunt than originally meets the eye. Caroline quickly proves that she is a skilled assassin and the two engage in a playful cat and mouse chase, weaving through the bustling streets of Rome and eventually making their way to the beaches of Sardinia.

Throughout their adventure, the two develop an unexpected chemistry, with both Marcello and Caroline struggling to stay true to their roles as hunter and victim. As the stakes rise and their lives are put in danger, they start to question the sanity and brutality of The Big Hunt.

The film is a fun and stylized mix of science fiction, action, and satire. Its futuristic world is populated with colorful and eccentric characters, and its witty dialogue and playful tone make it an enjoyable watch from start to finish. Marcello Mastroianni delivers a charming and charismatic performance as Marcello, and Ursula Andress is equally impressive as the femme fatale Caroline. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

In addition to its entertaining plot and engaging characters, The 10th Victim is also visually stunning. The film takes full advantage of its Italian locations, showcasing the country's culture, architecture, and beauty. The costumes and production design are equally impressive, with a playful mix of futuristic and retro elements.

What sets The 10th Victim apart from other science fiction and action films of its time is its biting satire of violence in the media. The film poses some thought-provoking questions about our own society's obsession with violence and the role that mass media plays in glorifying it. In a world where murder is celebrated and rewarded, Marcello and Caroline struggle to hold on to their own sense of morality and humanity.

Overall, The 10th Victim is an underrated gem from the 60s that offers a unique perspective on violence, entertainment, and the human condition. Its blend of genres and styles, captivating performances, and stylish visuals make it a true classic that still holds up today.

The 10th Victim is a 1965 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.