Blu Release – 3/5
Sexomania
Director – Marios Retsilas (Guilty Relationships, I Ora Tou Lykou)
Starring – Maria Ioannidou (The Brightest Star, King of Liars), Vasilis Mitsakis (The Asphalt Fever, The Daughter of the Sun), Stavros Farmakis (Guilty Relationships, The Terrorists)
Release Date – 1974
Rating – 3/5
When I started writing reviews, over 15 years ago now, I never expected that I would be reviewing films from different regions of the world. I’ve been fortunate enough to reviews movies from the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Russia, Italy, Spain, and so on. I’ve also been fortunate enough to review several titles from Greece thanks to my friends over at Mondo Macabro.
A few months back I was sent the erotic dramatic thriller Sexomania for review. I had never heard of this 1974 flick before and was really looking forward to checking it out. I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for review!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a rich and successful man who has overlooked his wife’s carnal needs resulting in her secret infidelity. He takes her to a doctor to see why she is suffering mentally and everything about her secret life starts to unravel. **Spoiler Alert**
Sexomania was nothing like I expected but I did enjoy it. It’s not the sexiest film I had seen but it had a solid story, some beautiful cinematography, and the story wasn’t that bad. Sure, it’s not a movie that I would normally review for the site but there will be some out there that dig sexploitation and international dramas.
The acting in this one is inconsistent but it’s not bad. In fact, I actually liked it for the most part. There was a few scenes where the cast was a bit stiff an lacked any emotional range but the overall film was very well acted.
The story for this one is a bit all over the place but I still enjoyed it for what it was. I liked the idea of the neglectful husband trying to save his wife’s mental state with a professional only for her to spill her guts about being unfaithful. The movie could have used a decent trim and some better editing to make the story a bit more cohesive but sometimes things are lost when you are forced to read the movie.
Finally, don’t expect a bloody flick. We get some skin and a lot of story rich scenes but that is about the extent of it. Fans wanting some blood and gore should have been more diligent with what they were choosing. Overall, Sexomania may not be one of those sexploitation films that sticks with you for days after watching but it is a solid first time watch. Collectors and fans of sexploitation should really check out this release from Mondo Macabro.
Lady Desire
Director – Errikos Andreou (Morning Star, The Hook)
Starring – Kosta Prekas (High Treason, The City Jungle), Christine Allen, and Stefanos Stratigos (The Man with the Carnation, Proud Eagles)
Release Date – 1969
Rating – 3/5
My favorite thing about boutique labels are the ones that doesn’t just cater to forgotten horror and no budget action flicks from the direct to video era. While I love regional horror and no budget action, I also like films from other parts of the world that defy genres. I love, and I mean love, exploitation flicks that that blend different sub-genres together into something unique and a bit different.
A few weeks back Mondo Macabro sent over a Greek double feature with the films Sexomania and Lady Desire. I knew nothing about these films prior to reviewing them and couldn’t wait to check them out. After spinning Sexomania, it was time to dig into the 1968 film Lady Desire which was also released under the title I Blame My Body. Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a woman who has tried to hide from society finds her family heirlooms have been stolen. A local constable investigating the robbery becomes somewhat obsessed with the woman that he knows nothing about. His investigation uncovers her sordid history and all the romantic partners she has had over the years. **Spoiler Alert**
Lady Desire is not what I was expecting it to be but does live up to the title. I went into this one expecting it to be a full late 60s nudie flick in tune to the counter culture hippie films of the time. However, what I was given was something like that with a story a little more complex. Honestly, I liked it but I don’t see myself revisiting it any time soon.
The acting in this one is good all the way through. The movie itself is very heavy on dialogue in some scenes while others are completely lacking yet the cast is able to carry the story through it all. They body language and mannerisms to convey emotions in some of the scenes while others are great examples of well rounded acting. I was very surprised by this cast.
The story for this one is not necessarily a nudie flick or a sexploitation film like I was expecting. The movie is more a crime mystery with some sex scenes inserted at times when the story needed them. We follow the constable or whatever he’s called as he pries into the young woman’s backstory. We do have those scenes but I wouldn’t call this a nudie flick as these scenes are not the point of the film. They only add to the film while the plot itself is enough to carry the viewer’s attention.
Finally, this is just like the other film in the set. It doesn’t feature any blood or a body count. It’s focus is on the characters and story which is does a great job on. Overall, Lady Desire is not going to be for everyone. Hell, even the sexploitation fans may not dig this one but I really enjoyed it for what it was. I highly recommend it.
Special Features:
Brand new 2k restoration from original negative.
Costas Prekas tribute.
Maria Ioannidou tribute.
SEXOMANIA stills and posters.
SEXOMANIA trailer
