19 opiniones
Typical soft-core Brass film has a plot as flimsy as the clothing worn by the leading lady but then plots are inconsequential in films like these. Although her acting is limited to giggles and pouts, Ammirati is an attractive and alluring presence as a vixen in heat whose boyfriend won't do the deed until they're married, causing her to throw herself at every man she meets. The central plot device is to create situations for Ammirati to remove her skivvies (to use them as emergency bandage for her bleeding beau, because they itch, just because...). Grandi, the well-endowed star of one of Brass's earlier films, plays Ammirati's mother, who also has a tendency to drop her knickers.
- kenjha
- 17 jun 2007
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This was only my 3rd Brass after CALIGULA (1979) - which I watched in London - and DEADLY SWEET (1967; his best film by far, so far) - viewed during the Italian B-movie retrospective at the 2004 Venice Film Festival.
Well, frivolous is right as nothing much happens during the course of the film; at least, though, it's lighthearted - unlike, say, Bigas Luna's BAMBOLA (1996; see review above) - even if in a vulgar way and, given the explicit nature of its copious nudity, occasionally erotic. Still, the leading performance by non-professional (and perennially giggly) Anna Ammirati - whom Brass reportedly discovered, literally, by way of a car accident! - is annoyingly one-dimensional. Like BAMBOLA, the leading lady's mother is played by a well-known actress (i.e. known more for her physical attributes than her acting talent), Serena Grandi - who had earlier starred in Brass' MIRANDA (1985). A surprising cast member is Patrick Mower as Grandi's suave but lewd lover (who naturally has his eyes on her daughter too); I was only familiar with him from two good British horror flicks - THE DEVIL RIDES OUT (1968) and CRY OF THE BANSHEE (1970) - and I wonder how he came to be involved with smut such as this (and, moreover, in Italy)!
One of the most notable (but not necessarily noteworthy) elements in the film is the soft-focus cinematography; it's practically shot like that all the way through, which rather kills its intended effectiveness! Brass himself appears as a bandleader at the beginning and end of the movie, the latter during the interminable wedding scene (which rather reminded me of the similar conclusion to Federico Fellini's AMARCORD [1973], also a film with the emphasis on sex and vulgarity but undeniably superior!).
Well, frivolous is right as nothing much happens during the course of the film; at least, though, it's lighthearted - unlike, say, Bigas Luna's BAMBOLA (1996; see review above) - even if in a vulgar way and, given the explicit nature of its copious nudity, occasionally erotic. Still, the leading performance by non-professional (and perennially giggly) Anna Ammirati - whom Brass reportedly discovered, literally, by way of a car accident! - is annoyingly one-dimensional. Like BAMBOLA, the leading lady's mother is played by a well-known actress (i.e. known more for her physical attributes than her acting talent), Serena Grandi - who had earlier starred in Brass' MIRANDA (1985). A surprising cast member is Patrick Mower as Grandi's suave but lewd lover (who naturally has his eyes on her daughter too); I was only familiar with him from two good British horror flicks - THE DEVIL RIDES OUT (1968) and CRY OF THE BANSHEE (1970) - and I wonder how he came to be involved with smut such as this (and, moreover, in Italy)!
One of the most notable (but not necessarily noteworthy) elements in the film is the soft-focus cinematography; it's practically shot like that all the way through, which rather kills its intended effectiveness! Brass himself appears as a bandleader at the beginning and end of the movie, the latter during the interminable wedding scene (which rather reminded me of the similar conclusion to Federico Fellini's AMARCORD [1973], also a film with the emphasis on sex and vulgarity but undeniably superior!).
- Bunuel1976
- 17 ago 2006
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The older Brass become, the easier its films. It seems, as if it has the dark sides of the life completely beside, which it so urgently produced still with CALIGULA and SALON KITTY. Since SNACKBAR BUDAPEST he praises himself besides, completely on a connection of sexuality and brutality was to do without. MONELLA used up itself and leaves completely the summer-resorts comedy anyhow us curious view sharing at the life-merry plots, which the girl leads around its prudent engaged one. As in MIRANDA Brass catches here the Italian land life affectionately and looks again and again for original and bizarre perspectives, in order to regard its heroine in flagrant. Its occasional mix between 70's Softporno and contemporary hard core's what rends the Brass style fantastic, and it is amazing that its films beside the tide of purely porn productions can maintain ground still. But Brass goes around the production from eroticism, not around flesh banality. In addition he thinks out the most amazing situations. If the master should throw the towel, will somewhat be missing: Nobody can produce so loosely and at the same time as sensual as he can... And MONELLA is reliably one of the most beautiful examples to appreciate this style.
- woyzeckswoe
- 29 jun 2006
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Monella is wonderful erotic comedy about a couple getting married. The story takes place in northern Italy in the 1950´s. Lola and Masetto is about to get married. Masetto wants to keep Lola as a virgin until they are married. But Lola is impatient to remain in chastity until the wedding night. She wants to be sure that Masetto is a good lover, before she commits herself into marriage. She does everything to trick Masetto into breaking the moral tradition. Anna Ammirati is doing a wonderful interpretation of Lolas character. It´s easy to fall for her charm. The film is also aesthetical with the beautiful environment, the heat between the characters, and the camera light on Anna Ammiratis irresistible body.
- Sandis-2
- 18 oct 2002
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- rmax304823
- 23 jul 2006
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I was drawn to this film by the movie poster. I expected a comedy but did not find much to laugh about. Anna Ammirati is Lola, a young woman who is seen at the opening riding a bicycle while bent over and flashing her panties at the mostly appreciative bystanders. She is engaged to be married within a few days and wishes to lose her virginity before the wedding. Her partner refuses to engage in premarital coitus, leading to a few scenes of attempts by Lola to seduce the man. Anna is frequently nude and has an undeniable allure, but the film is just not funny. The sex scenes are surprisingly graphic for a supposedly mainstream movie. The acting is not at a high level and the only saving grace is an excellent soundtrack.
- billcr12
- 26 ago 2022
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This review and rating is for the version being offer on Amazon Prime for rent. As a collector of 4K movies I saw a new 4K Blu-ray release of this film selling on Amazon for $49.99. The OVERLY HONEST REVIEWS gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5. I thought I'd rent the Hd version for $1.99 on Amazon Prime before deciding if I should invest in the collector's 4K edition. Well the Prime version was awful. The video in many parts of the film was washed out, with little attention to color correction or contrast. The English dubbing was terrible and didn't attempt to match the English subtitles. Presumably the 4K version corrects these faults. But what I didn't realize before I rented the movie and worst of all, the film was severely edited resulting in a choppy uneven and distorted mess. This distorted mess of the original film can be explained by the fact that this version on Prime is only 78 minutes long. The full length film release is 105 minutes. Amazon censors cut 27 minutes out of this movie... (a fourth of the entire film!!!). And no they didn't say up-front their movie was a censored version. It was only afterwards that I noticed the movie description indicated 78 minutes. Lesson learned: "Buyer Beware" always check IMBD to confirm the true running time of your movie before renting from Prime ...and save your time and $ on this chopped up 78 minute disaster of a Tinto Brass cult classic film.
- jollytom-1
- 16 jun 2024
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- BandSAboutMovies
- 23 oct 2024
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This was one of the worst films I've ever seen. It's stupid, idiotic, insipid, etc. I can't think of all of the words appropriate for this "erotic comedy at its best." The movie was ridiculous! The actors are wooden; the dialogue is ingratiating; and the dubbing is, well, dubbing. In other words this movie is a car accident caught on film.
- vlcupper1
- 4 ago 2003
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Cute but not too exciting. I haven't seen any other Tinto films, but based on this one I probably wouldn't go out of my way to see any others. It was mildly interesting to watch but in the end rather unsatisfying. Just nothing to sink your teeth into as a film. The plot was weak and at times confusing and Lola just came across as a spoiled little girl (probably intentional). But there was nothing to make me understand why her "boyfriend" was even interested in her, other than her good looks. The camera work was interesting and creative and there are lots of great shots of Lola in various states of undress which is probably the only reason I kept watching it - hey, I'm a guy, what can I say? But, to be honest, its mostly like watching a TV sitcom - light entertainment to pass the time.
- dan-795
- 20 oct 2006
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Film scenes cut. If they are going to charge, then tell customers the film has been cut. Let them then make up their minds weather or not they want to purchase the film. There are other films I would like to purchase, but do not want to waste my money and be disappointed. This is especially true when viewing classic films that are out of print and can not be purchased elsewhere. It is a shame that they butcher these films up to the point that a viewer can not follow the plot and the film no longer makes sense. This has happened more than once and seems that AMAZON is practicing their own brand of censorship. If Amazon thinks there is something that would offend the viewer could be warned up front or have the film rated in more than one classification.
- mikiec
- 3 sep 2022
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No cheating, not enough sex and not enough Serena Grandi!
- ILoveTheNight
- 28 ene 2019
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Could have at least have her keep her vows til the wedding ended, even if it was really hard to do.. too many gaps making ir seem like she did the "Deed," but not with her beloved. And that Scene DURING the wedding??? Bruh, that's douchiest move to make...
- AceTheCasualMan
- 3 jul 2021
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This was the first film I've ever seen by Brass, and honestly, it was quite disappointing. Instead of feeling empathy for the protagonist, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with her erratic behavior and constant need for male attention. If the roles had been reversed-if she were a man and the baker a woman-the plot would likely spark serious debate over its problematic implications.
And the dishonesty-Lola says so many lies! It felt excessive and boring, with what seemed like an hour and a half of screen time focused almost entirely on Lola's rear. While he is technically the lead, the film fixates on her in a way that adds little to the narrative. If you're considering watching it, know that it's essentially two hours of shallow, soft-core storytelling. Personally, I regret the time I spent on it and would suggest investing those two hours into something more meaningful.
And the dishonesty-Lola says so many lies! It felt excessive and boring, with what seemed like an hour and a half of screen time focused almost entirely on Lola's rear. While he is technically the lead, the film fixates on her in a way that adds little to the narrative. If you're considering watching it, know that it's essentially two hours of shallow, soft-core storytelling. Personally, I regret the time I spent on it and would suggest investing those two hours into something more meaningful.
- NobodyCaresSean
- 11 may 2025
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The scoring, of course, reflects my own personal taste but I do feel that the film almost completely successful in what it sets out to achieve. It's a mischievous, amusing, jolly sexy romp that doesn't miss out on taking a few sideswipes at Italian society (affectionately of course!). If there were a poll to find the ten best female bum shots in cinema, I am pretty certain this film would occupy all ten slots, and half of them probably just in the swirling, joyful, abandoned opening cycling sequence. Lola grins and squeaks with delight as she races along bum in the air to the astonishment, amusement and enjoyment of all. The older man (father?) with Lola scenes, made one a little uncomfortable and similarly the peeping tom and the lost virginity but these seemed to fit within the whole and probably say as much about Catholicism in Italy than Mr Brass in particular. A super sunny sexy delight!
- christopher-underwood
- 10 ene 2007
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i saw a trailer for monella on the cult epics DVD Bettie page dark angel and it made me watch the actual movie.the star;Anna Ammirati is so beautiful sexy and mischievous as Lola.you will love this Italian made comedy directed by the great tinto bass.its a very adult movie that does'nt hold back.its not a porno movie but a sexy comedy about a virginal bride to be who wants her fiancé to make love to her.i first saw a Korean cut of the movie which is censored and dubbed into English,then later the Italian uncensored version with Italian language that was great.i really have to say Anna Ammirati is so beautiful and sexy she should do more movies.she will give Angelina Jolie and Megan fox a run for their money.i only seen one Tinto Bass movie and really did'nt like it,it was the infamous Caligula,which was so different from monella.the beginning scenes of Lola(Anna)riding her bike are truly memorable.if you are a fan of Italian cinema like myself then you will enjoy monella.need i mention again beautiful sexy Anna Ammirati.amour monella.10 out of 10.a sexy movie,Anna also sings the song monella in the movie.shes multi talented.OK I'm done this movie rocks.
- johnc2141
- 14 mar 2010
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- Cristi_Ciopron
- 13 ene 2009
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- mobinta
- 8 dic 2018
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