Il massaggio dell'anima

I can't really remember much of what this film was supposed to be about, some sort of philosophical ramblings delivered whilst a bloke massages a woman. Who cares? The fact is, you get to see a lot of the glorious Mimi Rogers and her awesome breasts and magnificent buttocks. If that makes me sound like a sad pervert, so be it. To be honest the rest of the film sent me to sleep. How is it that I have to drag myself to work very day and Bryan Brown gets to oil Mimi Rogers up for a living? Okay, so he has some acting talent - not a lot mind you - and I have none, but it's still not fair. In my opinion his finest hour was not his version of Hamlet at the Old Vic but keeping his pants under control during this shoot.... I certainly take my hat off to him for that.

Nina (Mimi Rogers) is a tough art dealer and gallery owner. She is expecting her regular weekly massage from Douglas and is surprised by substitute Fitch (Bryan Brown). She's annoyed but accepted the unexpected change. He's a new age thinker with varying experiences like from the Hopi Indians. She's a driven single woman. They talk about their past relationships and philosophies as flashbacks are shown.

This is a long meandering conversation. It doesn't really move anywhere. There isn't a narrative or a plot. It's simply two characters talking about their lives. For some people, the biggest point is a naked Mimi Rogers. Otherwise, it's hard to see any point to this. The production is more late-night erotica than an artistic journey. I would have liked stories that are less philosophical and more compelling.

Contrary to most of the other lay reviewers, I am a serious student of holistic health practices, esp. eastern traditions- and I was not looking for much gratuitious sex...although the nudity was o.k. I thought Brian Brown did a good job (and apparently he has had some training in massage) -I thought the acting was good, and I liked the way that the "dilemma" of sexuality vs. health treatment was handled.

Mimi Rogers, always a treat for the eyes, was believable as a conflic- ted yuppie with good taste, inquiring mind, and hungry libido. I have recommended this film to others who are massage/holistic health buffs. It would not appeal to many people who are just looking for spicy sex, however.

What thoughts would go through two strangers minds after initially bypassing the social preliminaries and going to intimate contact and then getting to know each other better? The intimation is that maybe they would like to take the relation further, but professional ethics require them to escape to the past, so as to almost avoid the present. The sexual tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife.

Roeg does his usually excellent job of mixing the erotic with the everyday and making it seem completely natural.

I saw this for the first time few days back n it is crystal clear that i came here for the boobs but i also wanted to check out the conversations between the masseur n the client. I thot maybe I can learn a thing or two since I am a professional trainer, but alas the chats r boring n not at all engrossing.

There is absolutely no plot but mundane talks.

Absolutely no thrill.

The only redeeming thing is Mimi's natural jugs.

As a personal gym instructor sometimes even in our fraternity we swap clients, take each others' classes but nobody gets philosophical with clients.

Whatever said n done, I somehow managed to pull thru the entire movie without fast forwarding it.