Monella

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.