Jeux pervers

Saw this one at the Norwegian International Film Festival in late August of 2009, even though it was originally released as far back as 2007.

I found it enjoyable and well-made. The acting was convincing. Scenes were appropriately set up to display the opulence the high society that the high school level young women belong to. It's by no means an expensive production, though - more on level with a regular TV-episode, it would seem.

Movie doesn't work as well as a thriller as it does as eye candy and as a social commentary of sorts, as regards the attitude of young and rich people. The setting is mediterranean, most likely Rome or its surrounding areas, but could just as well have been from, say, L.A.

Speaking of which, it kinda hearkens back to that Bret Easton Ellis novel made into a movie: "Less than Zero".

Un Gioco Da Ragazze is a highly accomplished and beautifully made film.

The writing, acting and direction is exquisite and is brought to life by the two leads Chiara Chiti and Filippo Nigro. Chiti is superb as the manipulative sociopath Elena, who is essentially the core of the film bringing both sensitivity and malice to her underrated performance.

Although the themes of adultery, teenage drug taking and casual sex may be taboo, it is a very potent portrait of teenage Europe. Matteo Rovere's film is a stylish and thought-provoking piece of work. It is only a shame it was not widely released in Europe as it fares better than a lot of recent European films.