I guess I am the only one who has seen this? It is also known as Avere vent’anni it came out in 1978
I have indeed viewed Fernando Di Leo’s Avere vent’anni and I absolutely enjoyed it as well. This was a film I had heard about for a while now. And last year, I read an interview with Eli Roth where he discussed how the film blew him away (that was the kicker that inspired me to finally track it down). Kudos on purchasing the film on DVD. But considering that I do not own a region-free player, I admit that I went the bittorent route in acquiring this film where fortunately it came with the proper SRT file which provided English subtitles for the Italian cut of Di Leo’s most (in)famous feature. Frankly, I’m a bit surprised that English subtitles were not included on the DVD at all. Shame.
Judging by your post, I’ve deduced that you’ve only viewed the US cut of the film? The thing is (and you may be aware of this), To Be Twenty/Being Twenty should only be experienced via the uncut Italian version. From what I understand, the US cut is pretty much a light-hearted, comedic sexual romp from start to finish (normally, there’s nothing wrong with that) with the order of events slightly rearranged and many of the sex scenes cut a bit short for content. Double shame.
Alternatively, the Italian cut is Di Leo’s original vision in its entirety and not only provides the viewer with the full-on sexual exploits of both of these gorgeous women (Gloria Guida in particular renders me speechless with her beauty, not to mention that is also her voice singing the lovely theme song, which plays a key part throughout the film). But the plot unravels in the proper sequence (and in a way where you truly grow to care about the lead characters), masterfully setting up the story’s conclusion where…well, I don’t want to spoil anything if you haven’t viewed this cut of the film. But the unforgettable way that Being Twenty ends was a huge reason why it was re-cut (and ultimately dumbed-down) for American audiences. Triple shame.
So basically, the Italian cut of Avere vent’anni is the version you must see at all costs! With it, Di Leo made a strong statement about the extreme consequences of living the care-free hippie lifestyle and it most certainly deserves the notorious reputation it has received amongst 1970’s sexploitation films. As for me, when I finally viewed Avere vent’anni for the first time after all of the hype (while knowing full well what the film was building up to), it did not disappoint. Plus, I couldn’t get that theme song out of my head for a few days. If this existed in the database (and we were able to rate using half stars), I would give the film 4.5 stars. Perhaps I should go ahead and submit it for inclusion (if it hasn’t been submitted already, that is).
No I have the Raro DVD,which comes with the edited version and the original. I saw it in Italian when I saw it the first time uncut cause I couldn’t maneuver the menus. However last night I figured out how to get the subtitles on it but I didnt need them because the audio was now in English and I finally saw the whole thing through.
Submit it Kubrickhouse its damn good!!!
I can’t believe Eli Roth saw it, wow that is impressive.
kubrickhouse actually recommended this movie to me a couple months ago and I’m still grateful for it! It truly delivered all that was promised, despite my already knowing the general thematic tones it would take.
I too cannot wait for the film to show up here, where I can slap my rounded-up 5 star ranking onto it. And any outlet where I can become a fan of Gloria Guida is welcome.
Glad to find others out there in (shudder) Mubi-world who appreciate this little known, ballsy and misunderstood sexploitation film as much as I do. Also, you’ll all be happy to know that I submitted the film not long after my previous post (via both the submission form and corresponding thread…it’s my first submission!). So now we play the waiting game…
@Rudy: The Raro DVD is the one with the blue cover, right? Yes, I was referring to that as well (I think it’s the only DVD release of To Be Twenty). I was just under the impression that the Italian cut did not have English subtitles, thereby limiting you from fully experiencing it (that is if you don’t speak Italian, which I do not). But thank goodness you at least got the English dub working as I couldn’t stand the idea of anyone viewing this film by way of the edited US cut alone. Although IMO it’s optimal to view Avere Vent’anni with the Italian soundtrack and English subtitles (unless of course the English dub is word-for-word identical to the subtitles). Regardless, being exposed to Di Leo’s original vision in its entirety is a memorable experience no matter how you slice it.
If you’re interested, check out The Book of Lists: Horror edition under the entry “Eli Roth’s Top Ten Nastiest Horror Movie Genital Mutilations” for a great description of the film from the modern day horror maestro (the final scene of To Be Twenty is number one on the list). Roth has also mentioned Avere Vent’anni in a few interviews leading up to the release of Hostel: Part II in 2007 where he also talks about Sergio Martino’s Torso (a widely entertaining 5-star giallo IMO) as an influence on the Hostel sequel. No doubt the man knows his horror films extremely well.
@Marq: I made sure to give the lovely Ms. Guida top-billing when I filled out the submission form. So the countdown to joining the Gloria Guida auteurs fan club has begun!
Yeah I just watched re watched it with the subtitles. Slight differences but overall its better to watch with the subtitles even it does mean taking your eyes off the lead for a quarter of a second.
Side note: I was at the video store today and I had the opportunity to get the following but in the end I purchased Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man. Since I just seen Django Kill, if you live Shoot, I figure I go with the Ray Lovelock movie.Not to mention Lovelocks turn in Avere Vent’anni.
The local video store had these in stock in the fairly modest price range of 16.99, 17.99 and 19.99.
VACANZE PER UN MASSACRO … Fernando Di Leo
I RAGAZZI DEL MASSACRO … Fernando Di Leo
I PADRONI DELLA CITTA’ … Fernando Di Leo
MILANO CALIBRO 9 …. Fernando Di Leo
UNO STRANO TIPO … Lucio Fulci
NINI’ TIRABUSCIO’ … MARCELLO FONDATO
Teresa la ladra … Carlo Di Palma ( Later became a DP, worked with Woody Allen)
The Cold Blooded Beast … Fernando Di Leo
NAPOLI SERENATA CALIBRO 9
LIBERI ARMATI E PERICOLOSI
UNA LUNGA FILA DI CROCI
SQUADRA ANTISCIPPO
STORIE DI VITA E MALAVITA
IL SOLCO DI PESCA
E TANTA PAURA
Also I saw this 2 part documentary in one DVD on RaroDVD label but cant find it, Its by some Italian director and its about Jamaica and or Reggae music? What was it?
A part of me was like I should get Calibro 9 but I figure its very popular and I can hold off on it, I rather get something more obsure , something rare and not often in stores.
Moderated
Rarovideo will be releasing To be Twenty (region 0 USA) in July 2011 and will be available on amazon. Region 2 is available on ebay.
cool but i gotta it already :D region 2
Rudy
Has Any one seen Fernando Di Leo’s To Be Twenty I just brought this on DVD and it comes with 2 different versions. Sadly I cant get translations on one of the DVDs for english. The one verison I did see I enjoyed it.