I had read a lot about this film so was a bit dubious about watching it. It turns out that it is actually quite interesting. I have read elsewhere that it has no plot, the acting is poor etc. Remember, this was filmed in 1976, and you cannot escape the fact that they are child actors ( A subject of great debate when it comes to this film). Essentially this is about all the crazy feelings that can be present during puberty. There is love, hate, cruelty, yearning and ultimately realisation and understanding. Personally I think the actors Lara Wendel and Martin Loeb did a very fine job. Eva Ionesco? I think she may have been there for other reasons. There are some relatively explicit scenes in this film and the viewer should keep in mind that these girls were eleven years old at the time. Although they deal with it in quite an adult manner, well, it didn't need to be graphic and it is plainly wrong. Martin Loeb plays Fabrizio, in my opinion, borderline insane. He plays it very well. Lara Wendel plays Laura, who is infatuated with Fabrizio, she may even believe that she loves him. She brings the softer more caring character to the film. Fabrizio plays some very cruel mind games with her for the most part but there are a few occasions where he almost seems to have feelings for her. Anyway, she eventually gives herself to him in a none too romantic situation, but true to life, is it for anyone first time? It is awkward and fumbling. Then we have the arrival of Sylvia (Eva Ionesco). Fabrizio is attracted to her and it seems he has almost met his match in the somewhat aloof and equally cruel Sylvia. The treatment of Laura deteriorates further until Sylvia grows bored of it all at the Summer's end. Fabrizio has other ideas though and this leads to tragedy.
Review of Maladolescenza
