Making motion pictures for over sixty years, Tinto Brass is one of Italy’s most interesting filmmakers. The creator of a long list of films, some would say he is a maestro in the Erotica and Avante-Garde Art film realm.
Famously recognized by the masses for his work on 1979’s Caligula, there is no question that Brass has a unique style in each of his films that flows seamlessly like poetry where the camera work, soundtrack, and everything in between seemingly has a syncopated rhythm. Never shying away from sexuality in his films, all you need to do is look at interesting titles such as 1976’s Salon Kitty (which unified some history with erotic themes), 1992’s All Ladies Do It (which is loosely based on Mozart’s 1789 Opera Così fan tutte), or 1998’s Monella (which is a melting pot of romance, eroticism, and comedy).
Monella, known to English-speaking countries as Frivolous Lola, found Brass directing and co-writing a film with Carla Cipriani and Barbara Alberti that is playful, entertaining, and very amusing. Certainly a balance of erotic vibes with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, there are also some very interesting concepts interjected about a romantic relationship between two individuals.
Originally released in June of 1998, Frivolous Lola stars Anna Ammirati (in her feature debut) as Lola, a young woman on the verge of getting married with a wild streak. Lola, the daughter of Zaira (portrayed by famous Italian sex symbol Serena Grandi), is set to marry local bakery Masetto (Max Parodi: Black Angel 2002, Monamour 2005). Still, Masetto has reservations about taking things intimacy to the next level before the wedding bells ring. Frustrated by him, Lola stops at nothing to make him wild with passion, jealous, and even shamed to please her.
Ironically, while Lola seems like a naughty temptress, there is also a very innocent aspect to her character that, in the end, makes her far more multi-dimensional in this story than one might think. The question remains – will Lola get what she wants? Will Masetto be able to handle her unpredictability? Will they even make it across the altar?
All questions are answered within 105 minutes of Frivolous Lola. With that in mind, while this film certainly leans toward a Romantic Comedy, it does not shy away from some pretty graphic nudity. It is absolutely for adult audiences, but it is also not for the more prude. However, if an adult couple is open-minded, it is a fun watch for men and women alike.
It is hard to deny the fun quality entwined within Frivolous Lola. Now, Tinto Brass fans have a chance to catch the film in 4K Ultra HD. Presented by Cult Epics (a distribution company out of The Netherlands specializing in Horror, Erotica, and Art House releases), the 4K Ultra HD world premiere of Frivolous Lola emerged on May 7, 2024, and was packed full of goodies.
First and foremost, you get Frivolous Lola, which is in stunning 4K Ultra HD quality, uncut and uncensored. It also combines new and vintage bonus features. Furthermore, there is also good dubbing for English-speaking audiences if you do not want to read subtitles. Additionally, it comes with a lovely, high-gloss slipcase containing a 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray inside, a reversible sleeve with original Italian poster art, an insightful 20-page booklet, and four reproduced Italian lobby card prints.
Overall, it is a fantastic representation of Tinto Brass’ Frivolous Lola that is worth adding to your collection. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Cult Epics’ 4K Ultra HD release of Frivolous Lola 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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