13 Films by Pier Paolo Pasolini
12 titles
- 1
The Gospel According to St. MatthewMovie · 1965 · 137m · DramaThis film presents a thoughtful look at Jesus and his teachings, viewed through the lens of a Catholic Marxist director who highlights the revolutionary ideas within his stories. The story unfolds on the Sea of Galilee as Jesus gathers followers, leading to conflict with authority figures. The film encourages audiences to consider the enduring relevance of Jesus' life and message to today's political and social issues.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 2
The Hawks and the SparrowsMovie · 1966 · 85m · Comedy, FantasyA father and son take an unusual journey with a talking bird who shares insightful views on society and politics. The bird guides them through life, offering wisdom and mentorship as they face challenges. The trio explores complex ideas with humor and warmth, prompting them to examine their own beliefs and grow as individuals. This story combines humor, drama, and thoughtful observations about life, providing a fresh look at what it means to be human.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 3
Oedipus RexMovie · 1967 · 104m · DramaSet in ancient Italy and Greece, the story follows a baby boy born to a young couple who is told he is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. Rescued and raised as royalty in Corinth by the King and Queen, the boy, named Oedipus, tries to avoid this apparent fate.
The film explores destiny, guilt, and family as Oedipus's life tragically unfolds when he unknowingly fulfills the prophecy in a violent encounter. Confronted with the horrifying truth that his actions were predetermined, Oedipus must find a way to escape fate and create his own future in this adaptation of the classic Greek myth.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7 - 4
AccattoneMovie · 1961 · 117m · DramaIn a dangerous criminal world built on exploitation, a pimp struggles to survive. His carefully maintained life unravels when the prostitute who is his only source of income is imprisoned. Suddenly without money, he's thrown into chaos and forced to confront the consequences of his choices. With no easy way out, he must navigate a treacherous path to escape the darkness that surrounds him.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.7 - 5
Love MeetingsMovie · 1965 · 88m · DocumentaryIn this documentary-style film, Pier Paolo Pasolini explores Italian society's views on sex through candid interviews. He questions people from all walks of life – blue-collar workers to intellectuals – about gender, sexuality, and social expectations. Pasolini discusses reproduction with children, asks about virginity and homosexuality, and examines divorce laws and the closure of brothels.
By capturing these intimate conversations, he reveals a portrait of Italy during rapid industrialization, struggling to balance modern values with deeply held traditions. Pasolini reveals his own skepticism towards both progress and tradition, highlighting the tensions of this time.IMDb 7.5TMDB 8.3 - 6
Arabian NightsMovie · 1974 · 131m · Adventure, FantasyThe third film in Pasolini's Trilogy of Life presents a world of exotic stories about love, desire, power, and betrayal. It follows the connected lives of slaves and kings through dreamlike situations that blend reality and legend. Pasolini offers a mature take on classic tales, emphasizing the direct portrayal of human desires and feelings.
Lovemaking is a key element, shown in many ways as characters experience complicated relationships with both joy and suffering. The film explores mystery and liberation, prompting viewers to consider conventional ideas about love, sex, and power.
Visually striking and thematically rich, Pasolini's final film in the trilogy stays with audiences, encouraging them to reconsider their views of the world and its possibilities.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 7
PigstyMovie · 1969 · 99m · DramaThis film weaves together two separate stories exploring guilt, acceptance, and societal expectations. One follows a young man in an unspecified time period who is sentenced to a brutal death for killing his father, illustrating the destructive nature of violence. The other centers on Julian, the son of a German industrialist in post-war society, whose difficulties with people lead him to find comfort with his farm animals, examining the challenges of human connection in a turbulent world. Both narratives explore the darker side of humanity and societal fears, creating a powerful and thought-provoking experience.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.1 - 8
Mamma RomaMovie · 1962 · 110m · DramaThe film follows Mamma Roma as she tries to build a new life for herself in a small Italian village after working as a prostitute. She buys a fruit stand and reunites with her 16-year-old son, whom she left as a baby, hoping for a normal life. But her past catches up to her when her former pimp tries to take advantage of her. At the same time, her difficult relationship with her son suggests he's headed down a dangerous path. The story examines redemption, difficult choices, and the challenges of motherhood, all while offering a realistic look at life in a small Italian community.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.9 - 9
MedeaMovie · 1969 · 118m · Drama, Fantasy'Medea' is a dramatic story about a strong woman struggling to survive in a new Greek society. When her husband Jason betrays her by leaving her for another woman, Medea's life and security fall apart. The film follows her journey as she moves from deep sorrow to fierce determination, planning a vengeful scheme against Jason. It explores the difficult choices and devastating results of revenge, offering a timeless look at betrayal and the strength of the human spirit when facing hardship.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 10
TheoremMovie · 1968 · 95m · Mystery, DramaAn Italian family's privileged life is upended by the arrival of a mysterious stranger. Handsome and charming, he quickly captivates everyone in the household before vanishing without explanation. The family is left questioning his identity and motives as they confront unexpected feelings and desires. This film examines desire, deception, and self-reflection, as the family struggles to reconcile their personal revelations and regain stability.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 11
Salò, or the 120 Days of SodomMovie · 1976 · 116m · Horror, DramaFour cruel people kidnap nine teenagers, trapping them in a terrifying ordeal that lasts for four months. The captives endure brutal physical abuse, psychological torture, and sexual abuse at the hands of their captors.
The film examines power, corruption, and how people find strength when facing extreme horror. The characters are pushed to breaking point as they try to stay sane and maintain their dignity under relentless cruelty. Through realistic and direct portrayals, the movie explores the depths of human evil and the strength of the human spirit in overcoming hardship.
Forced to face the awful truth of their captivity, the teenagers navigate difficult emotions and form alliances to survive. This intense story is a stark reminder of the evil some people are capable of, and the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with unimaginable suffering.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.4 - 12
The Canterbury TalesMovie · 1972 · 111m · Comedy, History, DramaThis film follows Geoffrey Chaucer as he writes *The Canterbury Tales*, his famous collection of stories. It shows what his world was like and how he created this important work. We travel through medieval England and meet a variety of characters, whose stories are vividly portrayed. The film captures Chaucer's talent as he explores themes of love, desire, greed, and right and wrong, offering a rich experience that celebrates his legacy as a great writer.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1
