Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
A young Sicilian is swindled twice, but ends up rich; a man poses as a deaf-mute in a convent of curious nuns; a woman must hide her lover when her husband comes home early; a scoundrel fools a priest on his deathbed; three brothers take revenge on their sister's lover; a young girl sleeps on the roof to meet her boyfriend at night; a group of painters wait for inspiration; a crafty priest attempts to seduce his friend's wife; and two friends make a pact to find out what happens after death.
Pasolini's adaptation of Boccaccio is a landmark of earthy, carnivalesque cinema — visually ravishing with its sun-drenched Neapolitan textures and Pasolini's own appearance as Giotto. The episodic anthology structure captures the bawdy medieval spirit with genuine irreverence and painterly beauty. Cinematography is exceptional, drawing directly from Flemish and Italian Renaissance art. Novelty is high because Pasolini's folk-materialist lens and visceral humanism make this utterly singular among literary adaptations. Acting from a largely non-professional cast is uneven but authentically raw, landing above average. The episodic endings vary wildly in payoff — some fizzle and the cumulative finale lacks a strong closing statement — pulling that score down. Plot, as a loose anthology of ribald tales, functions adequately but without deep narrative ambition.