The Seduction of Mimi

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The Seduction of Mimi

R

1974

1h 52m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

This raucous sex comedy that brought international fame to director Lina Wertmuller (Swept Away) centers on sad sack Mimi, a Sicilian laborer whose refusal to vote for the Mafia's candidate leads him to lose his job, his wife, and his home. At rock bottom, he revives his spirits by falling in love with the beautiful, radical Fiorella, with whom he starts a new life as a reliable husband and father. But the past comes back to haunt him, piling on comical complexities as all his energies surge into defending his honor, an obsession that has horrendous but hilarious consequences. A blistering satire of Italy in the 1970s, The Seduction of Mimi takes aim at a corrupt government, compromised labor leaders and the Neanderthal sexual politics of men in power, with uproarious results.

Penelope Gilliatt

The New Yorker

03/05/2024

A handsomely comic and political-minded farce that in Italy, where the characters live, has deadly-serious roots.

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Nora Sayre

New York Times

10/19/2020

Sexual hypocrisies and political dilemmas rarely flow smoothly onto the screen. But Lina Wertmuller excels in conveying both, in The Seduction of Mimi.

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Michael Talbot-Haynes

Film Threat

Jun 4

9/10

It is more of a laugh riot than anything else, a clever old-school bed hopper with classic performances by its leads.

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Rosalyn Drexler

Vogue

03/08/2024

2/4

It is both funny and disgusting... perhaps cruel. Truth is not always exaggeration.

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Marya E. Gates

Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack)

02/13/2024

If you’re a fan of Spike Lee, you can absolutely see how aspects of Wertmüller’s filmmaking have found their way into his.

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John Simon

Esquire Magazine

07/28/2020

At this stage of her development, the director is good at unsentimental tragedy and uncomplaisant comedy, and has an admirable visual sense.

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Diomi E

@Diomizio May 27

Lina Wertmuller è una dei più particolari registi della sua generazione. Ricorda un po' Ferreri per la sua vena iconoclasta e grottesca che in lei è però stemperata da una carica intellettuale di militanza politica declinata cinematograficamente.

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REGINA ZOE V

@RT43378801 Apr 21

The Seduction of Mimi is a masterclass in political satire and dark comedy. Starring Giancarlo Giannini and Mariangela Melato, the film follows Mimi, a Southern Italian obsessed with honor who moves North for work. His rigid code clashes hilariously with the corrupt reality of the Mafia. When he discovers his fiancée is pregnant, a desperate lie spirals into a chaotic web of affairs. Giannini is phenomenal balancing Mimi's vulnerability and stubborn pride with physical comedy. Wertmüller brilliantly uses Mimi’s sexual escapades to explore Italy’s identity crisis, mocking the hypocrisy of power while highlighting the human cost. The film’s visual contrast reinforces its themes of tradition vs. modernity. With its sharp dialogue, electric performances, and unflinching look at the absurdity of honor, this is a timeless, 4.5-star masterpiece that balances farce with social critique. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves cinema that makes you laugh while making you think.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Apr 18

Funny in 1 hour and 52 minutes.

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06/12/2020

Great film with many layers. Enjoyed the humor most.

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09/28/2017

one of those films that feels like you watched 3 films in 1 setting . picaresque tale of a horny man. a man horny for the truth!! down with facism (this time in form of gangstas), up with woman's lib, A Classico!

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05/23/2016

one of those films that feels like you watched 3 films in 1 setting . picaresque tale of a horny man. a man horny for the truth!! down with facism (this time in form of gangstas), up with woman's lib, A Classico!

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Lina Wertmüller

Director

Giancarlo Giannini

Carmelo Mardocheo detto Mimí

Mariangela Melato

Fiorella Meneghini

Agostina Belli

Rosalia Capuzzo in Mardocheo

Turi Ferro

Don Calogero

Elena Fiore

Amalia Finocchiaro

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Synopsis

This raucous sex comedy that brought international fame to director Lina Wertmuller (Swept Away) centers on sad sack Mimi, a Sicilian laborer whose refusal to vote for the Mafia's candidate leads him to lose his job, his wife, and his home. At rock bottom, he revives his spirits by falling in love with the beautiful, radical Fiorella, with whom he starts a new life as a reliable husband and father. But the past comes back to haunt him, piling on comical complexities as all his energies surge into defending his honor, an obsession that has horrendous but hilarious consequences. A blistering satire of Italy in the 1970s, The Seduction of Mimi takes aim at a corrupt government, compromised labor leaders and the Neanderthal sexual politics of men in power, with uproarious results.

Director: Lina Wertmüller
Screenwriter: Lina Wertmüller
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: Euro International Film (EIA) S.p.A.
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: Italian
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 18, 1974, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Apr 24, 2026
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $19.2K
Runtime: 1h 52m

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