Cast
View All
Gloria Guida
as Luna
Lino Banfi
as Maria Pasquale Papone detto 'Lino'
Alvaro Vitali
as Carmelo Petralia
Pippo Santonastaso
as Abadelek Putifarre detto 'Pupù'
Ernst Thole
as Ernesto
Rosanna Salviati
as Concetta
Claudio Saint-Just
as Ciclamino
Maria Luisa Serena
as Rosaria
Alberto Ercolani
as Ciclamino
Tiberio Murgia
as Il commendatore
Loredana Solfizi
as Incatenata
Francesca Romana Coluzzi
as
Salvatore Baccaro
as L'uomo primitivo nell'Aldilà
Giovanni Vannini
as padrone di casa di Lino
Mimmo Poli
as Uomo scippato
Crew
Director
- Nando Cicero
Writer
- Stefano Esse
- Nando Cicero
Producer
- Camillo Teti
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Highschool Girl, the Devil, and the Holywater represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Nando Cicero brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Highschool Girl, the Devil, and the Holywater took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 128 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Highschool Girl, the Devil, and the Holywater shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Amélie, which focuses more on action than character development, The Highschool Girl, the Devil, and the Holywater offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The War of the Roses and The Plan Man explore similar territory, The Highschool Girl, the Devil, and the Holywater stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 7, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 35m
