Backdrop preview Paz! backdrop
Paz!

Paz! (2002)

Feb 22, 2002 1h 42m Comedy

Inspired by the work of Italian underground comic book prodigy Andrea Pazienza, "Paz!" is a 24-hour slice of life of a group of university students sharing a flat in 1970s Bologna, grappling with drugs, classes, girls and half-hearted political activism.

Directed by Renato De Maria

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Renato De Maria
Producer
  • Roberto Levi
  • Matteo Levi

Reviews

MariaSaviano

Very witty and amusing. However, a warning for parents that this movie contains a lot of nudity. In fact, two men’s penises are shown at close range. There is also a scene in which Rosalinda Celentano’s hairy vagina is clearly seen as she walks through her house bottomless before putting her jeans on.

Jan 4, 2024

Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Paz! represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Renato De Maria 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 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Paz! took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2002, when this film is released:
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Paz! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike You're Killing Me Susana, which focuses more on action than character development, Paz! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Porky's and Thunderbolt and Lightfoot explore similar territory, Paz! stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

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: February 22, 2002
  • Runtime: 1h 42m

Similar Movies