3 reviews
"Venus" is one of many films that bears this title, but it has not been available as a home video for a long time. Throwing out a batch of old and deteriorating video tapes recently, I found a copy and watched it again after a lapse of almost 20 years. I was surprised to enjoy it enough to re-record it as a VCD. If it is ever released in DVD format I will almost certainly buy it.
"Venus" is best described as an early example of the genre of films we would today call erotic comedies. However, unlike many of those that came later, it had a believable story line, characters that were reasonably well rounded, good photography and better than passable acting. It is a short light comedy that is both very enjoyable and very forgettable. The story line provides all that is needed to review it. It relates to the marketing of a new suntan lotion in Venus de Milo shaped bottles. The cosmetic company executive wants to show Aphrodite rising from the foam clutching a bottle, and, very improbably, this involves transporting almost the entire staff of the advertising agency to his private retreat in the Aegean for a photoshoot.
If you can swallow this, just sit back and enjoy the beauty both of the Greek Islands (shown as liberally as is likely in any feature film) and of the young members of the cast (of both sexes). Light and humorous touches arise from a local girl (or a reincarnation of the goddess - you are left to choose!) who resents the associated commercialisation.
No viewer ratings for this film are listed but my rating would be quite high - 8/10. It is clearly a low budget production, but it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do with some sense of style. If you just want to relax and enjoy a brief trip to the Greek Islands this film is much more fun than most travel promotion videos.
If you have a chance to watch it I recommend doing so.
"Venus" is best described as an early example of the genre of films we would today call erotic comedies. However, unlike many of those that came later, it had a believable story line, characters that were reasonably well rounded, good photography and better than passable acting. It is a short light comedy that is both very enjoyable and very forgettable. The story line provides all that is needed to review it. It relates to the marketing of a new suntan lotion in Venus de Milo shaped bottles. The cosmetic company executive wants to show Aphrodite rising from the foam clutching a bottle, and, very improbably, this involves transporting almost the entire staff of the advertising agency to his private retreat in the Aegean for a photoshoot.
If you can swallow this, just sit back and enjoy the beauty both of the Greek Islands (shown as liberally as is likely in any feature film) and of the young members of the cast (of both sexes). Light and humorous touches arise from a local girl (or a reincarnation of the goddess - you are left to choose!) who resents the associated commercialisation.
No viewer ratings for this film are listed but my rating would be quite high - 8/10. It is clearly a low budget production, but it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do with some sense of style. If you just want to relax and enjoy a brief trip to the Greek Islands this film is much more fun than most travel promotion videos.
If you have a chance to watch it I recommend doing so.
When I first saw this movie back in the late 80's, it was on pay cable... where I taped it. I'm thankful to still have it on tape and although I've not watched it for many years, I always found it very enjoyable.
Aside from the most obvious reasons for liking it, is regarding the music used under various sequences. I found it very dreamy and mystifying. Of course the scenery is great too, but watching the beautiful women... mostly naked, was reason #1! It's definitely an exploitation film, and was surprised by its elements of lesbianism. It's all handled beautifully and tastefully. Although it's not suitable for general audiences, it's a far cry from anything ever deemed x-rated. I'm glad to still have it on tape.
Aside from the most obvious reasons for liking it, is regarding the music used under various sequences. I found it very dreamy and mystifying. Of course the scenery is great too, but watching the beautiful women... mostly naked, was reason #1! It's definitely an exploitation film, and was surprised by its elements of lesbianism. It's all handled beautifully and tastefully. Although it's not suitable for general audiences, it's a far cry from anything ever deemed x-rated. I'm glad to still have it on tape.
This is the best of the Euro-soft-core "Private Screenings" series. The plot, involving two clueless cosmetics tycoons and a horny son traveling to the Greek islands to settle on a model for "Venus" suntan lotion is silly, but you won't care. After seeing this and "Summer Lovers" (q.v.), you'll be convinced that there's something about the Aegean sun that makes clothes terribly burdensome to beautiful women. Florence Guerin as Florence is a knockout, but Sophie Favier as a Greek girl and Odile Michel as a very indignant Goddess of Beauty are not to be missed either. If you can find this one, rent it!