The Marquis de Sade's Justine [1977] [DVD]

Worth the purchase price just to see Koo Stark starkers. Very entertaining on all levels. Very naughty, but that's what we all want from a film like this.

This 1977 sexploitation movie [aka Justine] follows the tale of two sisters, the naïve and pious Justine [Koo Stark] and the more worldly and irreverent Juliet [Lydia Lisle] who are thrown out of a convent after the death of their parents and Justine’ spurning of the Mother Superior’ advances. Cast into the depravity of the cruel and corrupt world they head to London…..If you’re looking for a sleazy or erotic movie -because this is based on the writings of the Marquis de Sade, look elsewhere, sure there are adult themes, kinky sex and forbidden taboo’ but it’s all done in a Benny Hill or Kenny Everett non explicit mode being more pantomime farce than erotica, but that’s part of its charm. The whole thing has that 60's-70's Hammer production feel, the picture quality is of the day, the sets and costumes are great and the scenery adequate, but the scripting is feeble. This DVD is the same as the so say original ‘uncut’ video version [which itself had 3 major scenes deleted –a complete storyline featuring the Dr –no not that one!] and the scenes described as deleted by others are included on mine.The film really explores De Sade’ concept that living a virtuous life goes unrewarded and leads to a living hell, whilst the debauched, lustful and wealthy reap the benefits of a religious system that is intended to keep the populace in place. The film captures De Sade’ hatred of the church with its moral decrepitude and hypocracy whilst stating the limited choices women had in the 18th century. Justine learns this the hard way in a ‘The Perils of Pauline’ or ‘Indiana Jones’ manner a she is propelled into situations that go from bad to worse as the story unfolds.The single disc opens to 5 minute semi documentary advert for the ‘video nasties –the definitive guide’ box set and 4 film trailers. The main menu features play, scene selection and extras [trailer, alternate credits, picture gallery and also available]. Koo Stark plays the naïve innocent who is disgusted by the violence and depravity surrounding her quite well. As late night adult entertainment [now unintentionally humorous] it merits a **** rating but has dated badly in its production.

Unusual for a B movie to have an ongoing storyline , however , would this see the light of day without Koo Stark ? Watchable but only just , notable more for the graphic violence than the usual sex bore .

classic with the lovely koo stark as a nun getting cruelly abused,while her sister lives it up with loads of men good story line and action

I have never read any of De Sade's work but I am left in two minds as to whether this film is a faithful adaptation of his work. On the one hand the film portrays what de Sade alleges as the hypocrisy of religion but then we get the brothel scenes which look like something out of the Benny Hill Show. The film starts off well enough, rather like a nunsploitation film with Koo Stark and Lydia Lisle baring (nearly) all as the virtuous Justine and the adventurous Juliette. Other characters of note are the lecherous parson and the brothel Madame but the highway robbers ham it up like grotesques out of a pantomime; all of which brings me to what is probably the worst chase sequence ever committed to celluloid - it was difficult to know whether to laugh or cry. This film has not aged well over the years.This review is based on the NTSC DVDs from Salvation Films. The first edition is from 2003 which has a dark cover and a picture of Koo Stark on the front. The later edition from 2008 has a lighter cover and a picture of Lydia Lisle and nun on the front. Both films run to 94 minutes and are 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The 2003 DVD is Region 1 while the 2008 edition is All Regions. The 2003 DVD has an interview with the director, Chris Boger. The 2008 DVD also has the interview plus an interview with screenplay writer, Ian Cullen some trailers and a very brief photo gallery.

Arrived safely. It's OK

great story with good acting

An ok movie. Basically a mild drama. Not much De Sade.

This highly erotic movie features, Koo Stark and Glory Annen of Felicity fame (the movie, not the tv series). It also highlights the pitfalls of being too good (which is sad). Otherwise, not bad.

I've been looking for Justine for years, and finally found it. It was a good copy delivered in a timely manner, too.

well this is the movie for you. Koo Stark was a thorn in the side of the Queen of England because she made a few soft-core porns featuring her in some girl-girl action. This is one of those movies.

This movie IS NOT with Glory Annen of Felicity. This is a Koo Stark movie. Amazon.com has a listing problem. I ordered this DVD twice, I returned first one, amazon.com sent the other both had different DVD cover but same Koo Stark movie. I checked online Glory Annen never made this movie. Footnote is Amazon.com customer service shined with their service and their prompt plus appropriate replies. Kudos to customer service team but DVD is incorrect.