Justine: 'A Matter of Innocence' occupies a unique critical space. While it is an adult film, many reviewers treat it as a serious drama, and the film has its passionate defenders. In a 2020 IMDB user review, one user argued that the film is "without question the crown jewel in the director's career... one of the greatest adult movies ever made". The review praised the film's dramatic weight, saying it "tackles incest in a very serious way and the drama that the film carries is very impressive". Another fan on Letterboxd also praised the film heavily, highlighting that "the restoration of Roberta Findlay's vibrant cinematography looks gorgeous and Hillary Summers is giving a tremendous performance".
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a transitional period for European adult cinema. Following the massive global box office success of mainstream erotic films like Emmanuelle (1974), filmmakers across France, Italy, and West Germany began producing high-budget, stylistically polished films that blended traditional narrative structures with explicit content.
The film follows the journey of (played by Koo Stark ), a young, naive, and strikingly innocent woman in 18th-century France. justine a matter of innocence 19801080pds
The film follows Justine Cates (Hillary Summers), a young woman who has just lost her father. After graduating from an exclusive French boarding school, she returns to the United States to live with her wealthy, estranged uncle, Steven (Ashley Moore), on his sprawling New England estate. The naive Justine quickly finds herself in an unfamiliar world of adult games and hedonism, becoming an object of desire for nearly everyone she meets—including her uncle, the household's scheming maid, and a predatory gardener.
Reviews of Justine: A Matter of Innocence (1980) - Letterboxd Justine: 'A Matter of Innocence' occupies a unique
Composed by Walter Sear , known for his work on various cult and horror films. Technical Details and Availability Release Date: April 27, 1980 (USA).
One of the primary themes explored in "Justine: A Matter of Innocence" is the concept of innocence and its fragility in the face of adversity. Justine's character serves as a symbol of purity and naivety, highlighting the vulnerability of those who are unprepared for the challenges of life. one of the greatest adult movies ever made"
The narrative arc focuses on Justine’s journey through a corrupt world. Unlike the extreme depravity depicted in the original novel, the film uses the premise to set up encounters centered around the theme of lost innocence. Justine wanders through various scenarios, often finding herself in compromising situations where her virtue is tested. The plot serves as a vehicle to contrast her innocence with the more worldly and cynical characters she encounters.
Includes adult film stars Vanessa del Rio and Christine De Shaffer.
The film has been newly restored from its original 35mm camera negative and released on Blu-ray by Vinegar Syndrome.
"Explore the timeless tale of 'Justine: A Matter of Innocence' (1980), a thought-provoking film that delves into human relationships, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Read our in-depth analysis of the film's themes, plot, and cinematic significance."