50 Shades of Grey, the most anticipated — and hyped — film of the year, had its worldwide theatrical release yesterday, debuting to mixed reviews by both critics and the audience.
The movie, which is based on E.L James’ erotic and wildly popular novel, was expected to be extremely racy, full of BDSM scenes and steamy simulated(?) sex. Instead, eager theatre-goers were treated to just 15 minutes of erotic scenes throughout the two-hour movie — and even those were considered “flaccid” compared to the book.
If you’re one of those fans who were disappointed by this mainstream, Hollywood version of the book, and found it too “vanilla” for your tastes, don’t fret. Here’s a list with five truly kinkier films that are far sexier than 50 Shades of Grey. Enjoy… responsibly!
1. The night porter (1974)
The controversial art film by Italian director Liliana Cavani, starring Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling, explores the psychological condition known as Stockholm Syndrome, through a sadomasochistic relationship between a Holocaust survivor and a former Nazi officer — ouch! This film would have been more difficult to produce today.
2. The Secretary (2002)
Steven Shainberg’s sexy and daring romantic comedy tells the story of a young, shy woman, recently released from a psychiatric ward, who gets a job as a secretary with an intimidating lawyer. Soon, their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual one, with the the employer as “master” and the secretary as “sub”.
3. In the Realm of the senses (1976)
Nagisa Oshima’s masterpiece recounts the real-life story Sada Abe, a courtesan whose affair with her master led to a sexual obsession which then came to a violent end.
4. Story of O (1975)
Beautiful and naive “O” — as she is renamed — is taken by her lover, Rene, to a dark and secluded mansion, where she is trained as a submissive to endure bondage and sexual perversion. Directed by Just Jaeckin. Probably the most erotic of the mainstream films touching on this genre.
5. Last Tango in Paris (1972)
A young Parisian woman meets a middle-aged US businessman who demands their clandestine relationship be based only on sex. Bernardo Bertolucci’s erotic drama, with its raw portrayal of sexual aggression and emotional turmoil, led to international controversy and drew various levels of government censorship in different venues. “Last Tango” is one of the films that will always be associated with Marlon Brando, and his infamous “butter” line.
