There are times when an unsolicited package arrives containing physical media to review. While it doesn’t happen often, it happened this week and was a very interesting surprise. I had reviewed the filmmaker’s works before but wasn’t expecting to find Tinto Brass’ Cheeky in my mailbox.
The cover of the brand new 4K from Cult Epics is rather eye-opening, for lack of a better term. It’s another one of his signature erotic comedies that works on certain levels, although not always. Still, at least you know you’re in for an interesting ride.
Carla (Yuliya Mayarchuk) has traveled to London to find an apartment for her and her boyfriend Matteo (Jarno Berardi) when she meets Moira (Francesca Nunzi), a real estate agent who helps her find a large apartment. Matteo grows jealous when he finds pictures and letters from her ex.
This sends Carla to find satisfaction elsewhere, including an affair with Moira and others in various locations. Matteo makes his way to London to confront her, but he must decide if his lust for Carla is more important than his jealousy or risk losing her forever.
I’ve seen several Tinto Brass films, but I wouldn’t call myself an expert. I’ve concluded that, as with each film, he attempted to capture his own fantasies on film. Cheeky (original title: Tra (sgre) Dire) doesn’t rely on the story; it’s all about the visuals and how often Brass can get his lead, Mayarchuk, naked. Brass usually doesn’t venture into hardcore territory, nor does he here, but he comes closer than I’d previously seen before.
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Naughty humor is at the forefront, with a couple of solid laughs, but some of it just comes off as creepy, especially in the scene in which the director appears. Yuliya Mayarchuk is certainly a gorgeous woman and does a respectable job carrying the film on her shoulders. If you’re a Brass fan, you’ll get what you expect from him and enjoy it.
The 4K transfer is great, with crystal clear images, and Brass does know how to make a scene look stunning. The two-disc set from Cult Epics contains the 4K disc and the standard Blu-ray. Also included is an audio commentary, Backstage with Tinto Brass segment (2000), an interview with cinematographer Massimo Di Venanzo, Pino Dinaggio’s isolated score, trailers, and a photo gallery. The package itself comes with a slipcase, reversible sleeve, a 20-page booklet with an essay by Eugenio Ercolani & Domenico Monetti, and four Italian lobby card reprints.
It’s not the type of film I’d seek out on my own, but in my younger days, I’d definitely try and catch something like this on Skinemax. Cheeky is fun for what it is, but this set will mostly be for fans of the director or erotic European films. I certainly admire the work Cult Epics puts into preserving these films and look forward to seeing what they have to offer next.
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