🧠 Summary of Plot
The historical romantic comedy “Virgin Territory” is set in 14th century Florence during the outbreak of the Black Death in 2007. The plot depicts how Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron has inspired the film, but instead of raunchy escapades, zestful romance and slapstick humor dominate the plot.
In this case, Pampinea, a noblewoman who has recently lost her merchant father and is the target of the marriage schemes of the vile thug Gerbino who aims to marry her and steal her inheritance. Her suitor, Count Dzerzhinsky a Russian “nobleman” bound to Florence, is completely unaware of the danger she is in. A mix of everything leads the Count to mistakenly attempt to court Elissa, a friend of Pampinea, while she happens to lurk in the convent where Lorenzo is hiding.
Alongside Lorenzo is a young Florentine whom this narrative follows, he is said to be a charming yet unscrupulous gambler and petty thief. Virgin Territory is a rough ride with quite a hot start as the plague manages to wipe through Florence. The nuns, very uncharacteristically, manage to tempt a man for once.
As a romantic conflict grows, there are blunders without end and the characters become entangled in a fast-paced world of deception, desire, and unusual partnerships. In the end, love overcomes greed and connivance, although previously, love took some rather unorthodox routes.
🎭 Main Characters
Hayden Christensen as Lorenzo de ‘Lamberti’ – A charming and roguish gambler who becomes the obsession of more than one woman.
Mischa Barton as Pampinea Anastargi – A young lady of virtue trying to maintain her family’s honor while escaping a marriage she is coerced into.
Tim Roth as Gerbino Della Ratta – A brutish thug intent on preying on the disorder in Florence by forcing marriage with Pampinea.
Matthew Rhys as Count Dzerzhinsky – A shallow but clean-hearted nobleman who becomes victim to deep-set deception and misdirection.
Kate Groombridge as Elissa – A young noble lady who gets along with Pampinea only to find herself in a love mishap she never signed up for.
Rosalind Halstead as Filomena – One of the young nobles enjoying the countryside reprieve.
Christopher Egan as Dioneo – The life of the party whose joviality enhances the group’s already bubbly dynamic.
Anna Galiena as The Abbess – The headmistress of the convent, whose authority goes for a toss the moment Lorenzo steps through the doors.
🎬 Cinematic Style And Direction
Virgin Territory, along with its medieval farce and romantic comedy, is directed by David Leland. The film mixes sexual innuendos, slapstick comedy, and lush Italian scenery, similar to American Pie meets The Canterbury Tales. The sets are elaborate, costumes colorful, modern uptempo music playfully added to the film’s score, and at times, feels out of place but amplifies the quirky charm of the film.
Rather than pursuing historical accuracy, the film aims for laughter through a fast pace style interspersed with sexual humor. Glossy slapstick swordplay, flirtation, and fast paced chase sequences are all part of the film’s playful approach. The director abandons Boccaccio’s source material and Leans towards boundless youthful energy, physical gags and overlooks the epitome of Boccaccio’s underlying moral themes.
🧠 Key Themes
Love vs. Lust – The characters put a lot of effort into distinguishing real love from desire, something that can only be indulged in. The film humorously juxtaposes these binaries.
The Identity Confusion – Like classic Shakespearean comedies, the most notable twists and turns of this plot result from identity confusion.
Rebellion Against Authority – The film’s characters are resisting authority in some way, be it arranged marriages or convent rules.
Coming of Age in Chaotic Times – The film depicts youthful exuberance to live fully and love deeply even in the thick of a plague.
📅 Production And Release
- Director: David Leland
- Screenplay: David Leland
- Music: Ilan Eshkeri
- Producers: Tarak Ben Ammar, Dino De Laurentiis, and Martha De Laurentiis
- Cinematography: Ben Davis
- Editing: Jim Clark
- Production Companies: Zephyr Films; Dino De Laurentiis Company
- Languages: English
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Historical
- Filming Locations: Tuscany and Rome, Italy
- Runtime: 97 minutes
- Budget: Approximately $38 million
- Box Office: Approximately $5.4 million worldwide
🏆 Reception & Trivia
Although Virgin Territory struggled to appeal to critics, its brash humor and audaucious dressing won the hearts and minds of many young viewers. Now it stands as an essentially verbosic reference for lovers of lighthearted indie medieval rom coms, which juxtaposes frivolity with romance.
The film was originally titled The Decameron: Angels and Virgins but was changed as per the marketing plan to sell it’s supprisingly erotic comedy better.
It was released theatrically in some European countries, while the United States release was DVD only.
The film was distinct with its blend of modern elements, such as it’s pop-rock soundtrack.
⭐ Reason to Watch Virgin Territory
For viewers intrigued by the a medieval set romantic comedy with kiss of a sword, romance, and a touch of cheeky humor, Virgin Territory serves it up with flair. The film may not present accurate chronicles of history, but does the fun of frivolously romantic love triangles, light hearted identity deception, and adds an element of catchy absurdity.
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