What Every Frenchwoman Wants
Exploits of a Young Don Juan (1986)
**Movie Review: Exploits of a Young Don Juan (1986) – A Risqué Romp Through a Bygone Era**
*Directed by Gianfranco Mingozzi | Starring Fabrice Josso, Serena Grandi, Claudine Auger, Marina Vlady | Comedy, Erotic Drama | 95 minutes*
If you’re in the mood for a film that’s equal parts cheeky, controversial, and charmingly dated, *Exploits of a Young Don Juan* (1986) might just scratch that itch. Directed by Gianfranco Mingozzi and loosely adapted from Guillaume Apollinaire’s novel, this French-Italian co-production is a coming-of-age tale that leans heavily into erotic comedy, set against the backdrop of World War I. It’s a film that’s as much a product of its time as it is a curious artifact for modern viewers. Let’s dive into what makes this movie a peculiar blend of bawdy humor, period drama, and youthful exuberance.
### The Plot: A Teenage Fantasy Unleashed
The story follows Roger (Fabrice Josso), a 16-year-old who returns home from boarding school to his family’s lavish countryside estate in 1914. Brimming with hormonal energy, Roger finds himself surrounded by beautiful women—maids, relatives, and family friends—while the men of the household are called away to war. What unfolds is a series of amorous escapades as Roger, with wide-eyed enthusiasm, pursues his quest to lose his virginity and, in the process, leaves a trail of chaos and unexpected consequences.
The plot is thin, serving more as a scaffold for Roger’s misadventures than a tightly woven narrative. It’s less about emotional depth and more about indulging in the fantasies of a young man in a world where social norms are conveniently loosened by wartime absence. Think of it as a softer, more playful cousin to films like *Emmanuelle*, but with a distinctly European flair.
### The Good: Visual Charm and Lighthearted Fun
One of the film’s strongest assets is its aesthetic. The cinematography captures the lush Italian countryside and the opulent interiors of the estate with a warm, nostalgic glow. The costumes and set design are authentic to the early 20th century, immersing viewers in a world of petticoats, corsets, and aristocratic decadence. It’s a feast for the eyes, even when the story itself feels like it’s winking at you a bit too hard.
The cast is another highlight. Fabrice Josso plays Roger with a perfect mix of boyish charm and mischievous energy, making his over-the-top escapades oddly endearing. Serena Grandi, as the voluptuous Ursula, steals scenes with her larger-than-life presence, while Claudine Auger and Marina Vlady bring a touch of elegance to their roles as Roger’s mother and a family friend, respectively. The performances lean into the film’s farcical tone, ensuring that even the most outrageous moments feel like part of the fun.
The humor, while not always sophisticated, lands more often than not. There’s a breezy, almost innocent quality to the comedy, despite the film’s risqué subject matter. It’s the kind of movie that knows exactly what it is—a lighthearted romp—and doesn’t pretend to be anything deeper. For viewers who enjoy a bit of naughty nostalgia, it’s hard not to crack a smile at Roger’s relentless optimism and the absurd situations he stumbles into.
### The Not-So-Good: Dated Sensibilities and Pacing Woes
Let’s address the elephant in the room: *Exploits of a Young Don Juan* hasn’t aged gracefully in every respect. The film’s cavalier approach to relationships, particularly those involving Roger and older women (and, controversially, relatives), will raise eyebrows for modern audiences. While the film stops short of being explicit, its handling of themes like incest and underage sexuality is likely to make some viewers uncomfortable. This is a movie that could never be made today, and for good reason—its moral compass feels like a relic of a less sensitive era.
The pacing is another sticking point. The first half drags as it sets up Roger’s world, with lengthy scenes of dialogue that don’t always advance the story. It’s not until the war breaks out and the men leave that the film finds its rhythm, but even then, the episodic nature of Roger’s conquests can feel repetitive. At 95 minutes, it’s not a long film, but it occasionally feels like it’s stretching its premise too thin.
And while the film is marketed as an erotic drama, it’s surprisingly tame by today’s standards. The nudity and sex scenes are more suggestive than graphic, often played for laughs rather than titillation. If you’re expecting something steamy, you might be disappointed; if you’re looking for comedy, the erotic elements can feel like an awkward distraction.
### Themes and Takeaways
Beneath its playful surface, *Exploits of a Young Don Juan* does touch on themes of youth, desire, and the collision of innocence with adult complexities. Roger’s journey is less about love and more about navigating the blurry line between fantasy and reality. There’s even a hint of social commentary—servants are portrayed as more sexually liberated than the prudish aristocracy, and the looming war casts a subtle shadow over the characters’ carefree antics.
Still, the film doesn’t delve too deeply into these ideas. It’s more interested in delivering a guilty pleasure than prompting introspection. For some, that’s a feature, not a bug.
### Who’s This Movie For?
*Exploits of a Young Don Juan* is a niche watch. It’s best suited for fans of vintage European cinema, particularly those who enjoy the cheeky sex comedies of the ‘70s and ‘80s. If you’re drawn to films like *Boccaccio ‘70* or *The Decameron*, or if you’re curious about the softer side of erotic cinema, this might be worth a look. Just be prepared to approach it with a sense of historical context and a tolerance for its more problematic elements.
### Final Verdict: 3/5 Stars
*Exploits of a Young Don Juan* is a flawed but oddly charming slice of ‘80s erotica that’s as much a comedy as it is a period piece. Its lush visuals, playful performances, and lighthearted tone make it an entertaining diversion, but its dated sensibilities and uneven pacing keep it from being a classic. Watch it for the nostalgia, stay for the laughs, and maybe keep the fast-forward button handy for the slower bits.
**Where to Watch**: Check platforms like Amazon or Dailymotion for availability, though be warned—some versions may lack English subtitles.[](https://www.amazon.com/Exploits-Uncensored-Remastered-Japanese-Language/dp/B0789F3HCH)[](https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9c9l6m)
*Have you seen *Exploits of a Young Don Juan*? What did you think of its mix of comedy and controversy? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!*
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*Note: This review is written with a modern audience in mind, acknowledging the film’s context while addressing its sensitive content. Always check content advisories before watching, as some themes may be unsettling.*[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploits_of_a_Young_Don_Juan)
