Seven Beauties (1975)

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, "Seven Beauties" unfolds the often ironic and absurd saga of Pasqualino Frafuso, a self-proclaimed Neapolitan Casanova. Deriving his nickname, Pasqualino "Seven Beauties", from his seven plain-looking sisters and his chivalric commitment to their honor, he presents an intriguing paradox - a man of unimpressive looks, yet, in his world, a magnetic force for women. Pasqualino's journey, filled with unpredictable twists and turns, leads him from being a big-talking layabout in Naples to an AWOL military man in Germany, a transition fueled by his pursuit of convenience in life's harsh circumstances. His life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally murders his sister Concettina's pimp, a man she claims to love. Opting for a plea of insanity over jail, Pasqualino finds himself in a psychiatric hospital enduring brutal treatments, a reality he escapes by choosing military service. However, this decision lands him in the steely grip of the Germans, who, upon his desertion, capture him and his newfound friend, Francesco. They are sent to a prison camp, a nightmarish world where survival is a wager against death. Here, Pasqualino, the man who prides himself on his ability to charm women, embarks on a risky quest to seduce the camp's obese, sadistic commandant. Interwoven with evocative flashbacks, the narrative paints a vivid portrait of Pasqualino's past, his familial obligations, his time in the asylum, and his desperate attempts to evade his grim circumstances. Throughout his journey, Pasqualino's seemingly weak and cowardly character is his greatest weapon, enabling him to endure the horrors of war and eventually return to Naples. His survival instincts remain undeterred, constantly scheming for a way to endure the inevitable future catastrophes. "Seven Beauties" is a compelling tale of survival, an exploration of how far one man can go to navigate the madness of war and the absurdity of life. It highlights the paradox of human nature, showcasing how weakness and cunning can often be two sides of the same survival coin.

Seven Beauties is a comedy movie featuring Giancarlo Giannini and directed by Lina Wertmüller.

Seven Beauties is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Metrograph.

It is also possible to buy Seven Beauties on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.