RottenTomatoes.com
Log In | Register | What is RT?
RT's Blu-ray HQ
  • Home
  • Movies
  • DVD
  • Celebrities
  • News
  • Critics
  • Trailers & Pictures
  • CommunityBeta
  • Box Office
  • | In Theaters
  • | Opening
  • | Upcoming
  • | Best Of
  • | Certified Fresh
  • | Showtimes
RT Search Powered by Google
help icon Enhanced RT
searches on Google
Click here to turn on enhanced search results from RT on your Google searches.
 
Movies / On DVD / Salo, Or The 120 Days of Sodom
Salo, Or The 120 Days of Sodom

Rate this Movie Help Icon

  • Write a Review
  • Read Reviews
  • Add to List
  • Get this Movie
  • Buy Poster External Icon
Bookmark and Share

Salo, Or The 120 Days of Sodom (1975)

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
  • DVD
71 %
Tomatometer
Template ImageTemplate Image

How does the Tomatometer work Help Icon

Reviews Counted:21

Fresh:15

Rotten:6

Average Rating:6.3/10

Runtime: 1 hr 56 mins

Genre: Foreign Films

Synopsis: Pier Paolo Pasolini was a celebrated poet, writer, and all-around intellectual, but it was his maverick, controversial filmmaking that distinguished him as an influential artistic force. The... Pier Paolo Pasolini was a celebrated poet, writer, and all-around intellectual, but it was his maverick, controversial filmmaking that distinguished him as an influential artistic force. The director's last film, 120 DAYS OF SODOM, an adaptation of the Marquis de Sade's 18th century novel, remains his most notorious (and most censored) due to its scenes of graphic rape and torture of adolescents. Pasolini relocates the novel's horrific abuses from France to the final days of Mussolini's reign, effectively rendering a grim portrait of the degradation of the human body and spirit beneath Fascist and Nazi rule. [More]

Starring: Paolo Bonacelli, Giorgio Cataldi, Umberto P. Quinavalle, Aldo Valletti

Starring: Paolo Bonacelli, Giorgio Cataldi, Umberto P. Quinavalle, Aldo Valletti, Caterina Boratto

Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini

Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini
Composer: Ennio Morricone

[See More Credits]

Get This Movie

Rent DVD
 
 

Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.

 
 
Buy DVD
 
 
Release:

Aug 26, 2008

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • Pier Paolo Pasolini's notorious final film, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, has been called nauseating, shocking, depraved, pornographic . . . it's also a masterpiece. The controversial poet, novelist, and filmmaker's transposition of the Marquis de Sade's 18th-century opus of torture and degradation to 1944 Fascist Italy remains one of the most passionately debated films of all time, a thought-provoking inquiry into the political, social, and sexual dynamics that define the world we live in.
  • Source: Image Entertainment Inc.
  •  
     
     
     

    Reviews for Salo, Or The 120 Days of Sodom

    • T-Meter Critics
    • Top Critics
    • RT Community
    • My Critics
    • My Friends
    • DVD
     
     
    1 - 20 (sorted by date)
    Bubble View | 1 2 >> >|
    Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
     
     
    Reviews
    Tomatometer Critic Review Category
    tomato
    A+

    Cole Smithey

    Dramatically feral and artistically fertile, "Salo" is a rigorous movie that dares to use the metaphor of torture as a device of utter physical and psychological annihilation for both the victim and the torturer.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jul., 11 2009 08:03 PM

    ColeSmithey.com

    N/R

    Click to read the article

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 18 2008 06:24 AM

    Time Out

    splat

    Steve Biodrowski

    Intended to be read as a caustic commentary on the evils of Fascism, Salo is marred by the uneasy perception that Pasolini (rather like purveyors of modern Torture Porn) is simply getting off on the abuse he visualizes with such delight.

    Full Review Source: | comment 4 Comments | Aug., 27 2008 11:53 AM

    ESplatter

    tomato
    3/4

    Eric Henderson

    Fastidiously attuned to the denial of the comforting release of either eroticism or expulsion, Pasolini's boudoirs of perversion lack De Sade's scarlet hedonism. Quite the opposite, his boners reveal only the presence of spiritual rigor mortis.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 25 2008 10:28 PM

    Slant Magazine

    tomato
    4/5

    Ken Hanke

    There's a sense of pure evil clinging to the film like nothing I've ever experienced. I do not believe this is unintentional, nor do I believe it is pointless.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 14 2008 09:41 AM

    Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

    splat
    2.5/4

    The result, despite moments of undeniably brilliant insight, is nearly unwatchable, extremely disturbing, and often literally nauseous.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 23 2007 10:51 PM

    TV Guide's Movie Guide

    tomato

    Jonathan Rosenbaum

    Very hard to take, but in its own way an essential work.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 23 2007 10:49 PM

    Chicago Reader

    tomato
    3/5

    Dan Fienberg

    There are absolutely fascinating ways of reading and understanding this Pasolini epic. But would I ever want to watch it again? Probably not.

    comment Comment | Sep., 10 2005 05:52 PM

    Zap2it.com

    tomato
    4/5

    Emanuel Levy

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Jul., 24 2005 05:31 AM

    EmanuelLevy.Com

    tomato
    B

    Dennis Schwartz

    Shocking film.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 15 2005 08:17 PM

    Ozus' World Movie Reviews

    splat
    1/5

    Vincent Canby

    A perfect example of the kind of material that, theoretically, anyway, can be acceptable on paper but becomes so repugnant when visualized on the screen that it further dehumanizes the human spirit, which is supposed to be the artist's concern.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 09 2005 03:16 AM

    New York Times

    splat
    2/5

    Christopher Null

    In all honesty it's a terrible, terrible experience -- but give the guy credit: It's certainly unique.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 20 2005 05:07 PM

    Filmcritic.com

    splat
    0/5

    Jake Euker

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Jul., 02 2004 07:49 AM

    F5 (Wichita, KS)

    tomato

    Rumsey Taylor

    For Salò, a film genuinely concerned with the nature and power of misanthropy, Pasolini’s murder is a conclusive action; it is an example of martyrdom.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 24 2004 07:03 AM

    Not Coming to a Theater Near You

    tomato
    3/5

    Daniel M. Kimmel

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Feb., 08 2004 10:30 AM

    Worcester Telegram & Gazette

    tomato
    4/4

    Derek Smith

    A difficult film to watch, but one that forces you to think

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 07 2003 09:34 PM

    Cinematic Reflections

    tomato
    3/5

    Philip Martin

    No review available.

    comment Comment | Jul., 30 2002 11:18 AM

    Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

    tomato
    3.5/4

    Jeremy Heilman

    I was more intellectually engaged than offended while watching it.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 05 2002 08:11 AM

    MovieMartyr.com

    tomato

    Shane Burridge

    A film from a text which single-handedly defined the term 'unfilmable'

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 24 2001 07:07 PM

    rec.arts.movies.reviews

    tomato
    3/5

    Kim Newman

    As disturbing as it set out to be. This may not be an enjoyable experience but it is definitely an experience.

    Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 13 2001 05:21 PM

    Empire Magazine

     
     
    1 - 20 (sorted by date)
    Bubble View | 1 2 >> >|
    all

    Latest News for Salo, Or The 120 Days of Sodom

    May 19, 2008: RT on DVD: National Treasure 2, Diary of the Dead, Plus Salo News!
    Exciting announcements abound this week (Fearless Director's Cut! A new Little Mermaid movie! Gossip Girl on DVD!) while Nicolas Cage's treasure-hunting adventure sequel,... More...

    April 27, 2007: When Is A DVD Worth $400? A Look At Criterion Collectibles
    When is a DVD worth $400? To DVD enthusiasts, it's when said disc is a rare Criterion white-ring issue of Pier Pasolini's 1975 film "Salo," which can go for upwards of... More...

    See All

    More DVDs

    Close
    Top Rentals
    Tomatometer Percentage Movie
    15% 15% The Ugly Truth
    98% 98% Up
    36% 36% G.I. Joe: The Rise of …
    52% 52% The Taking of Pelham 1…
    45% 45% Ice Age: Dawn of the D…

    More Rentals…

    New On DVD This Week
    Tomatometer Percentage Movie
    36% 36% Angels & Demons
    68% 68% Funny People
    25% 25% Four Christmases
    45% 45% Shorts

    More New Releases…

    See All

    RT On Current TV

    The Rotten Tomatoes Show on Current TV

    DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...

    Learn how you can be part of the show

    More...

    What’s Hot On RT

    Total Recall

    Total Recall

    John Travolta's top reviewed movies

    Disney Countdown

    Disney Countdown

    Look back on Disney's best animated movies!

    RT's Gift Guide

    RT's Gift Guide

    Give the best movies, gear, and more!

    What's Coming Out

    What's Coming Out

    Find movies for the holiday weekend!

    Other News

    Close
    • Top Stories
    • Popular
    • Interviews
     
     

    Comments

     
     
    Top Stories
    Headlines Comments
      
    • First Look (Sort Of) at New Nightmare's Freddy Source: ShockTillYouDrop.com
    15
    • First Look at Shrek Forever After Source: USA Today
    40
    • Woody Harrelson Will Battle Zombies in 3-D Source: Moviehole
    24
    • Natalie Portman Says Kat Denning Is in Thor Source: MTV
    34
    • Disney Restructuring Has Broad Implications Source: Los Angeles Times
    10
    • Joel Silver Talks Ninja Assassin, Sgt. Rock, Lobo, and More Source: Collider.com
    1
    • Weekly Ketchup: Idris Elba cast in Thor, more Spider-Man 4 rumors
    118
    • Idris Elba Joins Thor Source: Hollywood Reporter
    112
    • Jackass 3D Coming in 2010? Source: Collider.com
    32
    • 6 Reasons 'Twilight' Is Doomed Source: The Wrap
    64
    Popular
    Headlines Comments
      
    • Box Office Guru Wrapup: New Moon Shatters Records
    177
    • Critics Consensus: New Moon Wanes
    130
    • Total Recall: John Travolta's Best Movies
    76
    • Total Recall: Star-Crossed Lovers
    75
    • Weekly Ketchup: Idris Elba cast in Thor, more Spider-Man 4 rumors
    59
    • Critics Consensus: Flee From Ninja Assassin
    37
    • Friday Harvest: New Moon, Avatar, and more!
    32
    • WB offers DVD to Blu-ray Trade-In Program
    26
    • RT on DVD & Blu-Ray: Angels & Demons, Funny People, and Superman
    18
    • Five Favorite Films With Zombieland Director Ruben Fleischer
    18
    Interviews
    Headlines Comments
      
    • "I Don't Hate Women": Lars von Trier on Antichrist
    13
    • Eric Bana talks Love the Beast - RT Interview
    9
    • Fight Club Sound Designer Reflects on Film's 10th Anniversary
    19
    • James Schamus talks Taking Woodstock - RT Interview
    6
    • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview
    15
    • Terry Gilliam Talks Doctor Parnassus
    20
    • Wes Anderson Talks Fantastic Mr. Fox - RT Interview
    8
    • Wolverine Creator Len Wein Talks About the Film
    28
    • Gavin Hood Talks Wolverine; Possible Sequel
    28
    • Duncan Jones talks Moon, Sam Rockwell, and Mute
    14
     
     

    Sponsored Links

    Around The Network

    • Salo, Or The 120 Days of Sodom at Rotten Tomatoes

    Fresh Links

    Featured
    Wes Anderson on Fox
    Wes Anderson on Fox External Link

    The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Animated Oscar?
    Animated Oscar? External Link

    Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.

    TIME's Holiday Movie Preview
    TIME's Holiday Movie Preview External Link

    Richard Corliss previews the season's best offerings and hottest tickets.

    Scenic Routes
    Scenic Routes External Link

    The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo airs his beefs with Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men.

    Promos
    Follow RT on Twitter
    Follow RT on Twitter External Link

    Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!

     
     
    About| Site Map| Help| RT To Go| Contact Us| Critics Submission| Linking to RT| Licensing| Movie List| Games| Celebs List| Newsletter
    IGN Logo

    IGN.com | GameSpy | Comrade | Arena | FilePlanet | GameSpy Technology
    TeamXbox | Planets | Vaults | VE3D | CheatsCodesGuides | GameStats | GamerMetrics
    AskMen.com | Rotten Tomatoes | Direct2Drive | Green Pixels


    By continuing past this page, and by the continued use of this site, you agree to be bound by and abide by the User Agreement.
    Copyright 1998-2009, IGN Entertainment, Inc. About IGN | Support | Advertise | Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Subscribe to RT's XML feed! IGN RSS Feeds
    IGN's enterprise databases running Oracle, SQL and MySQL are professionally monitored and managed by Pythian Remote DBA
    Certain product data ©1995-present Muze, Inc. For personal use only. All rights reserved.