The Seduction of Mimi

Play trailer

1:29

The Seduction of Mimi

R

1974

1h 52m

Comedy

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

This raucous sex comedy that brought international fame to director Lina Wertmuller (Swept Away) centers on sad sack Mimi, a Sicilian laborer whose refusal to vote for the Mafia's candidate leads him to lose his job, his wife, and his home. At rock bottom, he revives his spirits by falling in love with the beautiful, radical Fiorella, with whom he starts a new life as a reliable husband and father. But the past comes back to haunt him, piling on comical complexities as all his energies surge into defending his honor, an obsession that has horrendous but hilarious consequences. A blistering satire of Italy in the 1970s, The Seduction of Mimi takes aim at a corrupt government, compromised labor leaders and the Neanderthal sexual politics of men in power, with uproarious results.

Penelope Gilliatt

The New Yorker

Mar 5, 2024

A handsomely comic and political-minded farce that in Italy, where the characters live, has deadly-serious roots.

Go to Full Review

Nora Sayre

New York Times

Oct 19, 2020

Sexual hypocrisies and political dilemmas rarely flow smoothly onto the screen. But Lina Wertmuller excels in conveying both, in The Seduction of Mimi.

Go to Full Review

Michael Talbot-Haynes

Film Threat

Jun 4, 2026

9/10

It is more of a laugh riot than anything else, a clever old-school bed hopper with classic performances by its leads.

Go to Full Review

Rosalyn Drexler

Vogue

Mar 8, 2024

2/4

It is both funny and disgusting... perhaps cruel. Truth is not always exaggeration.

Go to Full Review

Marya E. Gates

Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack)

Feb 13, 2024

If you’re a fan of Spike Lee, you can absolutely see how aspects of Wertmüller’s filmmaking have found their way into his.

Go to Full Review

John Simon

Esquire Magazine

Jul 28, 2020

At this stage of her development, the director is good at unsentimental tragedy and uncomplaisant comedy, and has an admirable visual sense.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Diomi E

@Diomizio May 27, 2026

Lina Wertmuller è una dei più particolari registi della sua generazione. Ricorda un po' Ferreri per la sua vena iconoclasta e grottesca che in lei è però stemperata da una carica intellettuale di militanza politica declinata cinematograficamente.

See more

REGINA ZOE V

@RT43378801 Apr 21, 2026

The Seduction of Mimi is a masterclass in political satire and dark comedy. Starring Giancarlo Giannini and Mariangela Melato, the film follows Mimi, a Southern Italian obsessed with honor who moves North for work. His rigid code clashes hilariously with the corrupt reality of the Mafia. When he discovers his fiancée is pregnant, a desperate lie spirals into a chaotic web of affairs. Giannini is phenomenal balancing Mimi's vulnerability and stubborn pride with physical comedy. Wertmüller brilliantly uses Mimi’s sexual escapades to explore Italy’s identity crisis, mocking the hypocrisy of power while highlighting the human cost. The film’s visual contrast reinforces its themes of tradition vs. modernity. With its sharp dialogue, electric performances, and unflinching look at the absurdity of honor, this is a timeless, 4.5-star masterpiece that balances farce with social critique. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves cinema that makes you laugh while making you think.

See more

Stephen C

@bob25009 Apr 18, 2026

Funny in 1 hour and 52 minutes.

See more

Jun 12, 2020

Great film with many layers. Enjoyed the humor most.

See more

Sep 28, 2017

one of those films that feels like you watched 3 films in 1 setting . picaresque tale of a horny man. a man horny for the truth!! down with facism (this time in form of gangstas), up with woman's lib, A Classico!

See more

May 23, 2016

one of those films that feels like you watched 3 films in 1 setting . picaresque tale of a horny man. a man horny for the truth!! down with facism (this time in form of gangstas), up with woman's lib, A Classico!

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Lina Wertmüller

Director

Giancarlo Giannini

Carmelo Mardocheo detto Mimí

Mariangela Melato

Fiorella Meneghini

Agostina Belli

Rosalia Capuzzo in Mardocheo

Turi Ferro

Don Calogero

Elena Fiore

Amalia Finocchiaro

The Seduction of Mimi: Trailer 1

1:29

Now Playing

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

This raucous sex comedy that brought international fame to director Lina Wertmuller (Swept Away) centers on sad sack Mimi, a Sicilian laborer whose refusal to vote for the Mafia's candidate leads him to lose his job, his wife, and his home. At rock bottom, he revives his spirits by falling in love with the beautiful, radical Fiorella, with whom he starts a new life as a reliable husband and father. But the past comes back to haunt him, piling on comical complexities as all his energies surge into defending his honor, an obsession that has horrendous but hilarious consequences. A blistering satire of Italy in the 1970s, The Seduction of Mimi takes aim at a corrupt government, compromised labor leaders and the Neanderthal sexual politics of men in power, with uproarious results.

Director: Lina Wertmüller
Screenwriter: Lina Wertmüller
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: Euro International Film (EIA) S.p.A.
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: Italian
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 18, 1974, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Apr 24, 2026
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $19.2K
Runtime: 1h 52m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings