And now for something completely different....
"Punish Me" is a German film by the female director, Angelina Maccarone. I purposefully highlight her gender, because it's probably the more seminal factor in why this film both works and deserves to be seen.
On its face, the storyline might appear uncomfortably counter-culture; but in the hands of Frauline Maccarone, it becomes a compelling story and study of the power of feminist identity versus the archetype of submissive maternal instinct. It's a good movie for a discussion group.
The story is that of young masochist delinquent Jan (played by the petulant, seductive Kostja Ullmann) who is placed in the care of middle-age parole officer, Elsa (Maren Kroymann) to be rehabilitated back into society. But unlike her other youthful charges, Jan likes it rough and awakens in Elsa a desire to satisfy him. One of my favorite moments in the film is when her husband ridicules her for conducting a sexual affair with the young man, after which she describes the true nature of their liaison. It's priceless cinema.
Not for everyone, but curiosity doesn't always kill the cat!
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