L'ultimo treno is a steamy, European adventure that delivers a healthy dose of X-rated thrills and vintage erotica. With a runtime of around 139 minutes, this 1995 feature from director Max Bellocchio offers a substantial serving of adult entertainment, albeit with varying levels of success.
The story, albeit thin, revolves around a group of individuals and their sexual encounters, with a particular focus on female desire and empowerment. The premise is merely a vessel for a series of explicit and graphic sexual encounters, which is to be expected from a film within this genre.
The cast, including Angelica Bella, Anita Rinaldi, Simona Valli, and Gina Colany, among others, deliver committed performances, embracing the physical demands of their roles.
One of the standout scenes involves the talented Simona Valli, who showcases her prowess in a passionate and intense double penetration sequence. Her sultry and uninhibited performance in this scene is a true showcase of erotic cinema, as she moans and writhes in ecstasy, her body a canvas of pleasure and desire, sweat glistening under the warm glow of the train carriage lamps. Valli's unapologetic embrace of her sexuality is a testament to her skill as a performer, as she surrenders to the moment with raw, unfiltered passion.
Technically, the film has a certain level of production value, with decent cinematography and a sense of style that elevates it above some of its contemporaries. The use of location and set design, particularly within the train carriages, adds a layer of atmosphere and a sense of place.
However, the film is not without its drawbacks. The pacing, at times, feels uneven, with some scenes feeling protracted and others feeling rushed. Additionally, while the commitment of the cast is commendable, the acting is not always convincing, with some performances feeling stilted and unnatural.
While it offers some memorable and well-crafted erotic sequences, it also suffers from pacing issues and uneven performances. Nonetheless, for fans of vintage European adult cinema, it will undoubtedly have its appeal, and with a runtime of nearly 2 and a half hours, it certainly delivers on its promise of explicit content.
An extended journey with some scenic highlights but a few bumpy tracks along the way.
