Felicity

Felicity is an Australian coming-of-age erotic drama film from the year 1978. Directed by John D. Lamond and starring Glory Annen in the titular role, the film attempts to delve into the sexual awakening of a young girl in the backdrop of 1940s Hong Kong. Supporting roles were portrayed by actors Chris Milne and Joni Flynn, adding depth to the primary storyline.

The narrative revolves around Felicity Robinson (Annen), a sweet and naive girl who attends a strict boarding school in Australia. With a life largely confined within the walls of her school and dictated by the school's stern norms, the young Felicity is shown longing for experiences beyond her restricted existence. The film depicts Felicity as being inherently curious about the world outside, especially intrigued by what's considered 'forbidden' by her school's traditional guidelines.

Felicity's sexual awakening commences when she stumbles across a collection of erotic literature. Experiencing an array of emotions, Felicity embarks on an exploration of her sexuality, which later becomes the central theme of the narrative. The story takes a pivotal turn when Felicity, during her vacation, travels to her father's plush home in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, with her neon-lit streets, glamorous nightlife, and sensuous atmosphere serves as a vast playground for Felicity's curiosities. In this bustling city, escorting the innocent Felicity is a motherly figure, Me Ling, played by Joni Flynn. Under her watchful guidance, Felicity finds herself enthralled by unexpected adventures and experiences. As Felicity navigates her way through these experiences, her innocent naivety transforms into full-blown sensuality, captured beautifully by the camera.

Every element of the film from the exotic settings to glamorous costumes establishes the base for Felicity's transition from her sheltered life into a world of pleasure and exploration. Chris Milne plays the role of a well-travelled photographer, Miles, who encounters Felicity during her transformational journey. He is not only a symbol of the exotic possibilities that seduce Felicity but also plays a pivotal role in her pursuit of passion and search for identity.

Even by the standards of the '70s, Felicity might seem bold, as it explores the theme of sexual awakening candidly and explicitly. Despite the erotic scenes and nudity, the film does not confine itself to the boundaries of an erotic drama. It focuses on the personal journey of the protagonist, whose story is told without much moral weightage. The movie bears some resemblance to Just Jaeckin’s Emmanuelle (1974) in terms of style and theme, but Felicity’s innocence and curiosity make the journey more empathetic.

The film features lush cinematography by Garry Wapshott, using a palette of rich colors that seemingly heightens the intensity of emotions depicted in the story, specifically during the Hong Kong sequences. The slow-motion sequences and soft focus further enhance the film's erotic appeal, creating an attractive visual experience for the audience. The film's score, upbeat with infectious disco tunes, complements the vibrant energy of Hong Kong and the vitality of Felicity's experiences perfectly.

Performance-wise, Glory Annen is stellar in depicting the curiosity and vulnerability of her character. She embraces the complexity of her role, portraying Felicity's metamorphosis convincingly. Chris Milne, as the suave photographer, leaves his mark as well, while Joni Flynn delivers a memorable performance as the wise, protective and sensual Me Ling.

Despite the passage of many decades, Felicity retains its appeal due to its unabashed exploration of a woman's erotic awakening. The film not just presents sex as a tool for titillation but integrates it within the narrative arc of a young girl discovering her desires and learning about the world through her eyes. It defies convention, providing a fresh, unique touch to the genre. Most importantly, Felicity serves as a reminder of a period when erotic dramas were not taboos and used to largely focus on a woman's exploration of her own sensuality.

With a run time of 90 minutes, Felicity packs an engaging mix of eroticism, romance, dramatized emotions, and individual growth. It serves as an exceptional artifact in cinema that blends the lines of eroticism and personal journey, delivering a story that continues to resonate with audiences and stand out in the landscape of Australian cinema.