Mandinga

'Mandinga' is an Italian exploitation film from 1976, set in the antebellum American South and directed by Mario Pinzauti. Known for its controversial storyline and vivid depiction of the era, it is built mainly around themes of race, lust, betrayal and the power dynamics of the slavery era. The film stars Antonio Gismondo, Serafino Profumo, and Maria Rosaria Riuzzi, who were known for their performances in adult-themed cinema.

As the movie begins, we're transported to a Southern plantation, where the lives of enslaved people are being ruled by brutal masters. This raw depiction of the brutalities of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade provides the gritty, socially critical backdrop to the rest of the film. While the subject matter is dark, 'Mandinga' is not devoid of artistry. It portrays the period's sights and sounds in a realistic yet stylized manner that enhances the overall narrative.

Antonio Gismondo takes on the role of a cruel plantation owner who exercises his power with an iron fist. Gismondo's strong performance makes his character intimidating and loathsome, thus setting the tone for a narrative driven by tension and anxiety.

Maria Rosaria Riuzzi, known for her striking presence in the Italian cinema of the era, portrays a slave named Missy. Missy’s character becomes the focal point of the movie as it evolves into a disturbing tale of lust and desire. Her performance is remarkable, navigating the ambiguities of her character with grace and strength.

Serafino Profumo doesn’t lag behind with his performance as a Mandingo fighter. Having a fearsome physical presence, Profumo adds a distinct flavor to the movie with his intense portrayal, making his character as imposing as it is intriguing.

'Mandinga' weaves an atmosphere that religiously sticks to its exploitation roots and offers meticulous detail of the harsh realities of the time. While it offers in-depth character studies of the plantation owner, his family, and the enslaved people, it critically examines the power dynamics prevalent in that period. The struggle for power, carnal desires, affections, loyalties and betrayals, all are portrayed against the backdrop of the ignominious institution of slavery.

The film continues to portray the time’s cultural nuance, with particular attention on the Institution's racial aspects. The slaves, mostly of African origin, are shown to have brought their customs, dances and rituals which adds cultural depth to the narrative, lending it a unique character.

The provocative undertone of the movie rests upon the foundation of man’s basic instincts - power, fear, and lust, and the degradation that follows from their unchecked and unbalanced undertones.

Pinzauti’s directing style adopted a non-conventional and raw approach towards the depiction of the era which contributes to the overall mood of the film. He has visually portrayed the era's brutality, injustice, and the futile struggle to retain human dignity within such a distressing setting.

The omni-present background score accompanies the narrative in part, intensifying the characters' emotions and defining the scenes with appropriate melody. From melancholic tunes to tension-fueled ones, the music plays a significant role in moving the story along.

Despite its controversial framework, 'Mandinga' has garnered a cult status over the years among lovers of the period drama and exploitation genre. This is mainly due to its explicit and unabashed storyline, polarising performances, meticulous attention to historical details, stylistic renderings and audacious exploration of themes often overlooked.

It is important to approach 'Mandinga' with an open mind concerning its themes and explicit content. Although there's no denying the importance of its historical commentary and exploration of human nature within the confines of slavery.

'Mandinga', essentially, is a significant entry into the catalog of exploitation cinema of the 70s that deserves attention for its brutality and raw portrayal of an era marked by human suffering and struggle for power.