The Belt
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45% Critic Match

The Belt

4.5 / 10 1989 1h 33mNR Italian
DramaRomance

Storyline

Vittorio, an American novelist teaching in Rome, meets the beautiful but damaged Bianca and they rapidly fall into an urgent, tempestuous affair. He's hesitant over their relationship since she seems to thrive on conflict and is constantly baiting him into physical altercation. Bianca gives Vittorio an exquisite leather belt as a gift; he knows immediately that she wants him to whip her with it. Driven by his craving for her, Vittorio complies to Bianca's desire. Their relationship escalates into a dark realm of S&M which becomes more and more self-destructive.

Cast & Crew

James Russo

James Russo

Vittorio De Simone

Lead
Eleonora Brigliadori

Eleonora Brigliadori

Bianca Ravelli

Giuliana Calandra

Giuliana Calandra

Bianca's Mother

Anna Bonaiuto

Anna Bonaiuto

The Judge

Karen Moore

Karen Moore

Nora

Lidia Broccolino

Lidia Broccolino

Bianca's Friend

Riccardo Salvino

Riccardo Salvino

Prof. Achille Biondelli

Delia D'Alberti

Delia D'Alberti

Biondelli's Wife

What People Are Saying

3.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Giuliana Gamba's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
3.0
Every frame feels alive. The Belt is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker