To Be Twenty

In the 1970s film 'To Be Twenty', directed by Sergio Corbucci's assistant, Sergio Pinheiro, Italian director, Marco Bellocchio, we encounter Lia and Tina, two young women who find themselves in a tumultuous journey of self-discovery and survival. From the outset, the narrative establishes a sense of disillusionment among its protagonists. Lia and Tina's lives seem unfulfilling, lacking the excitement and freedom they yearn for. They find solace in one another's company, discovering a shared frustration with the societal norms that govern their existences. This shared disillusionment serves as a catalyst for their decisions, which will ultimately lead them on a perilous path. Initially, Lia and Tina decide to take a leap of faith, embarking on a hitchhiking journey to Rome in search of Nazariota's commune. Founded by a charismatic figure, Nazariota, the commune promises a life of freedom and promiscuity, with no costs or responsibilities. It seems like a utopia for two young women who are disenchanted with the constraints of their daily lives. Their primary motivation, however, is the promise of an open and unrestricted sex life. Upon arrival in Rome, the duo's reality check begins as they struggle to locate the commune. They are left to their own devices and soon find themselves at the mercy of circumstance. In a desperate attempt to make ends meet, they turn to prostitution, selling their bodies to make a living. This marked a turning point in their journey, as their decisions become increasingly dictated by their need for survival. Prostitution brings Lia and Tina into contact with a seedy underworld, replete with morally bankrupt characters. The line between survival and exploitation is starkly drawn, and our protagonists find themselves trapped in a living hell from which there appears to be no escape. Their lives are a constant struggle, with each passing day marked by vulnerability and hardship. Furthermore, as Lia and Tina become more entrenched in their circumstances, they attract unwanted attention from both law enforcement and a violent gang. Their involvement with these forces highlights the danger, uncertainty, and risk that permeate their lives. The authorities seem to view them with disdain, treating them as nothing more than objects to be exploited and discarded. In the midst of such turmoil, the film poses a poignant question: at what cost does one pursue freedom and hedonism? Is the allure of unrestricted sex and a carefree existence worth sacrificing one's dignity and autonomy? Through Lia and Tina's story, the film critiques the societal expectations that shape the lives of young women, particularly in the 1970s. It questions whether the pursuit of liberation and self-discovery can be reduced to mere fantasy or whether it demands courage, resilience, and a willingness to confront the harsh realities of the world. In "To Be Twenty", Lia and Tina's journey is a testament to the unrelenting struggle of the human condition. Their story serves as a haunting reminder that the desire for freedom and autonomy can be a double-edged sword, capable of either liberating us or trapping us in a cycle of desperation and despair. As the narrative unfolds, Lia and Tina's lives begin to resemble a living nightmare from which there appears to be no escape. The film's unflinching portrayal of their experiences serves as a searing indictment of a society that prioritizes the needs and desires of the few over the survival and well-being of the many. In the end, the film presents a bleaker, more nuanced vision of the human experience. Lia and Tina's story is one of tragic proportions, a cautionary tale about the perils of blind ambition and the fragility of female existence. Their plight serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities that underpin the lives of many young women, even today. Through its poignant exploration of the human condition, "To Be Twenty" emerges as a powerful critique of society's treatment of its most vulnerable populations. The film is a harrowing portrayal of two young women caught in a world that seems hell-bent on crushing their spirits, and it is this unflinching look at reality that makes "To Be Twenty" such a compelling and impactful film.