Virgin Territory

Set in the late 14th century, Virgin Territory is a historical drama and comedy film that takes place in the rural landscapes of Tuscany, a region in central Italy that suffered heavily from the Black Death, a pandemic that devastated Europe and claimed the lives of millions. The film draws its inspiration from Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th-century masterpiece, 'The Decameron,' which is a collection of stories told by a group of young people who take shelter in a isolated villa to escape the plague. We are introduced to a young noble, Pampinea, who is the daughter of a wealthy family. She is joined by a group of nine young men from Florence, each from influential families, and the reason for their arrival in the Tuscan countryside is not just to escape the plague, but also to indulge in some carefree fun and enjoy their youth, unencumbered by the constraints of their aristocratic lives. The group is comprised of Fiesco, a handsome and charming young man with a penchant for adventure; Felice, a clever and witty individual who is always quick with a joke; Verbalta, a bumbling, somewhat dim-witted but endearing young man; Pampinea's brother Lauretta; and eight other young men each with their own unique personalities and quirks. Upon their arrival, the group is welcomed by a beautiful but fiery-tempered nun, Sister Bartolomea, who becomes an integral part of their adventures. She introduces them to the local customs and way of life, and is not averse to sharing her own lusty and adventurous tales, sometimes in a rather provocative manner that leaves her young charges spellbound. As the group settles into their new surroundings, they begin to engage in all sorts of lusty and lighthearted adventures. There is swordplay, carousals, and randy encounters with the local females. However, it is also in these rustic settings that the characters encounter their share of misunderstandings, misunderstandings that bring about a series of complex and hilarious situations. With her quick wit and indomitable spirit, Pampinea offers to tell a series of stories to her companions, drawing inspiration from the Decameron, where a group of people flee a plague-ridden city and gather to regale their fellow travelers with a collection of tales and novellas that reflect the passions and tribulations of human life. Throughout the film, romance becomes a major theme as the characters, especially Pampinea and Fiesco, navigate the complexities of desire and intimacy. It is during these scenes that the film shines, particularly when the characters engage in uninhibited and pure expressions of love and desire. Additionally, tensions rise when the group encounters an enemy horde of Saracen pirates who invade the countryside in search of young members of the opposite sex. With deadly battles and cunning escapes, the group experiences multiple scrapes, twists, and turns that force them to develop greater solidarity and a greater understanding of one another. This is further exemplified by their shared adventure with a beautiful and randy cow from a small village who reveals the darker side of cow behavior, and invites them to explore that realm. The film Virgin Territory is a vibrant and engaging portrayal of youthful passion, romantic escapades, and pure bravado set against the backdrop of the unforgiving and merciless landscape of the dark, 14th-century Tuscany.