L'amica (1969)
A scorned Milanese wife turns the tables on her unfaithful husband and her treacherous best friend in this sharp Italian drama.
L'amica - Movie Information
- Original Title: L'amica
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: Alberto Lattuada
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: English, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 23, 1969 (Italy)
- Production Companies: Fair Film
- Production Countries: Italy
L'amica - Plot
The beautiful but neglected wife of a brilliant architect from Milan, betrayed by her husband and mocked by her friend who manages the amorous adventures that she dreams of having, decides to take vengeance of the two, seducing her friend's husband and her young son.
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L'amica - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alberto Lattuada
Main Cast
- Lisa Gastoni
- Jean Sorel
- Gabriele Ferzetti
- Elsa Martinelli
- Frank Wolff
- Marina Coffa
- Ray Lovelock
- Sergio Serafini
- Mita Cattaneo
Writers
- Mario Cecchi Gori
- Giovanna Gagliardo
- Franco Verucci
- Alberto Silvestri
Producers
- Mario Cecchi Gori
L'amica - FAQs
What is L'amica about?
L'amica follows Lisa, a beautiful but neglected wife of a successful Milan architect, who discovers her husband's infidelity and endures mockery from her manipulative best friend. Pushed to her limit, she plots a calculated revenge by seducing both her friend's husband and her young son.
Who plays the lead role in L'amica?
Lisa Gastoni takes the lead as Lisa Marchesi, the wronged wife at the center of the story. She's joined by Jean Sorel, Gabriele Ferzetti, and Elsa Martinelli in key supporting roles, making for a compelling ensemble in this Italian drama.
Who directed L'amica and what is his style?
Alberto Lattuada directed L'amica. A seasoned figure in Italian cinema, Lattuada was known for psychologically rich narratives and a sharp eye for female characters navigating social constraints. L'amica fits squarely within his interest in desire, betrayal, and bourgeois hypocrisy.
Is L'amica a revenge story?
Very much so. The film builds around Lisa's deliberate, cold-blooded plan to turn the tables on those who wronged her. Rather than a simple emotional outburst, her revenge is methodical — seducing her friend's husband and son — giving the film a sharp, unsettling edge.
When was L'amica released?
L'amica premiered in Italy on December 23, 1969. It arrived during a particularly fertile period for Italian genre cinema, when psychological dramas exploring bourgeois relationships and female agency were finding both critical attention and popular audiences.
What themes does L'amica explore?
The film digs into betrayal, female desire, and the suffocating expectations placed on women in upper-middle-class Italian society. It also examines toxic female friendship, where rivalry and manipulation simmer beneath a surface of intimacy — themes that feel surprisingly contemporary.
Who wrote the screenplay for L'amica?
The screenplay was written by Mario Cecchi Gori, Giovanna Gagliardo, Franco Verucci, and Alberto Silvestri. The collaborative writing team helped craft the film's layered portrait of marital disillusionment and social vengeance within Milan's affluent circles.
What are some movies similar to L'amica?
If L'amica appeals to you, check out Husbands and Lovers (1991), Remember Me, My Love (2003), and Everybody's Fine (1990) — all Italian films exploring complex relationships and emotional undercurrents. Dream Lover (1994) and The Raffle (1991) also share the film's sharp, provocative tone.
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