Bubu (1971)
A stark Italian drama about love, exploitation, and survival, directed by Mauro Bolognini and set in the unforgiving world of pimps and prostitutes.
Bubu - Movie Information
- Original Title: Bubù
- Release Year: 1971
- Directed by: Mauro Bolognini
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 16, 1971 (Italy)
- Alternative Titles: Bubu vom Montparnasse (DE), Bubu de Montparnasse (ES), Bubu, o zigolo tou Montparnasse (GR), Paris'li fahise (TR), Bubú de Montparnasse (PT)
- Production Companies: B.R.C. Produzione Film
- Production Countries: Italy
Bubu - Plot
Bubu leaves his job in a bakery, forces his girl-friend into prostitution, and from then on lives out of the money she makes. The young couple find their place in the world of prostitutes and pimps, but the lack of perspective in their life - which is permanently haunted by the possibility of an incurable and fatal venereal infection - and the humiliations the girl endures strain their relationship and lead to conflicts.
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Bubu - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mauro Bolognini
Main Cast
- Massimo Ranieri
- Ottavia Piccolo
- Antonio Falsi
- Gigi Proietti
- Anna Fadda
- Gianna Serra
- Niké Arrighi
Writers
- Mario Di Nardo
- Mauro Bolognini
- Giovanni Testori
Producers
- Manolo Bolognini
Bubu - FAQs
What is Bubu about?
Bubu follows a young man who abandons his bakery job and pushes his girlfriend into prostitution, living off her earnings. Set in the world of pimps and sex workers, the film explores how poverty, exploitation, and the constant threat of venereal disease slowly corrode their relationship and any hope for the future.
Who are the main actors in Bubu?
The film stars Massimo Ranieri as Piero and Ottavia Piccolo as Berta, the young couple at the heart of the story. Antonio Falsi plays the title character Bubu, while Gigi Proietti appears as Giulio the Thief. Niké Arrighi, Gianna Serra, and Anna Fadda round out the cast.
Is Bubu based on a true story or a novel?
Bubu is adapted from the 1901 French novel Bubu de Montparnasse by Charles-Louis Philippe, a naturalist work depicting the harsh lives of prostitutes and pimps in turn-of-the-century Paris. The screenplay was written by Mario Di Nardo, Mauro Bolognini, and Giovanni Testori, who transposed the source material to the screen.
Who directed Bubu?
Bubu was directed by Mauro Bolognini, one of Italy's most respected filmmakers of the postwar era. Known for his literary adaptations and unflinching social realism, Bolognini brought a distinctive visual elegance to difficult subject matter throughout his career.
When was Bubu released?
Bubu had its Italian theatrical release on February 16, 1971. The film is an Italian production by B.R.C. Produzione Film and has been known internationally under several alternative titles, including Bubu de Montparnasse in Spanish-speaking countries and Bubu vom Montparnasse in Germany.
How long is Bubu?
Bubu runs for 105 minutes, giving Bolognini enough room to develop the emotional and social dimensions of the story at a measured, immersive pace. The film's unhurried rhythm allows the weight of the characters' circumstances to build gradually and convincingly.
What are films similar to Bubu?
If Bubu resonates with you, you might also enjoy Lilya 4-ever (2002), a devastating portrait of exploitation and trafficking, or Anora (2024), which explores a young woman navigating a precarious relationship. Love, Money, Love (2000) and Left Bank (2008) also share the film's bleak, intimate tone.
Who wrote the screenplay for Bubu?
The screenplay was written by Mario Di Nardo, Mauro Bolognini, and Giovanni Testori, adapting Charles-Louis Philippe's classic French novel. Testori, a noted Italian playwright and novelist, brought literary depth to the adaptation, helping preserve the source material's raw emotional honesty.
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