So Young, So Lovely, So Vicious… | Peccati di gioventù (1975) Review

Added: 2026-05-13

[00:00:09]Please don't do it, Angela.

[00:00:16]>> This film has made many viewers so uncomfortable that they couldn't even finish it. Not because it's too violent, but because what it reveals about human nature feels disturbingly real.

[00:00:28]This isn't just a story about youth.

[00:00:30]It's about the moment when the line between curiosity and mistake completely disappears.

[00:00:36]And once you cross it, there's no way back.

[00:00:41]Welcome back to Taboo Movies. Today we're talking about a 1975 Italian film that fans of classic exploitation cinema should not miss. Kati de Jovenu, also known by its English title, So Young, So Lovely, So Vicious.

[00:00:57]A beautiful teenage girl, a widowed father, a woman about to become a stepmother, and behind the sunlit beaches and bright Mediterranean scenery lies a darker world of schemes, jealousy, and desire.

[00:01:12]Picati Joan 2 was directed by Sylvio Amadio, a filmmaker known for working on several jallow and erotic drama projects during that era.

[00:01:21]The film stars Gloria Guida and Dogmar Landre, two iconic faces of 1970s Italian cinema.

[00:01:30]But the real question is, is it truly as vicious as the title suggests?

[00:01:36]Let's take a closer look.

[00:01:42][music] The story follows Angela, a young, beautiful girl who is deeply spoiled by her widowed father, a respected doctor.

[00:01:57]Her life revolves around parties, sunbathing, and spending money without limits.

[00:02:04]Everything changes when her father brings home Irene, a mature, elegant woman who appears calm and serious.

[00:02:12]Angela immediately feels threatened. She cannot accept losing her position as the center of her father's world.

[00:02:20]Angela devises a dark plan. She asks her boyfriend, Sandro, to get close to her future stepmother. And when that fails, she takes matters into her own hands, secretly arranging for evidence to be captured and later used as leverage. But everything quickly spirals out of control.

[00:02:40]What starts as emotional manipulation gradually escalates into more complex and dangerous actions.

[00:02:48]The film slowly shifts from a family drama into a darker psychological narrative where desire, control, and emotional tension build toward a dramatic climax.

[00:03:00]And the ending, we won't spoil it here, but be prepared. No one truly wins.

[00:03:08]From a filmmaking perspective, Picat Jovenu is not a masterpiece.

[00:03:13]The script can feel uneven at times. The pacing is slow and the opening act may come across as somewhat unfocused.

[00:03:22]However, the film is elevated by its two leading actresses.

[00:03:26]Gloria Guida delivers a compelling performance as Angela, balancing innocence with a subtle sense of calculation.

[00:03:35]1975 was a particularly active period in her career. She was one of the most recognizable faces in Italian cinema at the time, appearing in romantic comedes, psychological dramas, and exploitation films.

[00:03:50]At this stage, she combines charm, vulnerability, and a darker edge, a role that requires noticeable emotional transitions.

[00:03:59]Meanwhile, Dagmar Landre brings a refined, almost aristocratic presence.

[00:04:04]Her portrayal of Irene captures a sense of maturity, fragility, and quiet strength.

[00:04:11]The contrast between these two characters is easily the film's strongest element.

[00:04:18]This is not a violent film, nor is it a traditional gialo thriller. Instead, it leans more toward psychological melodrama where human flaws are softened by desire and shaped by loneliness.

[00:04:31]Visually, the film makes strong use of natural lighting and the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean setting. Each frame carries the atmosphere of classic European cinema, slow, expressive, and emotionally driven.

[00:04:47]Overall, Picati de Jovenu is not a deeply philosophical art film, nor is it a pure horror experience.

[00:04:54]It is at its core an erotic psychological drama best suited for viewers interested in classic Italian cinema with a mix of emotional conflict and provocative themes.

[00:05:07]At the same time, it offers a glimpse into the awakening of human instincts and the consequences of youthful choices.

[00:05:16]My rating for this film is 6.8 out of 10.

[00:05:21]Eight out of 10 for atmosphere and visual appeal, 7 out of 10 for performances and setting.

[00:05:28]5.5 out of 10 for writing and depth.

[00:05:32]If you're looking for pure entertainment, this might not be your first choice. But if you want to understand how Italian cinema tells dark and unconventional stories in a visually elegant and emotionally distant way, this is worth watching.

[00:05:48]Have you seen de Joel 2?

[00:05:51]What do you think about Sylvio Amio's style?

[00:05:56]Do you find Angela unlikable or strangely compelling?

[00:06:00]Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[00:06:04]If you enjoy reviews of classic films, Italian cinema, or psychological dramas, don't forget to like this video and subscribe to support the channel. Thanks for watching and I'll see you in the next video. Goodbye and see you soon.