Critics were divided upon release, with many dismissing its tonal inconsistency and broad humor. However, fans of appreciate its unapologetic energy, the earnest performances of its young cast (including Christopher Egan, Tim Roth as a sleazy friar, and Ryan Cartwright), and its sheer, silly escapism. It’s less a history lesson and more a cheeky, sun-drenched party—one where the plague is just an excuse to get naked, tell tall tales, and fall in love.
Set against the backdrop of the Black Death, a group of young nobles and servants flee the city for a villa in the countryside. There, they pass the time by spinning wild, increasingly risqué stories of romantic entanglements, mistaken identities, and amorous deceptions. The narrative weaves together multiple plots: a resourceful young woman (played by Mischa Barton) tries to outwit her lecherous guardian, a handsome but roguish suitor (Hayden Christensen) schemes to win her heart, and a cast of comic grotesques—including horny monks, jealous husbands, and bumbling suitors—stumble through one compromising situation after another. virgin territory 2007
The film is notable for its : think corsets and codpieces filtered through a music video lens, complete with lush cinematography by Ben Davis and a pulsating, eclectic soundtrack. While it drew comparisons to The Canterbury Tales and A Knight’s Tale , Virgin Territory leans harder into softcore farce and slapstick. Critics were divided upon release, with many dismissing
Virgin Territory (original Italian title: Decameron Pie ) is a bawdy, playful, and deliberately anachronistic comedy-drama inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’s 14th-century classic The Decameron . Directed by David Leland, the film transplants the original’s earthy tales of love, lust, and trickery into a lush but irreverent vision of plague-ridden Florence. Set against the backdrop of the Black Death,
For viewers seeking a , Virgin Territory delivers exactly what its title promises: uncharted, unashamed fun.