The Sentimental Education of Eugénie

“The Sentimental Education of Eugénie” (not to be confused with L’educazione sentimentale di Eugénie) is a 2005 Italian erotic drama directed by Aurelio Grimaldi. The film draws inspiration from the controversial 18th century novel “La Philosophie dans le boudoir” by Marquis de Sade, narrating the process of awakening and libertine philosophy.

Plot Overview

The story focuses on Eugénie who is a young, naive girl to whose young dares the estate of Madame de Saint-Ange, an enthusiastic noblewoman. Saint-Ange holds no difficulty sailing in these positive dictates entrusted by the girl’s father as even indulges the child in components that embrace sensous forms of non-structured rationalism. She enlists Dolmancé, her brother Mirvel, and the servant, Augustin, to help her. The ensemble tries to achieve proper instructional forms as with their approach stems a pedagogical nature that aims instantaneously at fulfilling desires, making it possible to pass from moral and social antagonistic procedures toward freedom and pleasure of the self.

Main Characters

Eugénie (Sara Sartini): A sweet girl who is underneath guides wrongly being guided by helpers around her.

Madame de Saint-Ange (Antonella Salvucci): The tell-tale noblewoman who is charged with evolving Eugénie’s character toward some suitable form of higher education.

Marquis de Dolmancé (Valerio Tambone): He is a great brilliant philoposopher bearing burdening decadent ideology. He emraps the world with sexuality and negative morals alongside sexual libertanism.

Cavalier de Mirvel (Cristian Stelluti): A Saint-Ange sibling who helped de beledite Eugénie d’Dayrel Saint-Ange.

Augustin (Salvatore Lizzio): A younger servant participating in the educational adventures.

Topics of Discussion and Commentary

The film has a focus on the conflict between the Fundamentalists and the liberal movement in regard to freedom of sexual expression, crossing the borders of morals and chastity. It considers the multifaceted concept of education and, more specifically, a sites of influence on children by authoritative individuals. It utilizes the education as a form of power subjugation and attempts to bring into the limelight the so-called “elimination of ignorance” as a disguise for exploitation.

Public Opinion

When premiered on June 17th, 2005 in Italy, “The Sentimental Education of Eugénie” stirred controversy with its explicit depiction of sexual education, even amongst Italian audiences. The film’s depiction of de Sade’s elements received divided reviews; on one hand, it was appreciated for its courageous, precise incorporation of the original content, and on the other, denounced for being too explicit and shocking. The film had limited international distribution and is said to have made $122,367 within the first cycle.

Availability to View

Currently, “The Sentimental Education of Eugénie” does not appear on any mainstream streaming services. It is possible to buy a DVD though they are not widely sold and can be found on eBay.

Also, Plex lists the movie, however, obtainability may differ.

The movie ‘The Sentimental Education of Eugénie’ is an examination of controversial issues that seeks to probe and provoke the audience with the social norms that govern sexuality and education.