This version has been translated to English. The French have very different sexual attitudes than Americans. Emmanuelle is a young woman married to an older man, who encourages her sexual independence. The film is adapted from an erotic novel by the same title, which was first released clandestinely in France in 1959. The novel was considered semi-auto biographical, written by the Thai wife of a French Diplomat, who according to legend were known for their sexual exploits among the expats of Bangkok. For it’s American release, the film was given an X rating, but as the movie poster described, “X was never like this”. Because the story is extremely female centered unlike most X-rated films. This was Columbia Pictures first X movie, and they re-edited it for an R rated US cinema release to reach more theaters. But the X version was offered back to the public with the rise in VHS.

This movie was a game changer in how much sex could be shown in a film. Frankly, the whole premise of the film is this young woman’s sexual exploration. It is best described as softcore porn, but was instrumental in female sexual empowerment. It is beautifully shot with the gorgeous Sylvia Kristel starring as the young Emmanuelle on location in Bangkok. The film Emmanuelle spawned 6 sequels. The first four movies and the seventh all starring Sylvia Kristel. The movie opened the doors for more sexually explicitly in films, never before seen in regular theaters, now commonplace in our adult media choices.

Sylvia Kristel interview

In 2007, Sylvia Kristel was interviewed by Telegraph writer Mick Brow. Mr. Brow remarked that the star of Emmanuelle was “winningly candid and unapologetic about herself, devoid of any airs or pretensions.” Sadly Sylvia died in her sleep in 2012 and it was also reported that she suffered with cancer. Regardless, you can watch her in another sexually charged classic, the 1981 movie Private Lessons.

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Private Lessons is about an adolescent male receiving private instruction in the one subject that dominates his thoughts. But it has a wonky subplot, about a multi-leveled blackmailing scheme, dreamed up by Howard Hessman playing the chauffeur. Sylvia Kristel stars as the sexy older woman and live-in french maid who seduces the young master of the house while his father is away on business. Ed Begley Jr. plays a supporting role as tennis instructor and finally confident to the wealthy principle character Philly (played by Eric Brown). The premise of Private Lessons is rather trite, but the soft porn movie does address the secret fantasies of many. Offering a solid soundtrack and nostalgia to those who first saw this movie during their curiosity driven teens.

Sylvia Kristel played highly sexual roles with her most notable being Emmanuelle in 1974. It was a role that she would play in 5 of the 7 film sequels. Conveying both a sentiment of genuine fondness for her young co-star and sexual openness, she is considered by many to be one of the silver screen’s legendary beauties. There is no doubt that she was the perfect choice to portray the role of the seductress.

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Private lessons would be an entirely different film if it was made today. There are many reasons for this, but mostly I believe it is due to the fact that our highly sexualized youth can no longer relate to the film. Which is not to say that the sexual obsession typical to most adolescent males has changed. But rather that the feminine mystique which was typical when this film was made and for generations prior, is not as prevalent these days.

It’s this mesmerizing fascination that was once held a young man’s interest which made Private Lessons relatable (at least from the fantasy perspective) for previous generations. The youthful uncertainty and apprehension made private lessons a comedy. Philly panics when his hormonal ambitions are given the opportunity he has spent countless hours envisioning.

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