Returning for a second time around The Devil’s Playground that was released in theaters in 1976 has made its way to VOD and DVD. Winning the Australian Film Institute’s Best Film, Best Director, Best Actors, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Editing awards, the film looks once again to America for a chance to create a following. Controversial and libidinous aggressive, the film’s a classic in its own right. But, does it have the worthiness of today’s standards?
It’s autumn of 1953 at the all-boys seminary and the lakes are alive beating the testosterone out of the teens. Brother Sebastian oversees the boys that are enjoying the frivolity of the large group that seem free of any worries or disdain. On his way back from the swim, Tom gets surprised by Waite and the two get into a playful wrestling match.
In the showers we are introduced to one of the Brothers who shows his stern ways with the boys letting them know that discipline is foremost for those who stray from God. “you must learn that your body is your worst enemy” he says to Tom Allen, naked in the shower as his fellow students look on. “Divert your eyes” says the Brother to the other boys still in bathing suits, “as they are the windows of the soul and must be protected.” “You must be on guard, he continues, “against all your senses at all times.”
This sets the tone for the film as we proceed to watch the story unfold in which the boys are preparing for the Brotherhood. Entering in the seminary requires that each one take the stringent vows of Poverty, obedience, chastity, and have to purge themselves of temporal temptations. The must practice self-denial, self-examination, and self-discipline to be worthy of the call amongst God’s chosen few.
Director Fred Schepisi keeps his film moving at a fast pace introducing each of the main characters as they come in contact with Tom Allen. The film is Simon Burke’s as he gets Tom in and out of situations as he starts to doubt his being at the seminary. Those that affect the boy, each have doubts of their own.
BONUS MATERIAL:
“Audio Commentary with Director Fred Schepisi”
“Featurette with Fred Schepisi and Key Cast and Crew”
“Interview with Fed Schepisi”
The Devil’s Playground has not been rated by the MPAA but contains explicit nudity, sex, language, and bulling, sexual innuendos. It is available on DVD. The subject matter may be very difficult for those who get offended easily.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Recommended only for film buff who likes a taught drama and are not easily offended. (For acting 3 out of 5 Stars).
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Charles McCallum, John Frawley, Arthur Dignam, Nick Tate, Simon Burke, John Diedrich, Alan Cinis, Rowan Currie, Richard Morgan
Directed and written by: Fred Schepisi
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains explicit nudity, sex, language, bulling, sexual innuendos
Genre: Drama
Running Time:1 hr. 39 min.
Video Release Date: August 8, 2019
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Subtitles: English SDH
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Arts Sploitation films
Released on: DVD and VOD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
