Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986)

If people calling this film a porn than 50 shades of grey is what? There is hardly any nudity in the film. Yes there are sex scenes and we all do have sex. Sex is a part of our life. Why people just jump and start labelling "porn" if any film has number of sex scenes. This film is classy, arty, stylish, romantic, sexy and have a deeper meaning. The way Mr Lyne has directed the film I know Kim Basinger went through a lot but if she didn't, this film wouldn't be this good and chemistry between those actors wouldn't be this superb. This film has been my all time favourite. I have always been open about sex as I am not shy to say I enjoy it a lot, open about it and like to explore and I am sure a lot of people do and there is nothing wrong in admitting it, it's one of the joy which life has given you, enjoy it until you are able to. I believe in films these days, sex should be exposed more than it is now without being labelled "porn" and censorship system should change too which restricts the directors and producers and limits the audience and limits the promotion. That's why I am a big fan of European cinema than American as they have more tolerance and I have great respect for directors like Lars Von Trier, Gaspar Noe and Paul Verhoeven. This film is way better than that boring 50 shades which has the exact story but wait which film or book was released first? no no actually which book is based on a true story (do your own research on that). This film is a true masterpiece but if your sexlife has always been limited to the bedroom then this film is not for you.

This film is worth watching just for the 2 stunning main characters - Basinger and Rourke - Basinger for her incredible figure (she never looked better in her suits/high heels) and John for his chisseled features. Of course Basinger's acting is also impeccable, although I believe that Rourke does brooding /introspective better than he does happy. I have to say that the sexual games do seem to come across as a little one-sided - always Rourke directing a game for Basinger - and not the other way. It would have been interesting to see a role reversal on occasion.This film has been compared to 'Last Tango' and the obvious similarity is that Brando and Rourke only open up about their personal lives at the end - and ONLY when Maria and Kim - DON'T want to know ,are not interested and are in fact ready to leave. Very interesting that Rourke says 'I love you' AFTER Basinger has left and the door is closed. (I have also seen Rourke in 'The Wrestler' and was wondering why he did not get an Oscar for that film and '9 1/2'. Probably due to him being not mainstream enough for Hollywood.) Margaret Reines.

Nine ½ Weeks (1986): Dir: Adrian Lyne / Cast: Kim Basinger, Mickey Rourke, Margaret Whitton, Dwight Weist, Karen Young: Erotic fantasy that spans memories that linger pain and pleasure. Kim Basinger plays Elizabeth, a beautiful woman who works at an art gallery. Mickey Rourke plays the mysterious John whom she encounters at an outside market. Their chance encounter leads to some pretty steamy sexual activity that are stylized with well placed lighting, locations, and innovative sex. Elizabeth is open to romance but is open minded to John's sexual world of blindfolds, public sex, dressing up, and even a scene at the refrigerator to the tune of "Bread and Butter" that is both erotic and hysterical. Things tense up when sexual levels rise and John begins do demand activity that boarders on abuse and demeaning. Elizabeth is surrounded by an array of interesting personalities at work. Margaret Whitton plays her co-worker and roommate who confesses to be dating Elizabeth's ex-husband. David Margulies and Karen Young round out the art gallery personalities. Dwight Weist plays Farnsworth, an artist whom they are celebrating but whose existence is sheltered. Adrian Lyne previously made Foxes and Flashdance but here he creates a stylishly explicit view of the more adventures forms of sexual activity, and after the tears dry, it is those nine plus weeks that spark memories never forgotten. Score: 9 / 10

I just saw this movie for the first time without reading the book. I was familiar with the specifics of the story though so I knew what to expect. I was very disappointed in the movie though. I don't know if this is just the way 80s movies are or what, but there was so much potential for this to be a great movie but in my opinion fell way short.For one, I was majorly confused throughout most of it. They had all these little weird scenes with or without conflict and then cut away to another time with no explanation on what they were doing and why, or how the conflict was resolved. And the multiple wordless scenes with blaring music did not help.----->also in relation to this, every plot point was so subtle and shown in such a lack of detail that if I hadn't read a detailed synopsis and multiple book reviews with spoilers, I would have had no idea what was happening or why.Also, was I supposed to like John? Cause I didn't. I wanted to, but he was such an insensitive, insincere creep. I'm not sure if Mickey was trying to portray him this way or what....if he wasn't then I have serious doubts about his acting abilities. John always had that slimy fake smile on his face and never talked, and when he did it was so soft-spoken and hardly made sense. I don't know, I think the movie would've benefited with another actor, someone more charming and charismatic. I was really disappointed because I feel like this has the potential to be a really great, thought provoking, almost painful and beautiful movie, but almost every aspect of it fell short, from the writing to the acting to the editing to the music. They need to do a remake. In the mean time, I'll read the book and try to get the picture of creepy movie John out of my head while I'm doing so.