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Drama Cult Classic

A war-wounded writer's obsession with innocence blurs the lines of desire and despair.

LITTLE LIPS

Love can be a healer but it can also be the most powerful and destructive force on Earth.

1978 · 1h 26m · R · Drama · IMDB TMDB

A writer returns home from World War I. He has developed a very bad case of post traumatic stress disorder. He contemplates suicide, but becomes interested in the 12 year old niece of the innkeeper at the place where he is recuperating.

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Quick Answer

What is Little Lips about?

Little Lips is a 1978 Spanish-Italian drama directed by Mimmo Cattarinich about a World War I veteran who, suffering from depression and trauma, becomes interested in his caretaker's 12-year-old orphaned niece while recuperating at his estate.

Programmer's Pick

Little Lips doesn’t so much tiptoe as wade straight into the murky waters of forbidden obsession and postwar ennui. If you like your coming-of-age stories with a heavy dose of European decadence and moral provocation, this one’s for you.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Little Lips follows a writer who returns home to his country estate after serving in World War I, carrying the deep psychological scars of his experience—particularly a war wound that leaves him in a state of depression and sexual crisis. Isolated and contemplating suicide, his mood shifts when he becomes fascinated by Eva, the 12-year-old orphaned niece of his caretaker, who now lives at the manor. The film explores the charged and controversial dynamic that develops between the traumatized adult and the precocious child, set against a backdrop of postwar malaise, looming tragedy, and moral ambiguity. This is a provocative European drama that navigates themes of forbidden desire, innocence, and psychological recovery.

Details & Specs

Director
Mimmo Cattarinich
Writers
Mimmo Cattarinich, Daniele Sánchez
Release
1978
Runtime
1h 26m
Country
Spain, Italy
Language
Italian
Genres
Drama
Also Known As
Historia de Eva, Original title: Piccole labbra

Cast & Crew

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Director: Mimmo Cattarinich Writers: Mimmo Cattarinich +1 more
Pierre Clémenti Pierre Clémenti Paul Katya Berger Katya Berger Eva Ugo Bologna Ugo Bologna Franz Bárbara Rey Bárbara Rey Christa Michele Soavi Michele Soavi The acrobat Maria Monti Maria Monti Anna Raf Baldassarre Raf Baldassarre Gypsy violinist Tom Felleghy Tom Felleghy Surgeon Cesare Di Vito Cesare Di Vito WC Walter Colombaioni Eros Buttaglieri Eros Buttaglieri José Luis López Vázquez José Luis López Vázquez Publisher Paul Müller Paul Müller Priest

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Why Cult

WWI Trauma Lens

The protagonist’s struggle with PTSD and physical war wounds gives the drama a uniquely somber and unsettling edge.

Taboo Romance

The film’s central relationship pushes the boundaries of on-screen taboo, exploring forbidden attraction between an adult and a young girl.

Euro Exploitation Style

A blend of exploitation and drama, Little Lips is steeped in European cinematic decadence and controversial sexuality.

Coming-of-Age Ambiguity

The story’s focus on innocence, puberty, and sexual awakening is layered with ambiguity and discomfort.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Little Lips? +

Little Lips was directed by Mimmo Cattarinich.

When was Little Lips released? +

Little Lips was released in 1978.

How long is Little Lips? +

Little Lips has a runtime of 86 minutes.

What genre is Little Lips? +

Little Lips is a drama film.

Where can I watch Little Lips? +

Little Lips is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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