Pasolini’s notorious vision of fascist sadism and human degradation in occupied Italy.
SALò, OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM
The final vision of a controversial filmmaker.
Four corrupted fascist libertines round up 9 teenage boys and girls and subject them to 120 days of sadistic physical, mental and sexual torture.
Quick Answer
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a 1975 France-Italy drama, horror, and war film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini about four corrupted fascist libertines who round up nine teenagers and subject them to 120 days of sadistic physical, mental, and sexual torture.
Programmer's Pick
Salò isn’t just a film—it’s a gauntlet. Pasolini drags de Sade into the heart of Fascist Italy, stripping away any comfort and daring you to look away from the carnage of power unchecked. If you think you’ve seen transgressive cinema, think again.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Overview
Details & Specs
- Director
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Writers
- Pupi Avati, Sergio Citti, Marquis de Sade, Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Release
- 1975
- Runtime
- 1h 57m
- Country
- France, Italy
- Language
- German, French, Italian
- Also Known As
- Saló o los 120 días de Sodoma, 120 meres sta Sodoma, Salò, o las 120 jornadas de Sodoma, Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom, Pier Paolo Pasolini's Salò, Salo - De 120 dagen van Sodoma, ou os 120 Dias de Sodoma, Сало или 120те дни на Содом, Salo: Les 120 Jours de Sodome, Salo ili 120 dana Sodome, Salò - Sodoman 120 päivää, Salò eller Sodoms 120 dagar, 120 μέρες στα Σόδομα, avagy Szodoma 120 napja, ソドムの市, Salò o los 120 días de Sodoma, Salo eller Sodomas 120 dager, Saló, czyli 120 dni Sodomy, Salo sau cele 120 de zile ale Sodomei, Maheedhar
Why This Matters
This was Pier Paolo Pasolini's final film, released posthumously, and adapts de Sade's infamous novel to the context of fascist Italy, blending literary, philosophical, and political references in a controversial exploration of power and depravity.
Cast & Crew
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Why Cult
This was the last work of the provocative Italian auteur, bringing his radical vision to its most extreme expression.
The Marquis de Sade’s notorious narrative is reimagined in the context of 1944 Italy, merging historical atrocity with literary infamy.
A harrowing exploration of how authority, ideology, and sadism intertwine to strip individuals of humanity.
Salò’s reputation as one of cinema’s most controversial works endures, sparking passionate arguments about art, morality, and censorship.
Scene Gallery
Threat File
Four fascist libertines seize teenagers
Systematic sadistic torture
Physical, mental, and sexual torment over 120 days
Fascist Italy, 1944
Questions from the Vault
When was Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom released? +
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom was released in 1975.
Who directed Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom? +
Pier Paolo Pasolini directed Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom.
How long is Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom? +
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom has a runtime of 117 minutes.
What genre is Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom? +
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is classified as drama, horror, and war.
