La ragazzina

"La Ragazzina" (recently released on DVD in the USA as "Monika") begins with a pretty teenage girl, Monica (Gloria Guida), running on the beach. The musical score of Nico Fidenco lovingly follows her – Gloria Guida is not only beautiful but she manages to convey sensuality, joy and innocence. It's no wonder that she was (together with Ornella Muti), one of the most popular teenage starlets of the 70s Italy.

Monica (Gloria Guida) lives with her parents, their relationship is good but Monica is left much to herself. In spite of apparently having a good social life, deep down herself Monica feels alone. One of her few friends is the wife (Colette Descombes) of her father's business partner.

Monica is looking for herself, she needs love (and this includes of course sex) - she's happy and perplexed.

"La Ragazzina" is more a vehicle for Gloria Guida. The camera is in love with her, any occasion is good to show her body, and as for Colette Descombes, she's also easy on the eyes and there are some nice shots of her.

Several men are circling around Monica and she's trying to find out her way, but she's a bit confused – what does she really want?

"La Ragazzina" is a sexy comedy with a little bit of drama, but above all it's a summer movie - it may not be very deep, but it's a pleasant film and there's Gloria Guida.