The Story of O 2

Personally I hated the original "Story of O" with a passion, and I only saw this in-name-only "sequel" by accident. Thankfully, the treatment of the subjects is a little more tasteful this time. Not that there aren't some unpleasant scenes here, but at least some of the women (especially "O") are allowed to have a more balanced, sometimes even dominant role. And when the film seems to go into inexcusable territory near the end, it pulls the rug out from under your feet. It's a strange, interesting but confused and largely pointless film. Why pointless? Because most people looking for an examination of money, power, sex and politics will choose to watch something else, and those looking for a 100% erotic film won't be very satisfied either. (**)