Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
Performance & Direction: Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom Review
Last updated: February 6, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1976) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom features a noteworthy lineup led by Paolo Bonacelli . Supported by the likes of Giorgio Cataldi and Uberto Paolo Quintavalle , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
Quick Plot Summary: Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is a Drama, Horror film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Four corrupted fascist libertines round up 9 teenage boys and girls and subject them to 120 days of sadistic physical, mental and sexual torture. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
Ending Breakdown: Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $800.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom Budget
The estimated production budget for Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is $800.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
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Where to Watch Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom Online?
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FilminSalò, or the 120 Days of Sodom Parents Guide & Age Rating
1976 AdvisoryWondering about Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is 117 minutes (1h 57m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1976 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom worth watching?
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom?
The total duration of Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom is 117 minutes, which is approximately 1h 57m long.
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Critic Reviews for Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
Well you have to hand it to Pier Paolo Pasolini - he had one hell of an imagination. Here he devises a story of a group of nine young men and women who are apprehended by four powerful Fascist officials and held captive for use in some of the most degrading and painful games of sex, humiliation and abuse. I was warned not to eat chocolate before I saw this, and towards the end of this bizarre depiction of cruelty, depravity and exploitation it became quite clear why - and I'd reiterate that here. There is something profoundly desperate about the film. It has nothing even vaguely redeeming about it. Is it allegorical? Perhaps Pasolini is swiping at what he perceived to be the beginning of the disposable culture? Perhaps the illustration of mankind at it's more obscene offers us his perspective on just what humanity had become by the mid 1970s? In any case, this is frankly rather a disgusting film to watch and though I did feel the ending had a great deal of suitable retribution to it, I still struggled to quite get my head around this epitome of man's inhumanity to their own kind. I doubt I shall ever watch it again, but it packed out the cinema in which I watched it and there was plenty of provocative conversation in the bar about it afterwards...
Wow! You can't escape the fact that this movie pushes the limits of disturbing art! Many will call it sick. I suspect the point of this film is more about the depravity and dehumanization of fascism, political corruption, totalitarianism, and morality. I have not read the Marquis de Sade's work on which this film was based. **It isn't possible to "un-see" a film, so be prepared if you choose the experience.** It was described to me as "horror" before I watched it, and I'm not sure it truly captures the film's genre. I can't think of a film genre that adequately describes it. I will probably never watch it again or forget the images it seared on my brain. But I was challenged to think about various political and societal themes that are still very relevant today.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
