The Age of Commercialism

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

After trudging through such dire Aussie "sexploitation" fare as "Alvin Purple", "The True Story of Eskimo Nell" and "Plugg" to name a very few, it is tempting to call "Felicity" a kind of masterpiece. Whereas all other Australian films from this time that used sex as a selling point generally forgot to include any and only showed the occasional naked person for a few fleeting seconds - with longer, more graphic shots for the hideous male leads - this one doesn't disappoint those looking for a sex movie - and what's more, it's a SEXY movie.It's not an exaggeration to say that there was no eroticism to be found in any of the sexploitation movies made in Australia at this point in time, with the exception of this movie. Glory Annen is no great beauty like Sylvia Kristel, but she is nevertheless well cast as Felicity, the pampered young girl discovering sex abroad - Hong Kong this time, rather than Bangkok.The ending is strangely drawn out, with what feels like a series of false conclusions, making you want it to be over, but at least it does what it says on the box.

Sheltered and virginal innocent Felicity Robinson (winningly played with infectious vivacity by the adorable Glory Annen) can no longer ignore the erotic yearnings of her budding sexuality, so she goes to Hong Kong and sheds her inhibitions in order to embark on a bold odyssey of carnal self-discovery.Director John D. Lamond, who also co-wrote the surprisingly thoughtful and sensitive script with his wife Diane, keeps the compact and eventful story moving along at a brisk pace, makes nice use of the exotic Hong Kong locations, and does an ace job of crafting a pleasant and intoxicating sensuous atmosphere. Moreover, Lamond warrants additional praise for maintaining an open, positive, and nonjudgmental attitude towards the sexual adventures of its highly charming female protagonist; the tone remains remarkably sweet and upbeat throughout instead of sleazy and cynical. The presence of a few lovely ladies certainly doesn't hurt matters in the least: Slinky brunette Jodi Flynn as bubbly and unabashed rich gal Me Ling, fetching blonde Jody Hanson as enticing schoolmate Jenny, and attractive Marilyn Rogers as Felicity's more worldly friend Christine. Christopher Mine contributes an excellent and engaging performance as amiable photographer Miles. The abundant nudity and hot, yet tasteful sex scenes provide plenty of sizzle. Garry Wapshott's dewy soft-focus cinematography gives this picture a sumptuous sunny look. Spot-on groovy theme song, too. A real treat.

I wonder if the reviewers who raved about how they loved it when they were 13 years old, have seen this one in the last 25 years. Being addicted to late 70's/80's soft-core of the "Emmanuelle" variety, i had to hunt this one down. "Felicity" is nothing more than another wanna-be "Emmanuelle," but lacks the European style of those Italian and French cult films. The lead actress, played by Glory Annen is an absolute bore compared to Euro goddesses Laura Gemser and Sylvia Kristel. She is more of the plain, girl next door type, but perhaps this is deliberate? Penthouse bimbo Joni Flynn is a bit sexier, with a more exotic and Asian look, but gave the most hysterically bad acting performance i have ever witnessed. A sexy woman, maybe, but too cheap-looking, and dizzy to be taken seriously as Felicity's "sexual counselor." The men fare no better here. Felicity's love interest is an Aussie dude who is wearing more mascara than his female companion, and the actor is a little too old to play the part he is playing. And the guy who takes her virginity is a typical, oily creep of an older man. The worst thing of all, is the film seems somewhat racist; A white girl from Australia, travels to exotic Hong Kong, to have sexual encounters... with white people! What's wrong with Asians? She should have just stayed in Australia. What could have been a fascinating study of a young Western girl discovering the erotic mysteries of the Orient, turns out to be boring, typical exploitation, a film that is too timid to take any risks. But nothing is more miserable than the soundtrack, particularly the main theme, which is played over, and over, and over again; "She ain't Mama's little girl no more.." The only plus to this film is the beautiful Hong Kong scenery, which is the best thing this has to offer. Also, technically speaking, "Felicity" is a well-made film, and does feature some good erotic scenes. A missed opportunity, this could have been a classic in more competent hands.

This kooky and kool soft core skin flick I remember seeing as a teenager on the old Private Screenings channel. It's the kickaxe story of a sweet, fresh young thing's sexual awakening in the mysterious Orient. I fell head over heels in love and lust with the main actress Glory Annen in this film when I first saw it. She only did a few films besides this, "Spaced Out", "Alien Prey" etc...but this was definitely her crowning achievement. I guess she stopped acting cos I haven't seen her in anything in years. It's too bad, cos she was so absolutely gorgeous! She wasn't your typically busty, perfect looking Hollywood bimbo, but that's what I liked about her! Who wants to like the girls that everyone likes? Not me! You can keep Pamela Anderson Lee, I like women that look like women, not Barbie dolls. I'll take Glory any day of the week!