For viewers seeking the "extra quality" or most complete versions of this film, technical specifications and release history are key:
: The original theatrical runtime is approximately 91–94 minutes . Because of its controversial content involving minors, many regional releases were heavily edited, sometimes down to 77 minutes.
A deeper dive into the reception and controversy of the film.
: One of the two young girls involved in the central love triangle. Eva Ionesco
| Actor | Role | Age at Filming | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Martin Loeb | Fabrizio | 18 | | Lara Wendel | Laura | 12 | | Eva Ionesco | Silvia | 11 |
Their relationship changes when they encounter Silvia , a confident and assertive girl who lacks Laura's innocence. Fabrizio becomes fascinated by her, leading to a complex web of jealousy and psychological torment directed toward Laura.
| Item | Details | |------|----------| | | Maladolescenti | | English Release Title | Bad Adolescents (occasionally marketed as Teenage Rebels ) | | Year of Production | 1977 (released in Italy early 1978) | | Country | Italy | | Genre | Social drama / Coming‑of‑age | | Director | Cesàro Canevarì – a former journalist turned filmmaker, best known for low‑budget crime thrillers of the early ’70s. | | Screenplay | Cesàro Canevarì & Gianni Romani (based on a loosely autobiographical novella by writer Francesco Gervaso ) | | Producer | Mario Gallo (Gallo Film International) | | Cinematography | Vittorio Storaro (uncredited – early work before his Academy Award‑winning period) | | Music | Armando Trovajoli – jazz‑inflected score that mixes melancholy piano with electric organ riffs. | | Running Time | 98 minutes (original theatrical cut) | | Original Format | 35 mm, 1.66:1 aspect ratio, mono sound. | | Filming Locations | Suburban districts of Rome (Via Prenestina), the abandoned Villa Borghese school building, and a coastal stretch near Ostia. |
In the late‑1970s a wave of socially‑charged Italian dramas swept the nation’s cinemas, reflecting a country still grappling with post‑economic‑miracle turbulence, youth unrest, and the clash between traditional values and a burgeoning counter‑culture. One of the more under‑discussed entries in this canon is (English title: Bad Adolescents ), a 1977 feature directed by Cesare Canevarì (sometimes credited as Cesare Canevari ).
Released in the late 1970s, "Maladolescenza" taps into the zeitgeist of a generation grappling with change. The film's exploration of themes such as alienation, the quest for identity, and the tension between tradition and modernity, continues to be relevant.
The "Maladolescenza 1977 movie cast" is a talented ensemble of young actors who bring a sense of authenticity to their roles. Roberto Locarnini and Marco Foschini, in particular, deliver standout performances as the two brothers. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and their portrayals of the complexities of brotherly love and rivalry are both convincing and heart-wrenching.
: One of the two young girls who engages in a complex, often cruel relationship with Fabrizio. Eva Ionesco
"Maladolescenza" has become a cult classic, appreciated for its honest portrayal of adolescence and its memorable performances. The film's influence can be seen in later coming-of-age dramas, and its themes continue to resonate with audiences today.
In the decades after its initial run, Maladolescenti faded into obscurity, largely because the original 35 mm prints were stored under sub‑optimal conditions at the . By the early 2000s, only a few deteriorated copies existed, and most home‑video releases were sourced from cracked VHS tapes that offered a grainy, low‑resolution picture.
Eva Ionesco plays Silvia, the catalyst for much of the film's conflict. Ionesco’s own life was famously intertwined with provocative art; her mother, photographer Irina Ionesco, used Eva as a model for controversial erotic photography during her childhood.
