A malicious, selfish upper-class woman (Mariangela Melato) mistreats
and verbally abuses the unrefined, lower born deckhand (Giancarlo Giannini)aboard
her husband’s sailboat during a Mediterranean voyage and finds the tables being
turned when the two are stranded on a deserted island and she must rely on, and
is even drawn to, his self-reliance and macho dominance. Lina Wertmuller’s Swept Away is an obvious but
nevertheless intriguing class warfare/battle of the sexes allegory which boasts
great direction, beautiful locations, and excellent central performances.
*** ½ out of ****
