9 1/2 Weeks (1986)

An art gallery assistant (Basinger) meets a mysterious man (Rourke) whose smooth moves and sensual charms woo her into an affair of torrid proportions. Kinky, experimental sex is the main staple of their sexual diet, often involving such things as blindfolding and steamy, sadomasochistic rituals. Although they are intimate on a sexual level, on a personal level they are still strangers.  She wants to know more about him, but that’s information he is reluctant to give for reasons that are even more mysterious.

9 1/2 Weeks is a well-made and adeptly directed sex flick, which caused quite some controversy at the time of release, but due to its many imitators, it has become pretty tame by today’s standards. It’s still entertaining thanks to good performances by the actors, particularly Basinger in her vulnerability, and a nicely selective 80s soundtrack, making for a finely crafted piece of piffle.

9 1/2 Weeks is not great by any means, but for those looking for some titillation without anything too heavy, it’s as entertaining as they come in that department.

Qwipster’s rating: B

MPAA Rated: R for strong sexual content, some violence, and language
Running Time: 112 min.

Cast: Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Margaret Whitton, David Margulies
Director:  Adrian Lyne
Screenplay: Sarah Kernochan, Zalman King, Patricia Louisianna Knop (based on the novel by Elizabeth McNeill)