
Set in 19th-century Paris, this story explores the complex relationships between a reserved doctor, a fervent artist, and a shrewd brothel owner. Their lives intertwine through narratives of love, betrayal, and longing, drawing inspiration from the celebrated short stories of Guy de Maupassant. The film delves into the desires and secrets that lie beneath the surface of a seemingly glamorous society.
Does House of Pleasures have end credit scenes?
No!
House of Pleasures does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of House of Pleasures, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
No actors found
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See how House of Pleasures is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where House of Pleasures stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
75
Metascore
7.6
User Score
80%
TOMATOMETER
85%
User Score
6.7 /10
IMDb Rating
66
%
User Score
3.9
From 238 fan ratings
Challenge your knowledge of House of Pleasures with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What year does the movie 'House of Pleasures' primarily take place?
1895
1898
1899
1901
Show hint
Discover all the awards and nominations received by House of Pleasures, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how House of Pleasures and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.
2012 Toronto International Film Festival Awards 2012
Read the complete plot summary of House of Pleasures, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
This claustrophobic film, also known as L’Apollonide Souvenirs de la maison close, provides a candid and unexploited portrayal of life in an elegant Parisian brothel during the years 1899 and 1900. It powerfully illustrates that la belle époque was not as beautiful for the women as it was for their affluent patrons, even though it might have been preferable to wandering the streets or toiling in a sweatshop.
The movie is meticulously crafted to convey the oppressive, hypocritical atmosphere of haute-bourgeois decor, the obsessive eroticism that dismisses genuine desire, and the languid, almost timeless essence that renders each day indistinguishable from the last. The film offers a wealth of details on various aspects of life, including money, cosmetics, hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases, theatrical performances, and the authentic camaraderie that forms among the women. This rich tapestry of life lends the film a documentary-like quality.
However, a striking conclusion provides a stark contrast, showcasing modern-day women who engage in prostitution in present-day Paris, waiting on the streets for passing drivers. It delivers a powerful message that “plus ça change, plus c’est le même commerce,” indicating that despite the passage of time, the circumstances for these women haven’t changed significantly.
Perhaps the film’s most shocking moment features a once-beautiful, now-abused prostitute who envisions her client’s sperm transforming into tears streaming down her face, encapsulating the profound pain within the narrative. This haunting imagery leaves a lasting imprint, reminding viewers of the deeper emotional and social struggles that the women face.
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