i will be quick to address the matter of the film here represent it be a very engaging story about the destructive quality about all consume passion while a young italian woman who can not emotionally connect with her jailed political radical fiancé ( due in part to her apolitical attitude and freewheel approach to life ) find solace and passion in a new young lover whom she embark on an explicitly sexual relationship with . the anxiety and rage and tenderness and passion that swirl around in the atmosphere of the story equal the dispassionate quiet that seem to engulf the two lead . it lend the film an unsettling mood that permeate through all the political strife that be otherwise lose on the viewer ( unless you have a deep knowledge of italian politics during the 80 ) . i find the film compelling . what ruin it somewhat be a gratuitous oral sex scene that the actress performs on the male lead . it isn not simulate and leave little to the imagination . there be other scene of sex in the film and which i do feel be necessary because they outline the madness and loneliness that the character live in . but the oral sex scene and i feel and derail the focus on the actual story . it be smooth sail up until that point and once the infamous sex scene appear ( which cause much hoopla back in it day ) and it like hit a roadblock . it jar and unnecessary and i be in the camp that believe that the film would not have be harm any if the scene have be remove from it . and what unfortunate be that this particular scene may deter people from watch this intriguing film and which i believe be worth a viewing because there be so much go on underneath the surface and emotion and further turmoil layer in the subtext . overall represent wonderful film hamper by a much not need sex scene .