Search - Mondo Bizarro / Mondo Freudo (Something Weird) on DVD

Damian M. (ratchet)
Reviewed on 3/11/2009...

Mondo Bizarro (1966) I guess a lot of this was shocking when it was released. Mostly counter-culture stuff (hippies, modern art, etc) or showcasing foreign customs unfamiliar to many Americans. A lot looked set up for the camera.
Mondo Freudo (1966)
Made by the same people as the above, this one focuses on different sexual practices around the world. Nothing shocking; strip clubs, prostitution, white slavery, etc. A lot was obviously faked for the sake of the camera. Both this and the above film were rated X, though I believe network stations have since broadcast filthier scenes on their airwaves.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Mondo Fraudo

Mondo Vendo | Detroit, Michigan USA | 09/04/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"If you enjoyed Mondo Cane and are looking for more mondo films, don't get this one! You may know that Mondo Cane inspired the making of tons of Mondo films. Unfortunately, it was almost immediately discovered that making fake Mondo films was far easier and was extremely lucrative for the total lack of investment in producing them.

Sadly, if you enjoyed Mondo Cane, once you've also watch the Shocking Asia films and Mondo Magic, there aren't that many other quality Mondo films.

I wasted my money on this worthless dvd and I didn't pay budget prices either.

The first thing you notice, is that while they are supposedly filming people without their knowledge, they are filming with camera movements or angles that are extremely unlikely or near impossible. Also, they are filming people undressing in stores which would be illegal. You couldn't do it and later get permission, even if you tried to rationalize that they may have got releases after the fact.

So after realizing I wasted a good amount of money on a totally fake Mondo documentary, I decided to see what the commentary tracks had to say. Well, they have some experts of some type, explaining where most of the scenes were most likely shot all within the same city although claiming to be filmed all over the world. Ha! Ha! We have Americans badly trying to pass as Arab sex slave traders! Ha! Ha! I think that girl was in another segment! Look at our fake high tech camera that supposedly is later hidden to film the "Arabs". How did we change camera angles so many times with one hidden camera?

I suppose they were meant to pass as real mondos back in the day, but now they are meant for camp value.

Unfortunately, I am not interested in camp of this type, and I was expecting a real Mondo film when I bought it. Also, nothing on the dvd cover text suggests that it is a campy fake Mondo.

I should have been familiar with the content before I bought it. My fault. But hopefully, if you are looking for more real Mondo films, I can warn you that these are not.

If you think the campiness of silly obviously fake "Mondo" films are entertaining, get it. But don't buy if that is not what you are seeking!

"

FAKE....BUT FUN!!!!

Mr. Movie Man | Ontario, Canada | 10/28/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the 60's and 70's MONDO released many of these Shock-U-mentaries...to show us just how different the rest of the world is. MONDO BIZARRO & MONDO FREUDO were both follow ups to the original "MONDO CANE" which first came to theaters in 1964 & 1965. While Mondo did a great job at completely turning the viewer's stomache and shocking them with scenes of bizarre cult rituals and un-known indian tribes....please be aware that ALL of these great MONDO movies...were 80 percent- FAKE-U-MENTARIES! That's right, most of these documentaries were put out to simply screw with people's heads and make a lot of money. It worked- because most people who went to see Mondo Movies back in the day, believed it was all real! Heck, if Alice Cooper can pull it off on stage....MONDO can pull it off on film.But, these staged scenes are all part of the fun! It's hilarious to see what they tried to convince audiences back then. Mondo films are not for everyone, but are definitely classics to their own following."

GREAT LOOK BACK!!!

Mondo Vendo | 12/11/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not very "BIZZARE" by today's standards but it's a great look back at the free-wheeling culture that was the 60s and 70s. A generation that was just starting to come out of the shadow of it's parents wholesome 50's idealizms."