Boy's Movie(PART 2 OF 3)
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Kato's Comment
The Innocent (Italian: L'innocente) was the last film made by Italian director Luchino Visconti.
Based on a novel by Gabriele d'Annunzio, the story is set up in the 19th century Italy.
Tullio Hermil (Giancarlo Giannini) is a wealthy Roman married to Giuliana (Laura Antonelli).
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Tullio Hermil & Giuliana
But Tullio lives a double sexual life with a possessive and aristocratic mistress (Jennifer O'Neill).
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Teresa: Tullio's mistress
Half into the story, Tullio rekindles his love to Giuliana when the couple visits a villa where they met for the first time, then makes love with fervor.
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I've found one peculiar aspect when the couple make love.
Giuliana's underarm hair is not shaven, though it is more common in much of the Western world today for women to shave their underarm hair regularly.
So I assume that it was rather common in the 19th century Italy for even aristocratic women to have their underarm hair intact.
Anyway, after learning that Giuliana is having a torrid affair of her own, he becomes tormented by her fidelity and descends into madness.
It is really interesting and fascinating.
So, Kato, you were attracted to the woman's underarm hair, weren't you?
Well ... I was just wondering when the women started to shave underarm hair in the Western world.
You're such a curious person, aren't you? Among all other things, you jotted down about underarm hair.
Aren't you curious about it, Diane?
... Curious about what?
When did the women start to shave underarm hair in the Western world?
I'm not curious at all.
Why not?
... 'Cause I know the answer.
Tell me, Diane.
In the West, the practice began for cosmetic reasons around 1915 in the United States and United Kingdom, when one or more magazines showed a woman in a dress with shaved underarms.
... around 1915, eh?
Yes, regular shaving became feasible with the introduction of the safety razor at the beginning of the 20th century. While underarm shaving was quickly adopted in some English speaking countries, especially in the US and Canada, it did not become widespread in Europe until well after World War II.
Gee ... Diane, you're so knowledgeable.
Actually, the Western women shaved their undearm hair in the ancient times.
Really?
It was common practice in ancient Rome. Seneca the Younger wrote in his letter, "One is, I believe, as faulty as the other: the one class are unreasonably elaborate, the other are unreasonably negligent; the former depilate the leg, the latter not even the armpit."
Wow!
Besides, removal of underarm hair was part of a collection of hygienic or cosmetic practices recommended by Prophet Muhammad (570-632) as consistent with fitra for both men and women and has since usually been regarded as a requirement by most Muslims.
So, Diane, you studied the ancient history, didn't you?
No, not really... This is part of common sense, I suppose. In any case, how come you've spent too much time on DVDs. Whenever I dropped in at the library, you were there, watching movies.
... 'Cause I like movies. As a matter of fact, I've seen following movies since I introduced you to KIFF.
■"KIFF"
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■"Actual Catalogue Page"
Kato, I think you have a problem.
What makes you think so?
You spend too much time on the Net and DVD. You seldom enjoy meeting friends.
Well ... I viewed the "Steve Jobs" DVD---the top on the above list. He said in the documentary, "Don't spend too much time with some people and confine yourself in those guys, who are no smarter than you are. Instead, do something worthwhile."
I see... So, you find the Net and DVDs more valuable than dumb people, don't you?
You're telling me, Diane.
【Himiko's Monologue】
Wow!
What do you think?
I think Steve jobs tried to say that you should socialize with smarter people rather than stupid guys.
Regardlessly, it is worthwhile to watch good movies.
So when you're bored, go to a library nearby and borrow some nice DVDs.
In any case, I hope Kato will write another interesting article soon.
So please come back to see me.
Have a nice day!
Bye bye ...
(To be followed)