Five films from the controversial and influential enfant terrible of the Italian cinema. The first woman ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Direction, Wertmuller interrogated themes of sex and politics throughout her esteemed career. This collection includes five of Wertmuller's finest films: Swept Away (1974, 112 mins.) examines the power relationships between classes in the tale of a wealthy capitalist (Mariangela Melato) and a lowly deckhand (Giancarlo Giannini). Seven Beauties (1976, 115 mins.) is Wertmuller's Oscar-nominated black comedy about a small-time hood who's shuttled between institutions during WWII. Summer Night (1986, 94 mins.) stars Mariangela Meltato as a female industrialist who turns the tables on her would-be kidnappers in a flamboyant mix of sex and politics. The Nymph (1966, 111 mins.), based on a novel by Demenico Rea, stars Lucia Cara as a budding teenager whose virginity is violently taken from her. Wertmuller skewers small-town provincialism and prejudice in this early work. Finally, Fernando and Carolina (1999, 102 mins.) is a hilarious take on the life of King Ferdinand, starring Sergio Assisi as the 18th century monarch and Gabriella Pession as Maria Carolina, a formidable lover and tireless nag. In Italian with English subtitles.

6-DVD set. Letterboxed. Includes extensive interview with Lina Wertmuller by Italian film critic Carlo Lizzani, featurettes, 5.1 sound, and more.