
"Virgin Territory" is a comedic adventure set in plague-ridden 14th-century Tuscany, inspired loosely by Giovanni Boccaccio's "Decameron." The film follows ten young Florentines who escape the horrors of the Black Death by retreating to the countryside, where instead of storytelling, they engage in a series of lusty escapades, romance, sword fights, and outrageous comedic scenarios featuring characters like randy nuns, Saracen pirates, and even a provocative cow.
The film explores themes of escapism, the exuberance of youth, and the clash between societal constraints and personal desires. Its bawdy humor and raucous storytelling highlight the human desire to find joy and connection even amidst despair, such as the devastating plague backdrop. The mix of historical settings with slapstick comedy underscores a playful rewriting of dark times into a space of adventure and fantasy.
Upon release, "Virgin Territory" was met with mixed reviews, with some critics appreciating its light-hearted take on medieval lore and others finding its humor inconsistent. While it did not achieve major mainstream success, the film has garnered a modest cult following for its blend of risqué humor and period adventure. It remains a unique entry in the early 2000s wave of historical comedies that reimagine classic literature with a modern, cheeky twist.