10 Movies That Caused A Public Backlash

10. Salò (1975)

Also known as 120 Days of Sodom, this 1975 Italian film was based on an unfinished novel by the Marquis de Sade and the content certainly reflects it. The original material was never completed, written in secret while the Marquis was imprisoned in The Bastille, but has been outlined and fleshed out with notes from the man himself.

The concept of the novel and the film is that four Libertine men have locked themselves away with a cohort of young people of both sexes, some elderly prostitutes and necessary staff to tend to their needs. Both their intentions and the actions that they carry out do not need outlining here but anyone with a knowledge of the Marquis can guess at the sort of things it might include.

Due to the extreme depictions of obscene acts, sexual violence and many illegal behaviours, especially with characters that are purported to be underage, the film fell foul of many licensing boards the world over.

Australia, New Zealand and the UK all initially banned it but have allowed its release more recently with the highest rating possible.

*Note - the content of this film is not for the faint hearted. Research at your own risk.*