Introducing Virgin Territory: A Bawdy Rom-Com from the Black Death Era

Virgin Territory (2007) is a romantic comedy film that blends historical settings with modern sensibilities, offering a raunchy, lighthearted take on love, lust, and adventure in 14th-century Italy. Directed by David Leland and produced by the legendary Dino De Laurentiis, the film is loosely based on Giovanni Boccaccio’s 14th-century literary classic, The Decameron. With a star-studded cast including Hayden Christensen, Mischa Barton, and Tim Roth, Virgin Territory transports viewers to a plague-ravaged Florence, where young nobles escape the Black Death to indulge in bawdy escapades, romantic entanglements, and swashbuckling action. This article provides an in-depth look at the film’s origins, plot, characters, themes, production, and reception, offering a complete introduction to this unique cinematic experience.

Background and Inspiration

Virgin Territory draws inspiration from The Decameron, a collection of 100 novellas written by Giovanni Boccaccio between 1348 and 1353. Set during the Black Death, The Decameron follows ten young Florentines who flee to the countryside to escape the plague, passing the time by telling stories of love, wit, and adventure. While Boccaccio’s work is known for its rich narrative complexity and social commentary, Virgin Territory takes a more playful and modern approach, focusing on romantic and comedic elements rather than storytelling. The film reimagines the premise with a contemporary lens, infusing it with raunchy humor, sexual innuendo, and action-packed sequences, making it a loose adaptation aimed at a younger audience.

Directed by David Leland, known for films like Wish You Were Here (1987), Virgin Territory was the final film produced by Dino De Laurentiis, a prolific producer behind classics like La Strada (1954) and Conan the Barbarian (1982). The film was produced under several working titles, including The Decameron, The Decameron: Angels and Virgins, Chasing Temptation, and Guilty Pleasures, before settling on Virgin Territory. It was released in France on December 12, 2007, under the title Medieval Pie: Territoires Vierges, and in Italy as Decameron Pie, reflecting its playful nod to teen comedies like American Pie. In the United States, it went straight to DVD on August 26, 2008, indicating a shift in its distribution strategy.

Plot Summary

Set in the Republic of Florence during the Black Death, Virgin Territory follows a group of young nobles who flee the plague-ravaged city to seek refuge in the countryside. Unlike their literary counterparts in The Decameron, who entertain each other with stories, these characters engage in lusty adventures, romantic pursuits, and comedic misadventures. The story centers on Pampinea (Mischa Barton), a beautiful heiress left penniless after her wealthy merchant father dies at the film’s outset. Pursued by the villainous Gerbino de la Ratta (Tim Roth), a ruthless thug who seeks to marry her for her inheritance, Pampinea takes refuge in a convent to escape his grasp.

Enter Lorenzo de Lamberti (Hayden Christensen), a charming and roguish gambler who becomes entangled in Pampinea’s plight. After besting Gerbino at a gambling table, Lorenzo flees to a convent, posing as a deaf and mute gardener to avoid capture. There, he unwittingly becomes the object of desire for the convent’s lustful nuns, leading to a series of comedic and risqué encounters. When Pampinea arrives at the convent, she recognizes Lorenzo, whom she has long admired, but becomes jealous upon witnessing his dalliances with the nuns. In a fit of passion and jealousy, she blindfolds and kisses him, only to later expose his deception to the convent’s abbess.

Meanwhile, a Russian count, Dzerzhinsky (Matthew Rhys), arrives in Florence, promised Pampinea’s hand in marriage. Ambushed by Gerbino’s men, he survives and heads to Pampinea’s family estate for the wedding. The plot weaves together mistaken identities, romantic rivalries, and swashbuckling action, culminating in a chaotic wedding where Lorenzo must confront Gerbino and win Pampinea’s heart. The narrative is punctuated by bawdy humor, including encounters with randy nuns, Saracen pirates, and even a “sexy cow,” adding to the film’s irreverent tone.

Cast and Characters

Virgin Territory boasts a notable cast of early-2000s stars, many of whom were familiar to audiences from teen dramas and blockbuster films. The key players include:

• Hayden Christensen as Lorenzo de Lamberti: Fresh off his role as Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels, Christensen plays a roguish adventurer with a knack for gambling and seduction. His charm and swashbuckling antics make Lorenzo a classic romantic hero with a modern twist.
• Mischa Barton as Pampinea: Known for her role in The O.C., Barton portrays the virtuous yet spirited heiress caught between suitors. Pampinea’s journey blends innocence with determination as she navigates love and danger.
• Tim Roth as Gerbino de la Ratta: The Academy Award-nominated actor (Rob Roy) brings menace and dark humor to the role of the villainous thug obsessed with claiming Pampinea’s fortune and virtue.
• Matthew Rhys as Count Dzerzhinsky: Rhys, later known for The Americans, plays a noble but somewhat hapless suitor whose arrival complicates the romantic entanglements.
• Supporting Cast: The film features actors like Christopher Egan, Craig Parkinson, Kate Groombridge, and David Walliams, adding to the ensemble’s comedic and dramatic flair. A narrator, also a character in the story, provides a whimsical framing device, though some reviews noted this element as underdeveloped.

Themes and Style

Virgin Territory is a curious blend of historical setting and modern sensibilities, often described as a “teen comedy in medieval garb.” Its primary themes include:

• Love and Lust: The film explores the interplay between romantic love and carnal desire, with characters navigating passion, jealousy, and fidelity. While Pampinea and Lorenzo’s romance anchors the story, the film’s bawdy humor—particularly scenes involving the lustful nuns—leans heavily into sexual innuendo.
• Adventure and Escapism: Set against the grim backdrop of the Black Death, the film uses the countryside retreat as a canvas for lighthearted escapism, contrasting the plague’s horrors with youthful exuberance and adventure.
• Class and Power: The dynamics between Pampinea, a wealthy heiress, Gerbino, a thuggish opportunist, and Lorenzo, a roguish everyman, highlight themes of social hierarchy and ambition in a feudal society.

Stylistically, the film embraces a playful, anachronistic tone, blending medieval aesthetics with modern dialogue and humor. Its vibrant costumes, lush Italian landscapes, and energetic pacing evoke a sense of fun, though some critics noted a lack of historical coherence. The film’s erotic elements, including nudity and suggestive scenes, align it with the raunchy teen comedies of the 2000s, drawing comparisons to films like American Pie or EuroTrip.

Production and Release

Directed by David Leland, Virgin Territory was a collaborative effort between production companies such as Zephyr Films, Carthago Films, The De Laurentiis Company, and Anchor Bay Entertainment. Filmed in Italy, the movie capitalizes on its picturesque settings to create a vivid, if fantastical, depiction of 14th-century Tuscany. The soundtrack features modern tracks, such as “For Lovers” by Wolfman and the Side-Effects (featuring Pete Doherty), reinforcing the film’s contemporary vibe.

The film’s release history reflects its niche appeal. It premiered in France on December 12, 2007, and was distributed theatrically in Italy by RAI Cinema under the title Decameron Pie. In the United States, it bypassed theaters for a direct-to-DVD release on August 26, 2008, suggesting it was marketed as a cult or genre film rather than a mainstream blockbuster. The alternate titles (Medieval Pie in France and Decameron Pie in Italy) underscore its comedic, youth-oriented branding.

Reception and Legacy

Virgin Territory received mixed reviews, with critics and audiences divided over its irreverent tone and loose adaptation of The Decameron. On IMDb, it holds a 4.7/10 rating, reflecting its polarizing reception. Some praised its lighthearted entertainment value, with Amazon reviewers calling it “fun to watch,” “hilarious,” and a “hidden gem” for DVD collectors. They appreciated the cast’s performances, the decent storyline, and the unapologetic nudity, noting it as a nostalgic throwback to 2000s teen comedies. Others, however, criticized its lack of historical accuracy, underdeveloped narrative structure, and reliance on crude humor. Rotten Tomatoes reviews described it as a “direct-to-video blunder” akin to a raunchy teen comedy, with some lamenting the absence of genuine laughs or inspiring moments.

The film’s erotic elements sparked debate, with some viewers finding them amusingly provocative and others deeming them gratuitous. One IMDb reviewer noted its appeal to younger audiences, suggesting it modernizes the “80s eroticism epoch” while maintaining a core of romantic sincerity. Critics also remarked on the underutilization of talents like Tim Roth, who was seen as slumming in a villain role beneath his caliber.

Despite its mixed reception, Virgin Territory has found a cult following among fans of quirky historical comedies and early-2000s nostalgia. Its blend of romance, action, and bawdy humor, combined with its recognizable cast, makes it a curious artifact of its time, appealing to those seeking undemanding, escapist fun.

Where to Watch

As of May 2025, Virgin Territory is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video, though availability may change. It can be purchased or rented on platforms like Google Play, Amazon, or Apple TV (UK), and free streaming options may be available on services like Tubi. Physical copies, such as DVDs, are available through retailers like Amazon, though some versions may be region-specific. Check platforms like JustWatch for the latest streaming options.

Conclusion

Virgin Territory is a bold, if flawed, romp that reimagines Boccaccio’s The Decameron as a raunchy, romantic comedy for a modern audience. With its mix of swashbuckling adventure, youthful romance, and irreverent humor, it captures the spirit of early-2000s teen films while transporting viewers to a fantastical version of medieval Italy. Though it may not satisfy those seeking historical fidelity or deep storytelling, it delivers on its promise of lighthearted entertainment, bolstered by a charismatic cast and vibrant visuals. For viewers in the mood for a playful, nostalgic escape, Virgin Territory remains a quirky gem worth exploring.