Emmanuelle

Emmanuelle

Year: 1974

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: French

Director: Just Jaeckin

DramaRomance

Let’s you feel good without feeling bad An employee at the French Embassy in Bangkok invites his wife to join him – and enjoy the benefits of their open marriage.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Emmanuelle (1974)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Emmanuelle (1974). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s

The narrative unfolds in the 1970s, a decade known for shifting sexual mores and broader international travel. The setting reflects the era’s liberal attitudes toward sexuality among expatriates and travelers. Fashion, nightlife, and social norms depicted in the film emphasize a period of experimentation and freedom.

Location

Paris, Bangkok

Paris appears as the starting point of Emmanuelle’s journey, but the bulk of the action unfolds in Bangkok, a city of neon nightlife and Western expatriates. The film portrays Bangkok’s cosmopolitan scene, including river markets and clandestine venues like opium dens, that frame Emmanuelle’s sexual exploration. Watsai klong and surrounding expatriate circles provide the backdrop for her encounters, blending Western decadence with local settings.

🌍 Cosmopolitan 🕌 Expatriate life ✈️ Travel

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:15

Main Characters – Emmanuelle (1974)

Meet the key characters of Emmanuelle (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Emmanuelle (Sylvia Kristel)

A curious, sexually adventurous wife who travels to Bangkok with her diplomat husband. She confesses to past trysts and begins a journey of erotic exploration with multiple partners, oscillating between vulnerability and bold pursuit of pleasure. Her experiences drive the film’s exploration of desire and autonomy.

💃 Sensual awakening 🌍 Travel 🔥 Hedonism

Marie-Ange (Christine Boisson)

A young, confident woman who introduces Emmanuelle to new sexual experiences and openly challenges conventional norms. She is provocative and uninhibited, acting as a catalyst for Emmanuelle’s expanding circle of encounters. Her boldness pushes Emmanuelle toward greater exploration.

🌺 Youth 💋 Provocation 🎭 Shamelessness

Mario (Alain Cuny)

An older, powerful man who advocates lust over guilt and orchestrates Emmanuelle’s experiences. He coerces and teaches through provocative scenarios, including an opium den and a boxing match to determine a sexual partner. His philosophy and actions drive a core tension around control and desire.

🗝️ Manipulation 🏛️ Power 🔥 Hedonism

Bee (Marika Green)

A French archaeologist who stands apart from expatriate circles and engages in a private, initially reciprocal encounter with Emmanuelle. She is independent and reserved, later choosing distance over continued involvement. Her presence anchors a counterpoint to the overt sensationalism around other relationships.

🧭 Independence 🪨 Archaeology 💬 Reserved

Jean (Gregory)

Emmanuelle’s diplomat husband, whose questions about fidelity reveal the tensions of their marriage. He alternates between concern and encouragement, ultimately pushing Emmanuelle toward pursuing her desires. His role highlights the negotiation of duty and personal freedom in their partnership.

🧭 Diplomacy 💼 Duty 🔥 Curiosity

Ariane

Emmanuelle’s squash partner who is shown as jealous of Bee and wary of how relationships unfold. She offers consolation sex as part of the complex web of affections, reflecting competition and insecurity within the circle. Ariane serves as a foil to Emmanuelle’s evolving independence.

🎭 Jealousy 🏸 Sport 🔗 Love triangle

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:15

Major Themes – Emmanuelle (1974)

Explore the central themes of Emmanuelle (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Sexual Liberation

Emmanuelle’s travels to Bangkok set the stage for a journey beyond traditional norms. The story presents a range of sexual experiences as she seeks pleasure and self-discovery. While this liberation brings excitement, it also highlights potential emotional costs and the complexity of desire.

🗝️ Power and Control

Power dynamics are central, especially in the relationship with Mario, who treats sexual encounters as performances and lessons. Monogamy is challenged as Emmanuelle is guided toward lust rather than restraint, leading to coercive situations and contested agency. The narrative probes how control can be exercised through influence and spectacle.

👁️ Voyeurism

The film examines gaze and exposure, with characters watching and being watched as desires unfold. Encounters occur within a web of observation—between Emmanuelle, Marie-Ange, Bee, and Mario—creating a mosaic of private fantasies and public display. This dynamic questions the boundaries between intimacy and performance.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:15

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Unlock the Full Story of Emmanuelle

Don't stop at just watching — explore Emmanuelle in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Emmanuelle is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Emmanuelle Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Emmanuelle, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Emmanuelle Summary

Emmanuelle Timeline

Track the full timeline of Emmanuelle with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Emmanuelle Timeline

More About Emmanuelle

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More About Emmanuelle