La decima vittima

La Decima vittima or The 10th Victim is an Italian/French science fiction film based on Robert Sheckley's 1953 short story "Seventh Victim"

The film was a subtitled Italian film based upon a set of individuals who are plying in one big game known as the Big Hunt, where ten competitors have to murder 5 other victims and survive 5 murders to win the largest prize. The Big Hunt then comes down to two competitors Caroline Meredith and Marcello Poletti, who typically as in most films, become romantically involved. Caroline still wants to kill marcello so she can get the money all to herself. The ending however leaves the film viewer baffled as they don't know whether they get away together or kill one another.


I found that this film had a good concept and story behind it. It would do well in the box office now if it was converted or remade into a modern style film. However the storyline reminds me of Jerry Zucker's, Rat Race (2001). The plot is similar to La Decima, however the characters are in the race to the finish line to grab 1 million dollars. It's full of comedy similar to La Decima.

I did however discuss this film to one of my work buddies at University who is also Italian, and he suggested that the film has too much crammed into it. He explained that Italian film makers always have a tendency to cram many different film genres and styles into a film. I also feel the same, there are too many genre styles involved in the film however the comedy does split the film up from being a constant blood sport, to an enjoyable film, if you don't mind subtitles.