The British Film Institute (BFI) is releasing a new 4K restoration of Pier Paolo Pasolini's final film, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, on October 26, 2026. The film, often called 'the sickest film ever made,' was banned in several countries and was refused a certificate in the UK in 1976.
A history of censorship and controversy
Adapted from the Marquis de Sade's novel, the film depicts a group of libertines in fascist Italy who capture and torture teenagers. It was Pasolini's last work, released in 1975, just three weeks after his murder. Its graphic depictions of rape, torture, and murder led to bans worldwide.
In 1976, producer Alberto Grimaldi faced obscenity charges. That same year, the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) rejected the film. It was first shown uncut in 1977 at the Old Compton Street Cinema Club in Soho, London, without BBFC certification, leading to a police raid days later. The film was finally passed for UK theatrical and video distribution in 2000.
BFI 4K release and extras
The new BFI release includes several extras: behind-the-scenes featurettes, a documentary about Pasolini, and an audio commentary by film critic Kat Ellinger. The BFI's description calls the film 'a cinematic milestone: culturally significant, politically vital and visually stunning.'
Ben Stoddart of BFI said in a statement: 'In the decades since it was made, Pier Paolo Pasolini's Salò, or The 120 Days of Sodom has remained a deeply controversial and divisive film. Refused a certificate in 1976 on the grounds of gross indecency and not released uncut in the UK until the BFI's VHS release in 2001, Salò has been banned, censored, and reviled the world over.' He added that it 'asks difficult questions about power, corruption, and their resulting cruelty that are no less relevant now.'
Critical and audience reactions
The film continues to divide opinion. Film critic Ygraine Hackett-Cantabrana, host of the Gore Things podcast, called it 'one of the most important pieces of art ever produced in cinema.' She said it 'still stands strong as a reflection of the very same problems that face our modern society.'
Tori Potenza, programmer at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, said: 'The horror of Salò is that it is not a stretch to think something like this is possible.' However, not all reactions are positive. Sam Munster, host of the Horror Hyperfixations podcast, couldn't finish the film, calling it 'an edgelord piece of nonsense.'
The film will also be screened at London's Prince Charles Cinema on August 22 at 8.45pm. The BFI release is scheduled for October 26.
