THEY WERE SO YOUNG

Cinemavixion Review

Kurt Neumann's "They Were So Young" plunges viewers into the glamorous yet perilous world of international modeling in 1955. The narrative follows five European models who arrive in Rio de Janeiro, only to discover their contracts with a fashion house, secretly controlled by the enigmatic Raymond Burr, entail far more than mere photographic sessions. Their duties extend into the murky territory of "entertaining men," exposing a darker undercurrent beneath the veneer of high fashion. Despite its Brazilian setting, the film's striking visual landscape was masterfully crafted within the swamps and jungles of Italy, a testament to Neumann's directorial vision. As Variety noted, the film is "extremely interesting scenically," offering a captivating visual experience that complements its thematic exploration of exploitation and the often-harsh realities faced by those pursuing dreams in the spotlight.