In Praise of Older Women (1997 film)

In Praise of Older Women is a Canadian-German erotic romantic comedy film released in 1997, directed by George Kaczender. It is based on the 1965 semi-autobiographical novel In Praise of Older Women: The Amorous Recollections of András Vajda by Stephen Vizinczey.

The film tells the story of András Vajda, a young Hungarian man navigating love and life in post-World War II Austria and Canada. He is characterized by his preference for relationships with older, more experienced women. The narrative follows his various romantic encounters and explores themes of sexual awakening, cultural displacement, and the complexities of human relationships.

The film stars Tom Berenger as Sam (the older András reflecting on his past), Éva Grimaldi as Jou-Jou, and Karen Black as Ilona. The film is known for its explicit content and explores themes of sexuality with a frankness considered provocative at the time.

Reception of the film was mixed, with some criticism directed towards its portrayal of women and its reliance on stereotypical representations. While praised by some for its comedic elements and exploration of unconventional relationships, others found it to be exploitative and lacking in depth. The film garnered a certain amount of controversy upon its release due to its sexual content and the age differences depicted in the relationships.