Maison close

Taking an uncompromising look at the world of brothels and prostitution in late nineteenth century France, Maison Close is a sumptuously produced drama of sex and servitude. Paris, 1871. In Paradis, a luxury brothel, three women try to escape from their troublesome circumstances. Vera (Anne Charrier) is 35 years old, the end of her career as a prostitute drawing nearer. She puts all her hopes on her main client, the only one rich enough to redeem her debt. Hortense (Valerie Karsenti) is the Madame of Paradis. She must hold on to her girls whilst dealing with an extortionist from the Parisian suburbs. Rose (Jemima West), a much younger woman, arrives in search of her mother, a former prostitute. She is trapped with a pimp and forcibly conscripted into the Paradis. (Arrow Films)