Konnichiwa Hivers, it's me, your ridgette again! So for today, I'm going to share an old anime movie that I came across last week. Its title really piqued my interest because it has the name of the memorable flower I've known in one of my favorite murder-mystery novels. It's the flower that was used to almost kill the main lead, so I can't really forget it. Atropa belladonna is a beautiful yet toxic and deadly plant that can kill if ingested.
As I've researched before, its name was derived from Greek and Italian: Atropos, who is part of the Fates; she's the one who cuts the thread of life, and Belladonna, which means beautiful lady. If you combine those two, you'll get a beautiful lady who cuts the thread of life, which was pretty accurate because the Belladonna plant can really kill not only animals but also humans, and it has been used as potent poison since then.
So much for the plant trivia; I really expected that there would be a deeper meaning behind its intriguing title, and fortunately it does. Come with me as we take a peek at the stoy of a woman who was once blessed with a good life, but unfortunately, her beauty became the very poison of her happiness: Belladonna of Sadness.
About the Anime:
Belladonna of Sadness (Kanashimi no Belladonna) is an anime movie that aired on June 30, 1973. It is an hour and twenty-seven minute-long anime that was animated by Mushi Production, and its genres are drama, erotica, and horror. The main theme of this anime was historical because it was based on the 1862 novel 'La Sorciére' written by a French writer and historian, Jules Michelet.
There was once a kind young man and a beautiful young woman who were in love. Their match was really perfect, to the point that they thought that the heavens had blessed their marriage. For a while, they have become drunk on happiness, for their marriage seemed perfect, and with that, they thought that they would stay happy together—but their story was far from the happily ever after that they had yearned for. Still fresh from their wedding, Jean and Jeanne proceeded to the castle to ask for their Lord's blessing, the one who governs their lands. Unfortunately, Jean wasn't able to pay up with the traditional offering that their Lord had ordered him, and with that, the Lord's wife gave an alternative, cruel offer that forever changed the course of their once blessed marriage.
Forced to give up her virtue, Jeanne was extremely traumatized because of that horrible experience. Despite her sacrifice, her husband seemed to lack sympathy for her, but that didn't stop her from loving him. Jeanne really loved her husband, and upon seeing him slowly breaking down, a great yearning to save him surged inside her. Consumed with her great love for her husband, Jeanne asked for help from a weird spirit—who turns out to be the devil itself. She later finds herself making wrong decisions she can't undo. Can she find salvation amidst the suffering she's experiencing, or will fate, worse than death, consume her?
I wasn't really expecting the movie to be this emotionally wrecking. The title got me intrigued because it really reeks of melancholy and tragedy. I somehow expected that it would be gloomy, but I never thought it would be on the borderline of melancholic and depressing. It really did stir different kinds of negative feelings in me during and after watching it. The plot was really moving, and the drama was definitely there. It was really a heartbreaking movie to watch since, like most of the historical-based adaptations that I've watched, it ended tragically.
The tale of oppression during feudal times was adeptly narrated in this movie. Misogyny and witchcraft, which were really hot topics during those feudal times, were also tackled there. Although I like history, one of the things that I don't usually delve into is the misogyny that women have experienced before. I just can't handle myself agonizing over something that has happened, but this movie compelled me to once again witness the artistic portrayal of misogyny at its finest. It was really dismal that her fate ended that way, but I guess no other ending would be fitting for her.
As for the visuals, it was really unique because it's a mix of trippy watercolor sketches and illustrations in art nouveau style. It's really an interesting match because, at first, I find it unsettling for I'm not used to seeing this kind of art style, but later on, I appreciated how it was utilized well to make the whole movie compelling to watch. It's art style complemented well with the themes, and it really did great in expressing the narrative. The animation was also enthralling, and it did well in portraying the emotions that the scenes wanted to exude.
The soundtrack was really as melancholic and moving as its plot. I really got last sound syndrome after I heard the movie's OST because they really stuck in my mind, and even after watching the movie, they just keep on playing again and again randomly. The lyrics were really beautiful, and the tune was quite nostalgic for me. It really did go well with the movie's mood, and the voice of Mayumi Tachibana was really hauntingly beautiful. The background music did really elevate my viewing experience, for it further reinforced the impact of the movie's cinematics.
Overall, my personal rating for this movie is 8.5/10. Despite being the reason for its studio's bankruptcy, this movie was really an underrated gem that deserved to be known. It may not be suitable for viewers of all ages because of its mature content, but its message and theme are definitely something else. The issues that were tackled there are not completely devoid in our time now. Some just changed how it manifested, but they still continued to exist.
It was really emotionally draining for me, but I didn't regret watching it. It's unique art style and poignant plot were for sure commendable. I'm not sure if it falls into the entertaining spectrum, but it is certainly informative and eye-opening. The sexual imagery was quite disturbing at first, but if you're really invested in following its plot, you'll eventually get used to it. So if you're up for an unconventional and unique old anime movie, then you better try watching Belladonna of Sadness.
Before I end this review, I gladly share with you its trailer, so—
Have you already watched this movie? Have I somehow intrigued you? Feel free to comment down your opinions—and that's all for now, Hivers! I hope you enjoyed reading my movie review. See you around!
Arigatou and tanoshinde ne minna-san~
The pictures that didn't have source were screenshots from the anime movie, while the last picture was edited in Canva.