Belladonna of Sadness (1973)

Belladonna of Sadness (1973)

Year: 2016

Runtime: 93 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Eiichi Yamamoto

DramaFantasyAnimation

A young woman’s life is tragically disrupted on her wedding night, leading to a descent into madness and a thirst for revenge. She makes a pact with the Devil, which transforms her into a captivating and enigmatic figure. The story blends medieval imagery with eroticism, creating a dreamlike and surreal narrative that explores themes of desire, vengeance, and the blurring lines between reality and fantasy. It's a visually striking and provocative adult animated film.

Dark
Bittersweet ending
Emotionally heavy
High intensity
Mixed pacing
Moderate complexity

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Belladonna of Sadness (1973) (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Belladonna of Sadness (1973) (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Medieval Period, leading to the French Revolution

The events unfold during the medieval period, a time of social hierarchy and tumultuous political landscapes. Famine, war, and local tyrants shape the lives of common people, setting the stage for rebellion and change. The impact of Jeanne's story ultimately echoes through time, being recognized as a precursor to the French Revolution.

Location

medieval France

The movie is set in medieval France, a time characterized by feudal systems and social strife. This rural village serves as a backdrop for Jeanne and Jean's tragic story, reflecting the struggles against oppressive authorities and the rising tides of revolution. Known for its picturesque landscapes, the village is deeply affected by the overarching themes of power and injustice.

🏰 Historical 🌾 Rural 🔥 Revolutionary

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:58

Main Characters – Belladonna of Sadness (1973) (2016)

Meet the key characters of Belladonna of Sadness (1973) (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeanne

Jeanne is a tragic heroine who evolves from a fearful bride into a formidable force within her village. Subjected to horror and betrayal, she ultimately embraces her power and strives for autonomy. Her resilience and ambition contrast sharply with the oppressive forces around her, making her a complex and compelling character.

👸 Heroine 💔 Victim 🎭 Ambitious

Jean

Jean is Jeanne's husband, caught in a whirlwind of emotions following the traumatic events of their wedding night. His initial intention to support Jeanne becomes overshadowed by his own despair. Ultimately, Jean's character reflects the struggle of a man confronted with overwhelming societal pressures and personal shame.

👨‍🌾 Husband 😢 Troubled 🔗 Vulnerable

The Baron

The baron epitomizes the feudal oppression that reigns over the village. He is a figure of tyranny, indulging in his power while inflicting misery on others. His jealousy toward Jeanne's rising influence exemplifies the dark nature of authority and the lengths to which he will go to maintain control.

👑 Villain 😠 Tyrant 🔥 Powerful

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:58

Major Themes – Belladonna of Sadness (1973) (2016)

Explore the central themes of Belladonna of Sadness (1973) (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

😡 Oppression

Oppression is a central theme of the movie, manifesting through Jeanne's brutal experiences at the hands of the local baron and the patriarchal society. The film depicts the struggle against overpowering forces and the societal norms that allow injustice to thrive. Jeanne's journey reflects a fight not only for personal freedom but also against systemic inequality.

🌪️ Transformation

Transformation plays a vital role as Jeanne evolves from a victim into a powerful figure through her pact with the spirit. This metamorphosis highlights both the potential for personal empowerment as well as the darker implications of wielding such power. Her evolution signifies resilience against adversity, yet raises questions about the costs of such change.

🔥 Revenge

Revenge acts as a driving force in the narrative, especially as Jeanne navigates her tumultuous relationship with the baron. Her quest for vengeance not only fuels her ambition but also leads to her eventual downfall. The theme underscores the complexities of morality and the cycle of violence that perpetuates further suffering.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:58

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Surreal dramas about trauma and power like Belladonna of Sadness (1973)

Films that use dreamlike, symbolic imagery to explore the fallout of trauma and the pursuit of power.If you liked the symbolic and psychedelic visuals of Belladonna of Sadness, explore similar movies that use surrealism to delve into psychological trauma, vengeance, and the desire for control. These films share a dreamlike, often dark tone and a heavy emotional weight.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread often begin with a profound violation or loss that fractures the protagonist's reality. Their subsequent journey is depicted through a lens of hallucinatory symbolism, as they grapple with their trauma, often seeking empowerment or revenge through otherworldly or supernatural means. The plot is driven by the character's psychological state as much as by external events.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared commitment to using non-realistic, artistic visuals to convey intense psychological experiences. They connect through a dark, oppressive mood, a focus on themes of injustice and empowerment, and a willingness to confront disturbing content through a stylized, symbolic filter.

Movies about tragic pacts and revenge like Belladonna of Sadness (1973)

Stories of characters who trade their humanity for power, leading to a bittersweet reckoning.For viewers who appreciated the dark deal with the devil in Belladonna of Sadness, this list features similar movies about characters making desperate pacts for power. These stories share themes of injustice, vengeance, and the heavy price of empowerment, often ending on a tragic or bittersweet note.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a sympathetic character pushed to the brink by cruelty or oppression. They make a conscious, desperate choice to ally with a dark or supernatural force, gaining immense power at a great personal cost. Their journey of vengeance or revolution is transformative but ultimately leads to their own destruction or a pyrrhic victory, questioning the true meaning of justice.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by the core plot device of a transformative, morally ambiguous pact. They share a dark tone, high emotional intensity, and a thematic focus on the complex interplay between victimhood, power, and the cyclical nature of violence. The endings are rarely purely triumphant.

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Belladonna of Sadness (1973) Summary

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Belladonna of Sadness (1973) Summary

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