Brand New & Sealed DVD: Belladonna of Sadness (1973, Mushi Production)

『哀しみのベラドンナ』 ('73 Japan)
"BELLADONNA"
"la sorcière"
"Belladonna of Saddness"
Brand new, unopened item
DVD

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Following 『千夜一夜物語』 and 『クレオパトラ』, this is the third theatrical animation film produced by Mushi Production. It is also their most artistic and controversial work!
Based on Jules Michelet's 『魔女』, it features a unique interpretation of the story and an artistic work with refined lines and colors.
Unlike the previous two entertainment works, this is an exceptional masterpiece with a literary story and drawings filled with aesthetic eroticism! There were many risqué depictions, and as a result, screenings were limited in Japan at the time, and it did not become a hit. It is easy to understand why it became a cult film known to those in the know, and it is said to have been more highly regarded overseas than in Japan as an art animation work. The story is a mix of medieval legends, such as the legend of Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake, witch hunts, and Devil worship. While set in Europe, it also has a somewhat Asian sensibility, and the visuals blend countless styles, from medieval Gothic illustrations to Beardsley, Jugendstil, pop art, psychedelic art, and shojo manga. The style, which makes extensive use of still images, and the progressive sound effects are also experimental. It is said that during the theatrical release, there was an attempt to show erotic live-action footage during the intermission.

The director is Eiichi Yamamoto, and the animation is by Kuni Fukai.
The voice cast includes Chinatsu Nakayama for narration. Other prominent figures from the new theater are also included. The theme song sung by Mayumi Tachibana has lyrics by Yu Aku and music by Asei Kobayashi.

In a medieval French village ruled by the church and the lord, Jean and Jeanne, a young and beautiful couple, get married. However, Jean, a poor farmer, could not offer a tribute to the lord. As a result, Jeanne's virginity is taken by the lord, and she is then repeatedly raped by his retainers. Jeanne, wounded in both body and mind, returns to Jean. Before her appears the Devil. Jeanne begs the Devil to help Jean, who is exhausted from working all the time...