“Belladonna of Sadness” ('73 Japan) "BELLADONNA" "la sorcière" "Belladonna of Saddness" Brand new, unopened DVD Please review all the photos before considering a purchase. If you are looking for a perfect item or are concerned about minor details, please refrain from purchasing. Following "A Thousand and One Nights" and "Cleopatra," this is the third theatrical animated film produced by Mushi Production. It is also their most artistic and controversial work! Based on Jules Michelet's "La Sorcière," it features a unique interpretation of the story and an artistic work with refined lines and colors. Diverging from the entertainment-focused nature of the previous two films, this work delves deeper into literary themes, with a story and visuals filled with aesthetic eroticism, making it an exceptional masterpiece! Due to its many risqué depictions, it was subject to restrictions in Japan at the time, limiting its screenings and preventing it from becoming a hit. It became a cult classic 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 blends medieval legends such as the burning of Saint Joan of Arc, witch hunts, and devil worship. While set in Europe, it also has a somewhat Asian sensibility, and the visuals incorporate countless styles, from medieval Gothic illustrations to Beardsley, Art Nouveau, 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 film's theatrical release, erotic live-action footage was shown during intermission. Directed by Eiichi Yamamoto, with animation by Kuni Fukai. The voice cast includes Chinatsu Nakayama as the narrator. The rest of the cast is made up of prominent figures from the new theater movement. 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, a young and beautiful couple, Jean and Jeanne, get married. However, Jean, a poor farmer, could not offer a tribute to the lord. As a consequence, Jeanne's virginity is taken by the lord, and she is then repeatedly raped by his retainers. Jeanne, wounded in both body and spirit, returns to Jean. Before her appears the devil. Jeanne begs the devil to help Jean, who is exhausted from working constantly...