Exploring ‘Belladonna of Sadness’: A Masterpiece of Contradiction
Watching ‘Belladonna of Sadness’ (1973), an animated Japanese film directed by Eiichi Yamamoto, was a profoundly unsettling yet captivating experience that lingered in my thoughts, even invading my dreams.
In a mesmerising blend of abstract, watercoloured psychedelic visuals, the film delves into the harrowing story of Jeanne, a young woman in a medieval French village. Her wedding night takes a truly horrific turn as she becomes the victim of brutal gang rape orchestrated by the town’s baron and his courtiers. In the aftermath of this trauma, Jeanne is courted by the devil, who appears to Jeanne in the shape of a phallus, growing in size the more she submits herself to him. Eventually, Jeanne succumbs to the devil’s demand for her soul, gaining magical powers in exchange. Empowered by witchcraft, she challenges the oppressive social order of the village, aiding the afflicted through a plague and leading them in mind-bending, animalistic orgies. Ultimately, Jeanne meets a tragic fate as she is condemned to death by burning at the stake.
‘Belladonna of Sadness’ stands at the crossroads of unimaginable horror and breathtaking beauty. It stands as a work both clumsy but subtle in its delivery, evoking a sense of simultaneous repulsion and fascination. Struggling to discern my feelings, I grapple with whether I loved or absolutely hated the film. Yet, it is precisely this post-viewing uncertainty that contributes to the film’s lingering impact. It becomes nearly impossible to shake off the horror witnessed, entwined with the peculiar allure of the imagery. The rape scenes are profoundly haunting, poignant and among the most distressing in cinematic history. With the overwhelming excess of violence culminating at the film’s end, a paradox emerges: yearning for the film to conclude while dreading its culmination.
Upon its release, ‘Belladonna of Sadness’ was a commercial failure and played a significant role in the bankruptcy of Mushi Pro, its production studio, in late 1973. Nevertheless, over time, the film has garnered a cult following, aided by its restoration and rerelease in 2016. Perhaps this belated popularity speaks to the film’s nature — a canvas upon which viewers can project their interpretations and judgments. Engaging with its themes and messages, one can choose to be forgiving or unforgiving: perhaps what the film conveys to the viewer is more of a reflection of the viewer than of the film itself.
Some viewers may perceive the film as an exploration of sexual liberation for women. Jeanne seizes control of her sexuality after being deprived of agency, and this rebellion grants her newfound power. Moreover, the devil’s phallic representation could symbolise female masturbation — a historically stigmatised act. However, others may interpret the film as a manifestation of extreme sexism. Jeanne never possesses genuine agency; instead, she succumbs to the devil as a less than subtle allegory for male dominance, perpetually subject to the whims of men. It becomes a tale of relentless brutality inflicted upon a woman until her ultimate demise. It feels exploitative and gratuitous.
Even as I pen these thoughts, having contemplated the film for weeks since my viewing, my own beliefs remain ambiguous. ‘Belladonna of Sadness’ is undoubtedly a film that seeks to shock, yet it is also adorned with breathtaking imagery reminiscent of Gustav Klimt or Pieter Brueghel with a psychedelic flare. Although heavily steeped in explicit and erotic content, it does not constitute pornography. Rather than inciting arousal, it evokes anxiety, yet its undeniable beauty remains unparalleled.
The film concludes with the powerful image of Eugene Delacroix’s painting, “La Liberté Guidant Le Peuple” from 1830. It depicts liberty personified as a female figure leading the charge, brandishing the French flag amidst a chaotic battlefield — a symbolic representation of victory in the Second French Revolution. This final scene seemingly suggests female triumph following the protagonist’s tragic demise. However, it underlines the uncomfortable truth that victory was truly achieved through the efforts of men. The female embodiment of liberty stands as a utopian fantasy.
What fascinates me most about this film is the ease with which you can choose to change your understanding of it. ‘Belladonna of Sadness’ effortlessly lends itself to various interpretations, defying simplicity while simultaneously avoiding complete abstraction in its storytelling. Although the narrative remains explicit, extracting its intended meaning proves elusive. Overall, the film is a cinematic paradox — a masterwork that simultaneously enthrals and unnerves. Its ability to provoke conflicting emotions and interpretations heightens its enduring impact. Through its unsettling beauty and disturbing narrative, the film invites introspection, challenging viewers to confront their own perceptions and confront the inherent contradictions that shape our existence.
