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- Belladonna of Sadness Plot and History
- The Stunningly Beautiful Anime Was Overlooked on Release
- How Belladonna of Sadness Was Ahead of Its Time
- Should I Watch Belladonna of Sadness?
As a connoisseur of anime and a lover of art, I find myself drawn to the enigmatic beauty that is Belladonna of Sadness. Having traversed through countless animated masterpieces from various eras, this film stands out as a rare gem, a testament to the boundless creativity and unwavering dedication of its creators. The intricate watercolor landscapes and meticulously drawn figures are nothing short of breathtaking, while the original orchestral score adds an ethereal layer that transcends the screen and stirs the soul.
Only a small number of animated films can boast about being entirely unique and groundbreaking in their genre. Throughout animation’s history, there have been trailblazing achievements, but to defy norms and create something completely original is rare. Movies such as “The Red Turtle,” “Hedgehog in the Fog,” and “The Triplets of Belleville” serve as proof that the art form can achieve greatness when artists strive to break the mold and explore the full potential of their medium.
One unconventional film that dared to break the rules upon its release was the 1973 animated feature, “Belladonna of Sadness.” This groundbreaking movie showcased a sophisticated visual aesthetic and tackled taboo themes before they were widely accepted. Here’s the story of how an avant-garde anime drama rose from obscurity, faced financial ruin, only to be rediscovered decades later, earning critical acclaim and building a dedicated cult following.
Belladonna of Sadness Plot and History
As a lover of both anime and history, I found “Belladonna of Sadness” to be a captivating and thought-provoking masterpiece. Having studied medieval Europe and its feudal system in my academic career, I was immediately drawn to this animated film’s historical accuracy and deep exploration of the societal norms and power dynamics of the time. The story follows Jeanne, a young peasant woman living in medieval France who, on her wedding day, is violated by a corrupt feudal lord under the guise of unpaid taxes. This tragic event sets the stage for the entire narrative as Jeanne’s life takes a dark turn.
In a town suffering from famine that year, Jeanne ventured out to peddle her thread. Despite the hardships endured by the townsfolk, who were overwhelmed with despair and too feeble to protest, the lord continued to demand taxes. Amidst this gloom, only Jeanne seemed to be working diligently. (Narrator in Belladonna of Sadness)
Under the guidance of director Eiichi Yamamoto, the film “Belladonna of Sadness” was produced by Mushi Productions, a studio established by Osamu Tezuka, a renowned animator and pioneer of manga. The distinctive psychedelic and avant-garde visuals were crafted by Kuni Fukai, who employed watercolors to paint intricate backgrounds over a simplistic animation style, resulting in the film’s signature aesthetic. “Belladonna of Sadness” is part of the “Animerama” series, which also includes “A Thousand and One Nights” (1969) and “Cleopatra” (1970), both of which are recognized as significant works in their respective fields.
As a devoted fan, I’ve always admired Mushi Productions, a pioneering force in the world of anime that was established way back in 1961. It was renowned for its exceptional adaptations of Osamu Tezuka’s works, such as “Astro Boy” (1963-1966), “Kimba the White Lion” (1965-1967), and “Princess Knight” (1967-1968). However, the 70s were a tumultuous era for this trailblazing company. The departure of Tezuka, a competitive marketplace, evolving trends, and overextension led to Mushi Productions’ unfortunate bankruptcy shortly after “Belladonna of Sadness,” a production with a substantial budget of ¥80,000,000 (equivalent to over $2,200,000 USD in today’s value). Despite occasional resurrections, the studio faced closure again. Yet, for a while, Mushi Productions stood at the pinnacle of anime creation.
The Stunningly Beautiful Anime Was Overlooked on Release
Although Belladonna of Sadness is now recognized for pioneering animation techniques, it was a significant financial disappointment for Mushi Productions. This misfortune is often linked to the studio’s bankruptcy declaration. The film’s failure was mainly due to its experimental style, explicit content, and thought-provoking themes, which created difficulties in securing distribution. Previously, Mushi Productions had faced similar challenges with their film Cleopatra, earning an ‘X’ rating, which negatively impacted its prospects for wider distribution.
As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I must confess that the release of “Belladonna of Sadness” came during a tumultuous period for the anime industry. The shift towards television viewership was causing turmoil among many studios as they grappled with the transition’s challenges. The movie received a mixed response at the time, and unfortunately, it was launched into an already competitive market. To make matters worse, Mushi Productions found it difficult to secure global distribution for the film, which ultimately spelled doom for both “Belladonna of Sadness” and the studio that brought it to life.
For nearly four decades, the animated film “Belladonna of Sadness” was considered a forgotten gem of the 1970s. However, following a thorough 4K restoration by Cinelicious and its debut at Japan Cuts on July 10, 2015, the movie sparked renewed interest among viewers. The refurbished visuals from a film that was previously only available in small circles through bootlegged versions brought out the intended artistry and broadened the scope of discussion for this anime.
How Belladonna of Sadness Was Ahead of Its Time
In terms of visual presentation, it’s challenging to fully capture the sheer scale of ambition that the project “Belladonna of Sadness” represented during its time. Unlike many other productions from the ’70s, especially in Japanese anime studios, its style was remarkably distinct, characterized by watercolor and silhouette animation, a combination seldom seen then due to the time-consuming nature and challenges involved. Pioneering animations often demand a substantial investment of time, as evident in “The Tale of Princess Kaguya,” which required a full decade for its completion.
The duration of production for “Belladonna of Sadness” is not explicitly stated, but it’s believed to have taken several years due to its inclusion in the Animerama series, which ran from 1969 to 1973. However, this extended timeframe allowed for a single, cohesive vision to be realized, as evidenced by the diverse and breathtaking landscapes, vibrant color accents on intricately drawn characters, and an original orchestral score expertly crafted to complement the visuals.
In every era, there’s a passion for conflict among men. The noble leader, resplendent and powerful, led his troops out, even drafting peasants from their farms. Regrettably, it is women who are consistently left to endure the hardships. (Narrator in Belladonna of Sadness)
One explanation for why Belladonna of Sadness faced difficulties upon its initial release is that it tackled uncomfortable topics. This has sparked numerous discussions about its feminist aspects in contemporary times. In an article on Medium by Annabelle Lily, she points out that some viewers might see the film as a portrayal of women’s sexual liberation. However, she also suggests that others may view it as an extreme expression of sexism. Jeanne lacks real autonomy in the story; instead, she submits to the devil as a symbolic representation of male dominance, remaining under the control of men throughout the narrative.
In numerous reviews and thoughtful analyses found online, it’s common to see people expressing a complex emotion towards Belladonna of Sadness, often finding themselves caught between admiration and criticism – a kind of ambivalent affection that could be described as a love-hate relationship. The film was designed to spark conversations about feminism, which was a controversial topic in the world of anime at the time. This may explain some of the film’s inconsistencies when dealing with sensitive subjects, especially considering the progress made in anime over the decades, where subsequent works have handled similar themes more delicately and effectively.
Should I Watch Belladonna of Sadness?
After many years since its premiere, Belladonna of Sadness continues to be hailed as one of the most visually breathtaking anime films ever produced. Each of the film’s approximately 80 minutes is a masterpiece, filled with artistry. Despite this, criticisms leveled at the movie upon its initial release still hold true today. The slow-paced nature of the film may test the patience of contemporary viewers even more than it did in the ’70s. Furthermore, the ideas and themes that the movie delves into continue to be subjective, with some finding merit in its portrayal while others argue that it fails to effectively express its messages of female empowerment. This contrast between positive and negative perceptions is what makes the film either praised for its nuance or criticized for exploitation.
Regardless, Belladonna of Sadness is undeniably a true work of art, boasting an exceptional and vivid color scheme that starkly juxtaposes the weighty themes it tackles. Akin to a piece of art, its impact is subjective, contingent on one’s personal interpretation. Although it has garnered a dedicated cult following among anime enthusiasts, streaming options remain limited. Fortunately, you can rent Belladonna of Sadness on YouTube or purchase a copy through the Crunchyroll store or Amazon.
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2024-08-19 04:32