Belladonna of Sadness

Kanashimi no Beradonna

After being banished from her village, a peasant woman makes a pact with the devil to gain magical ability. A classic-animated gem from Japan adapted from the novel, Belladonna by Jules Michelet, the story concerns a love affair taking place in the Middle Ages shadowed by witch-trials and the Inquisition.

"Nominated for Golden Berlin Bear" - Berlin International Film Festival

"Belladonna of Sadness is undoubtedly a landmark of animated film, and arguably a masterpiece. But it's a very disquieting one." - Glenn Kenny, The New York Times

"It's a classic tale of temptation and tragedy, of innocence lost and evil triumphant." - Soren Anderson, The Seattle Times