I have better taste than you (Watch these movies)

[Kim]

Yo, I've been checking out lots of interesting movies lately, so every once in a while I'm gonna drop some on you that I think you folks should give a try.

First up is Belladonna of Sadness. It's a 70's era animated Japanese film with a much more European artistic style. The best description I can give for it is that it's art porn. It mixes a bunch of historical events and elements of culture in a big melting pot to tell a story of how the patriarchy destroys the lives of women.

The movie uses a lot of still art, but every frame of the movie is gorgeous. Additionally, the use of still art is one the audience quickly adjusts to, and when things suddenly become animated and fluid, they have much more impact as a result. Some of the scenes are simply mindblowing.

The story is about Jean and Jeanne, primarily the latter. They're two lovebirds who are finally ready to get married and everyone in their village is unbelievably happy for them. However, that is only the start of what is ultimately a tragedy. Over the course of the film, Jeanne is repeatedly the victim of those in power. Whenever they make her suffer, she ends up taking on a new role to try and escape that suffering. Sadly, with every role comes a new reason for those in power to loathe her.

The movie is very graphic, but most of us are adults, and it is not graphic without reason. Every awful event and every dark turn of the story exists for a reason. The sex and the violence all serve a greater purpose.

To give you a better idea of what the movie is like, here's a (NSFW) trailer for it.

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This movie is amazing and far too few have seen it. Please, give it a chance.

[Nique]

The imagery of the cross is reminiscent of (obviously) Christ, but also being burned on the cross is a reminder of stories like that of Joan of Arc. I think that could be an interesting commentary on how patriarchy, or other systems used in oppression, appropriate their victims as representatives to mask the abuse of power.

I don't know if the movie takes that direction exactly, but this certainly looks interesting.

[Kim]

Joan of Arc is definitely one of the historical figures the movie draws from.

[pochercoaster]

I just watched Belladonna of Sadness and I second Liz's recommendation. However, keep in mind (particularly at the beginning of the movie) that the violence is there for a purpose and is not simply gratuitous. It is disturbing at parts, so be prepared for that. Don't show this movie to your kids!

That said, it's a simply a marvel. I'm still digesting/processing it, but there is plenty to the movie beyond its visuals (which are still stunning on their own).

[Professor Smarmiarty]

I have better taste than you
No you don't.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

This movie seems interesting. Smarty, you should review it. And I should watch it.

[Kim]

I should watch it.

Yeah you should.

Let me know what you think if you do.


Also, gonna throw out another movie recommendation.

Angel's Egg is a strange film. It's visuals are a dream. The shadows of giant fish move across a city, chased by stone fishermen. A large tree holds an egg aloft. Within the egg sleeps a bird. A man with bandaged hands carries a cross with him everywhere he goes. A young girl watches over an egg.

The movie is slow. Every moment is to be soaked in. There is little dialogue, but every line is powerful and the Japanese voice acting is near-perfect. The audience is left to interpret the movie however they want. They can look for deeper meaning or some vague explanation, or they can simply appreciate the beauty and mystery of the dream.

The art and animation are gorgeous, as is the music. It's no art film to the degree that Belladonna of Sadness is, but it's still very powerful. Everyone should give this film a chance.

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