Belladonna of Sadness (1973)
⭐ 7.3/10
📊 Over 9k votes
Released in 1973, the visually stunning and harrowing animated film Belladonna of Sadness is a unique 86-minute descent into psychedelic tragedy, telling the story of a peasant girl who, after being brutally raped by a feudal lord and cast out from her village, makes a devastating pact with the Devil to gain magical powers for revenge. This adult-oriented anime masterpiece blends the genres of animation, drama, and fantasy into a hand-drawn tapestry of profound sorrow and surreal beauty, firmly establishing its themes of tragedy and dark fantasy. With a solid Metascore of 70 and a user rating of 7.3/10 from over 9,300 votes, the film has garnered a cult following for its audacious artistic vision and unflinching narrative, cementing its status as a haunting and unforgettable piece of cinematic art.