Hoezo in KINO

For the next ‘Cult Status’ installment we’re screening the discombobulating 1973 Japanese psychedelic animation Belladonna of Sadness. In an animation style very much of its time, director Eiichi Yamamoto (Astro Boy, Kimba the Lion) drew inspiration from such diverse sources as Jeanne d’Arc lore, European witch stories and the work of Gustav Klimt. This feverish tale of revenge sports a jazzy rock score by composer Masahiko Seitoh that pairs wonderfully with the dreamlike watercolour animation to produce a unique visual experience. The film is not without controversy as it depicts sexual abuse through the vile feudal ‘primae noctis’ custom, so be warned. The screening will be preceded by a custom made pre-show. Japanese language with English subtitles.