Belladonna of Sadness (Kanashimi no Beradonna) is a 1973 Japanese animated film that stands as a visually stunning and thematically profound cult masterpiece. Directed by Eiichi Yamamoto, this adult-oriented animation blends psychedelic art, eroticism, and dark fantasy to tell the harrowing story of Jeanne, a peasant woman in medieval France. After being brutally raped by a feudal lord and cast out from her village, Jeanne descends into despair before forming a pact with a phallus-shaped demon. This grants her mystical powers, leading her on a path of sensual liberation and vengeful rebellion against the oppressive patriarchal and religious structures of her time.

The film is renowned for its breathtaking, hallucinatory visuals—a flowing tapestry of watercolor paintings, symbolic imagery, and surreal sequences that feel more like an animated art gallery than a conventional narrative. The artistic direction is bold and experimental, using its limited animation to emphasize emotional and psychological states over action. The haunting score, featuring psychedelic rock and folk elements, perfectly complements the ethereal and often unsettling atmosphere.

Belladonna of Sadness is a powerful allegory for female empowerment, trauma, and resistance. Its exploration of sexuality, persecution, and spiritual awakening remains strikingly relevant. While not for all viewers due to its explicit content and heavy themes, it is an essential watch for fans of avant-garde cinema, animation history, and thought-provoking storytelling. Its unique aesthetic and courageous narrative make it a unforgettable cinematic experience that challenges and mesmerizes in equal measure.