Editor’s Note…
Belladonna of Sadness was probably the perfect flick to see in the “art-house” environment of Manhattan’s new Metrograph Theater. It’s sell out engagement has prompted a “hold over” of 12 additional screenings which will run from May 13-19, 2016. (Extended again thru June 2!) There are some spoilers in my review, which you might want to avoid until you see it yourself. If you do please come back and share your opinions.
Belladonna of Sadness (Kanashimi No Belladonna, The Tragedy of Belladonna)
Mushi Productions, 1973
4K Restoration, Cinelicious Pics, 2016
Directed by: Elichi Yamamoto
Produced by: Tadami Watanabe
Written by: Yoshiyuki Fukada, Elichi Yamamoto
I’ve been excited to see Cinelicious Pics’ 4K restoration of Elichi Yamamoto’s Belladonna of Sadness since it was first announced over a year ago. When tickets went on sale for a short theater run here in New York City I jumped at the chance. The US and Canadian screenings (through July 2016) are meant to herald the film’s release on BluRay. There is also a “making of” companion book from Hat and Beard Press. To sweeten the experience it would be my first chance to visit the newly opened Metrograph Theater in lower Manhattan.