Belladonna

Real gems are rarely appreciated or understood by everyone. They shine because they deliver and demand something 'more'. They linger in the imagination because they convey understandings we are only beginning to realise. This is certainly true of 'Belladonna', an increasingly intriguing tale which emerged unexpectedly as a cult triumph of Australian cinema.

The movie opens with the unseen guiding voice of an hypnotherapist alongside imagery of contemporary alternative medic Luke and past life scenes in Polish woods circa 1600.

The story chronicles the build-up to Luke's proposal and marriage to Katherine, a lawyer so driven that she even answers her mobile during his proposal. Even so, she emerges thanks to a fascinating performance, as a slightly off-kilter, often unintentionally amusing force to be reckoned with. Luke is also beautifully played, and as his past life love affair is recalled, so do powerful shifts begin to occur in his life. Changes which challenge his choice of bride and readiness to choose his heart's true calling. More than this you will have to savour when you watch the movie yourself.

The movie has been criticised for its slightly 'abrupt' ending, and this misses the point. This is a tale depicting sudden inner transformation and in truth, profound realisations can change things abruptly as a new chapter begins. Also, the suddenness heightens the emotional impact, so much so that I could hardly speak for a minute or so. I was so moved.

The soundtrack is a wonderfully eclectic mix, taking cues from the script to fuse the contemporary with seemingly modern vocal play at the climax . . . except this exceptional piece was amazingly written by Purcell centuries ago, and while it is taken from his opera 'King Arthur' it fits perfectly here, as if it were an evolution of a moment in Sally Potter's mesmerising 'Orlando' when Lord Orlando becomes Lady Orlando! While that movie was a tale of feminine sexuality emerging via androgyny and self-knowledge, Belladonna is an unusually tender tale of an endearingly average guy opening to intuitions and heart-felt callings. Both films play with time and consciousness and are linked by their exploration of feeling out of place.

Whether a viewer believes in reincarnation or not is secondary to the transformative power of the metaphor, and 'Belladonna' has an enveloping truthful resonance which will find the right people. I am thankful that I am one of them.

I give it a ten. I loved so much about it . . . the soundtrack, its shimmering central performances and it's thoughtful depiction of structured lives disintegrating deliciously in order for something new to emerge. Belladonna is a truly affirming, diverting and unusual tale to be savoured. Open your mind and your heart will enjoy it. Let Belladonna find you too.

I really had no expectation of the film. Someone had recommended BELLADONNA to me in a conversation and the general subject is of interest so I watched it. I was absolutely mesmerised by this film, to the point that I watched it 3 times in one week. Apart from it being a beautiful love story, it is such crafted film making. The interwoven story lines between the 16th Century and the 21st are remarkable, they are like a tapestry that reveals itself beautifully. The characters are complex yet funny, at a really crucial point in their life. It is the turning point, the place where they have to make some major decisions. The whole theme of a love that lasts centuries may seem a little "unrealistic" yet somehow Glac manages to make you feel that it is possible and beautiful. I loved the fact that watching the film was like constructing a puzzle. With clues dropped along the way so by the end of the film you are stuck to the seat because what you hope will happens - happens. Finally the Cinematography is stunning!! the green in the European forest is breathtaking and the Australian part is very smart and stylish. WOW. It really is a remarkable film.

Another great movie from Anika Glac! I watched Bunny, very recently, at a movie festival and I liked it very much, so I have decided to look some more of her movies. Belladonna is a beautiful romance with a very nice scenes shot in nature. Contrary to Bunny it is not that funny, but somewhat left a deeper impact on me after watching it. Traveling through the Luke's conscious a viewer will encounter a world of mysterious forests with witches, so I would dare to call this movie a fantasy-romance. Its story is unlike anything I have ever seen before and it held my attention to the very end. The actors did a great job in portraying their characters and I would highly recommend this independent European movie to anyone.

There seems to be so many films that are violent and somehow empty and meaningless. I'm sick of going to the cinema and feeling like I see the same plot over and over again, with that sick feeling in my stomach that undermines my "very humanness" This film is such an enchanting tale of love between two people. The sort of real love that we all hope for. In cinema this can often come across as too sweet and kind of cliché, but not in this film. Belladonna is a film that I will visit over and over again. It is so rich in themes about eternal love, about the complications of life, about choosing your heart over your head. It weaves the themes with grace and beauty. The actors are perfect in their roles. You can identify yourself in all of them, sometimes with the 'cringe factor' of seeing your own behavior projected. I'm really really excited about this movie. yeahhh finally!