Akelarre

Great and ambitious film describing a process against women led by the inquisition. I found it engaging and refreshing, great actors and excellent photography.

We are taken to 17th (not 16th) century Spain, where the Inquisition is trying to find evidence of witchcraft among the peasantry. A group of young girl/women are found and accused. Imprisoned and tortured they concoct a bizarre mess of a story about what the witches sabbath is about.

It seems that by confusing the clergy and their soldiers by ridiculous rituals they try over-power them and escape.

Some have complained that "Why don't they try to argue their case?" Simply because it would be completely pointless - the whole inquisition wasn't about finding the truth, but to alleviate fears attributed to external forces (like witches). There was only one outcome of "trial" for those accused - death. Which is evident by one methods used - tow the accused to sea. If she floated she was a witch, guilty and should be killed, if she sank and drowned she was innocent.

The film depicts the atmosphere of these "trials" in a believable manner, and the misfortunes the unlucky women faced. Well worth a watch - don't expect anything in the way of horror movie, it is not.

Here is a film based on the Spanish Inquisition in the 1600's. A judge arrives at a small fishing village and with his cohorts interrogates young woman with accusations of witchcraft. The nuns at my Catholic school failed to mention this unsavory part of our history. Religion in all forms can be used in dangerous ways. The women here are tortured to the point of confessing to relations with the devil. The atmosphere is historically accurate and the actors are good. It will not restore your faith in humanity or religion, but it is a worthwhile viewing.

You will be taken back to the 1600s in Spain. The acting is impecable, sublime and evoking. The photography is like that of an oil painting and the music is involving and delicious. This is a film that will make you think throughout the movie, it's not a comfortable movie to watch, however I feel it's a movie many people need to watch. Allow yourself to submerge in a journey to the Middle Ages where women where considered dangerous, mainly by religious leaders. It will remind you of many situations that we see still to this day in our societies. This film is a masterpiece, for what it says, for what it hides and for what entails.

I'm glad to read all negative reviews are from shallow moviegoers who are looking for magic tricks. This is a masterpiece in all aspects. Haunting, interesting, historical, deep, disturbing, sexy. Genius! Good plot, good acting, good music, good timing and pace... Very serious filmmaking.