 Three witches tortured/burned/killed in 1683 are apparently reincarnated in modern era as trio of "unorthodox" wimmin. Presents witchcraft as manifestation of nascent women's movement & rails against smalltown bigotry. Obvious symbolism (snake in bed, trees cut down - more appropriate to it's eventual antisex attitude than intended rape of nature analogy, Pleasance pulling maggots from his flesh, polluted water...), downbeat atmosphere, ugly cast - excepting Suzanna Love; a mighty fine lookin' womyn. Artfilm refugee and Fassbinder collaborator Ulli Lommel, suffuses flick with ridiculous notion of "blood-guilt", while misogyny turns quickly to misandry & ends up as an argument against itself: perceiving violence as a result of sexual repression yet condemning unrestrained (male) sexuality as root of all evil (an orthodoxy more popular now than ever). Despite flaws & cop-out Devil's Rain style conclusion, an interesting film with a lot to say. You may read another review, submit your own, or return home. |
