The animation is gorgeous and unique. There isn't anything quite like this movie in terms of visuals. I love the surreal segments where the film just throws a bunch of scary, colorful imagery at you. I'm just a sucker for that.
I appreciate it for its sensitive handling of sexual assault and mental illness. I can see why people call it feminist for its time. It doesn't exploit the imagery of Jeanne being raped for shock or the gratification of the audience, and her depressive arc resonated with me.
However, I find the framing of the relationship between Jeanne and the devil troubling. The devil does nothing but rape and bully her, but when she sides with him, it's framed as badass and triumphant. It's clearly abusive, but they end up being framed as an epic demonic power couple by the end of the film. It's weird.
I appreciate it for its sensitive handling of sexual assault and mental illness. I can see why people call it feminist for its time. It doesn't exploit the imagery of Jeanne being raped for shock or the gratification of the audience, and her depressive arc resonated with me.
However, I find the framing of the relationship between Jeanne and the devil troubling. The devil does nothing but rape and bully her, but when she sides with him, it's framed as badass and triumphant. It's clearly abusive, but they end up being framed as an epic demonic power couple by the end of the film. It's weird.