Black magi rites, also known as dark magic or black magic rites, are rituals and practices that involve the use of supernatural forces to achieve certain goals, often at the expense of others. It is considered to be a form of occult practice that is rooted in the belief in the existence of supernatural powers and entities. These rites are often associated with negative intentions, such as causing harm to others, manipulating or controlling them, or seeking personal gain through unethical means. Black magi rites are believed to tap into the darker aspects of the human psyche and harness the power of forbidden or forbidden knowledge. The origins of black magi rites can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was believed that certain individuals possessed the ability to connect with and command supernatural beings. These rituals were shrouded in secrecy and were often performed in secret after dark, hence the association with darkness and evil.
These rituals were shrouded in secrecy and were often performed in secret after dark, hence the association with darkness and evil. In these rituals, various tools and symbols are often used to invoke the supernatural forces, such as candles, crystals, herbs, and sigils. Incantations, spells, and invocations are also recited to summon and control these forces.
31 Days of Horror 2022: “Black Magic Rites (1973)”
With wild color schemes that would make Dario Argento’s eyes cross and surreal sequences where reality blurs with fantasy and flashbacks, the 1973 movie Black Magic Rites is always intriguing to look at. Just don’t listen to it.
Logical plotting and understandable storytelling are elements often missing from Italian horror movies of the 1970s and 1980s, but very few are as nonsensical as Black Magic Rites. The movie’s refusal to adhere to standards of rationality does not make it a bad film. One of the benefits modern-day viewers of Black Magic Rites have over those who saw it in the cinema is that we can watch the film on mute and not miss any salient plot points.
Warning: the following trailer is not safe for work, church, or public transport. Follow the link if you’re old enough, curious enough, and alone.
Also known as The Reincarnation of Isabel or its onscreen title, Rites, Black Magic and Secret Orgies in the 14th Century, Black Magic Rites involves an elaborate ritual designed to bring a five-hundred-year-old vampire, the Queen Mistress Isabel, back to life. One of the film’s characters known as the Occultist explains it thusly: “A deceased lover can only be brought back to life if she is given the hearts and eyes of young virgins until the day the Prince of Darkness plants in her womb the seed of his immortality.”
Okay. The dialogue is a little clunky. That’s fine. There’s very little story to push forward.
A group of people gathers at a creepy castle for an engagement party. Unbeknownst to them, the corpse of Isabel is chained to a wall in the dungeon. It’s nearly time for the blood ritual to begin and bring Isabel back to the land of the living. All the participants in the party were present when Isabel was executed five centuries ago. That’s right. They have all been reincarnated. Also, if I am interpreting things correctly, all of the women present at the party are virgins.
That is an incredibly specific guest list, which may stretch the ability of the audience to suspend its disbelief.
There is no doubt that the plot of Black Magic Rites is sparse and silly, and that’s why I encourage viewers to turn down the sound and rely strictly on the subtitles. Or don’t. Silence is the perfect medium for Black Magic Rites.
Without the distractions of the poorly-synced dubbing and the wildly inappropriate soundtrack (including a rape scene set uncomfortably to the tune of rollicking Old West saloon piano music), one is free to enjoy Black Magic Rites as a pure visual extravaganza.
Director Renato Polselli and cinematographer Ugo Brunelli present multiple stark, almost Nordic, closeups of characters with their stern faces set against grey skies. That bleakness is juxtaposed with scenes of wild stroboscopic color. When the Occultist speaks of arcane things, he is lit by a color wheel. Red, green, and yellow illuminate his face as he speaks, creating a sense of hypnotic madness. There are sequences where people are seen through jars of water, in which their image is inverted, while the camera moves up to show us the person in their correct position.
These are little things, I know, and all so-called camera tricks, but the lighting and visual chicanery make Black Magic Rites a fascinating film to look at. Let it wash over you like a bizarre flood. You don’t have to understand it to enjoy it.
If you have an appreciation for ridiculously theatrical makeup, naked women, and the Spanish Inquisition, there’s a lot to enjoy in Black Magic Rites. Just crank it down and rip the knob off.
That is an incredibly specific guest list, which may stretch the ability of the audience to suspend its disbelief.
It is believed that through the performance of these rituals, practitioners can manipulate the natural order of things and bend it to their will. However, the practice of black magi rites is highly controversial and widely condemned by mainstream religions and societies. It is seen as morally wrong and potentially dangerous, as it can have unintended consequences and cause harm to others. Many believe that it goes against ethical and moral principles, promoting selfishness, manipulation, and the violation of others' free will. In addition, black magi rites are often associated with the worship of dark deities or demonic entities. The practitioners of these rites may seek to gain favor with these entities in exchange for their help or supernatural powers. This further strengthens the negative connotations and the belief in the inherent danger and evilness of these practices. In conclusion, black magi rites are occult practices that involve the use of supernatural forces to achieve certain goals, often at the expense of others. They are associated with negative intentions, manipulation, and the seeking of personal gain through unethical means. While they have a long history and are still practiced by some, they are widely condemned and seen as dangerous and morally wrong by mainstream religions and societies..
Reviews for "Exploring the Taboos of Black Magic Rites"
1. John - 2 stars - "Black magi rites was the most disappointing horror movie I have ever seen. The plot was incredibly predictable and there were no real scares or surprises throughout the entire film. The acting was also subpar, with most of the characters falling flat and delivering their lines with little emotion. I was expecting a terrifying and gripping experience, but instead, I found myself bored and disinterested. I would not recommend wasting your time on this film."
2. Sarah - 1 star - "I cannot express how much I disliked Black magi rites. The storyline was confusing and convoluted, making it hard to follow what was even happening. The jump scares were cheap and predictable, and the makeup and special effects were laughable. On top of all that, the acting was atrocious, with stilted dialogue and wooden performances. Save yourself the frustration and skip this movie."
3. Michael - 2 stars - "Black magi rites started off with some promising elements, but it quickly devolved into a mess. The pacing was all over the place, with scenes that dragged on for far too long and others that felt rushed. The plot lacked originality and failed to offer anything new or interesting. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth, making it hard to invest in their fates. Overall, this was a forgettable and generic horror movie that I would not recommend."
4. Emily - 2 stars - "Black magi rites failed to live up to the hype for me. The storyline felt like a recycled version of other supernatural horror movies, offering nothing new or unique. The scares were predictable and lacked any real tension. The performances were forgettable, with no standout acting to save the film. The only redeeming quality was the cinematography, which had some visually striking shots. However, that alone does not make up for the overall disappointment of this movie."