Once upon a time, in a land filled with enchantment and wonder, there stood a magical tree house. This tree house was no ordinary structure; it was a place where dreams came to life and fantasies became reality. Nestled amongst the tall trees of an ancient forest, the magic tree house possessed the power to transport its visitors to extraordinary realms. At the heart of this enchanting abode resided a creature unlike any other – a unicorn. This majestic being, with its ivory mane and iridescent horn, was known to possess incredible powers of healing and wisdom. It roamed the lush meadows surrounding the tree house, its hooves barely making a sound as it gracefully moved through the grass.
It roamed the lush meadows surrounding the tree house, its hooves barely making a sound as it gracefully moved through the grass. The unicorn was not simply a resident of the magic tree house; it was a guardian and guide for those who sought its presence. Visitors would often enter the tree house seeking solace, answers, or simply a moment of respite from the hardships of the outside world.
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.
The unicorn, with its eyes filled with ancient knowledge and compassion, would comfort and console those in need, offering them gentle whispers of encouragement and understanding. But the power of the unicorn was not limited to emotional support alone. It possessed the ability to grant wishes and bring forth manifestations of pure magic. Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this mystical creature were granted one wish, and it would be fulfilled with the flick of its ethereal tail. Whether it was a longing for love, an escape from a difficult situation, or the desire to have a cherished dream become reality, the unicorn's magic was unparalleled. Inside the magic tree house, visitors would find a place filled with wonder and enchantment. The walls were adorned with sparkling crystals and tapestries that seemed to come to life, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and far-off lands. The air was thick with the scent of wild flowers and the sound of softly echoing laughter. Each room held a unique surprise. In one, there was a library overflowing with ancient tomes and spell books, waiting to be explored. In another, there was a mystical garden where herbs and flowers of extraordinary qualities grew. And in yet another, there was a room of mirrors that reflected not only the physical form but also the inner essence of those who gazed into them. As the sun set behind the horizon, casting a golden glow through the tree branches, the magical energy of the unicorn and the tree house grew stronger. It was during this time that the tree house would truly come alive, inviting its inhabitants to partake in a vibrant celebration of light and wonder. The magic tree house and its unicorn guardian were a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope and possibility. They stood as symbols of resilience, reminding all who encountered them that magic exists within each and every one of us, waiting to be awakened. In the realm of the magic tree house unicorn, dreams did not simply stay as dreams; they transformed into reality. It was a place where love, joy, and adventure intertwined, and where the line between imagination and existence blurred ever so gently. For those fortunate enough to enter the realm of the magic tree house unicorn, their lives would forever be touched by its enchantment. They would carry its magic within them, spreading light and wonder wherever their journeys may lead..
Reviews for "The Magic Tree House Unicorn: A Guide to Unseen Realms"
1. Emily - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Magic Tree House Unicorn". The storyline was incredibly weak and the characters felt underdeveloped. The whole book felt rushed and lacked depth. I had high hopes for a magical unicorn adventure, but the story fell flat. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and immersive fantasy read.
2. Jacob - 2 stars - "Magic Tree House Unicorn" was not what I expected. The writing style was too simplistic and lacked any real sophistication. The plot felt predictable and the characters were one-dimensional. I was hoping for a more intricate and captivating story, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver. If you're looking for a truly enchanting unicorn experience, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - This book was a major letdown. The premise of a magic tree house and unicorns seemed promising, but the execution fell flat. The writing felt childish and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The descriptions were sparse and the world-building was almost nonexistent. Overall, "Magic Tree House Unicorn" was a lackluster read that failed to capture my interest. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a more immersive and well-crafted fantasy adventure.