RATING★ 6.0
WORTH IT? MAYBE
Anna Goldin, the Last Witch backdrop
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Anna Goldin, the Last Witch.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Anna Goldin, the Last Witch Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1991)

A native of Sennwald, Anna Göldi arrived in Glarus in 1765. For seventeen years, she worked as a maidservant for Johann Jakob Tschudi, a physician. Tschudi reported her for having put needles in the bread and milk of one of his daughters, apparently through supernatural means. Göldi at first escaped arrest, but the authorities of the Canton of Glarus advertised a reward for her capture in the Zürcher Zeitung on February 9, 1782. Göldi was arrested and under torture, admitted to entering in a pact with the Devil, who had appeared to her as a black dog. She withdrew her confession after the torture ended, but was sentenced on June 18, 1782 to execution by decapitation. The charges were officially of "poisoning" rather than witchcraft, even though the law at the time did not impose the death penalty for non-lethal poisoning.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of History, Drama, TV Movie, Horror cinema, then Anna Goldin, the Last Witch offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1991 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of History films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of TV Movie films
Fans of Horror films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Anna Goldin, the Last Witch, a standout production of 1991, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the History, Drama, TV Movie, Horror landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A native of Sennwald, Anna Göldi arrived in Glarus in 1765. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of History, Drama, TV Movie, Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A native of Sennwald, Anna Göldi arrived in Glarus in 1765. For seventeen years, she worked as a maidservant for Johann Jakob Tschudi, a physician. Tschudi reported her for having put needles in the bread and milk of one of his daughters, apparently through supernatural means. Göldi at first escaped arrest, but the authorities of the Canton of Glarus advertised a reward for her capture in the Zürcher Zeitung on February 9, 1782. Göldi was arrested and under torture, admitted to entering in a pact with the Devil, who had appeared to her as a black dog. She withdrew her confession after the torture ended, but was sentenced on June 18, 1782 to execution by decapitation. The charges were officially of "poisoning" rather than witchcraft, even though the law at the time did not impose the death penalty for non-lethal poisoning."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Cornelia Kempers, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the History, Drama, TV Movie, Horror genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Gertrud Pinkus is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 105 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Anna Goldin, the Last Witch truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of History, Drama, TV Movie, Horror, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Anna Goldin, the Last Witch explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 1991 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Gertrud Pinkus respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Anna Goldin, the Last Witch serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Cornelia Kempers or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Anna Goldin, the Last Witch is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

105MIN

At approximately 1.8 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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