Watch Haxan

Haxan is a Swedish-Danish silent movie directed by Benjamin Christensen, who also starred in the movie alongside Elisabeth Christensen and Maren Pedersen. The movie was released in 1922 and is known for its controversial subject matter and innovative techniques in film-making. The movie explores the history of witchcraft and superstition in Europe, using a combination of fictionalized reenactments and documentary-style footage. The movie is split into several chapters, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of witchcraft and its impact on society.

The first chapter of the movie introduces us to the world of medieval Europe and the widespread fear of witches and the supernatural. Through a series of vignettes, we see how witchcraft was often used as a scapegoat for natural disasters, illness, and other misfortunes that would befall communities. The chapter also features scenes of torture and punishment for those accused of witchcraft, including burning at the stake.

The second chapter of the movie explores the origins of witchcraft and superstition, tracing its roots to the pagan rituals of pre-Christian Europe. The movie uses a combination of historical reenactments and artistic interpretations to show how these beliefs evolved over time, often in response to changes in society and politics.

The third chapter of the movie focuses on the various methods of interrogation and torture used to extract confessions from those accused of witchcraft. This includes the infamous "witch's chair" and other forms of physical and psychological abuse.

The fourth chapter of the movie explores the so-called "witches' sabbath," a gathering of witches and other supernatural creatures described in many folklore traditions. Through a combination of reenactments and special effects, the movie creates a vivid and surreal depiction of this mythical event.

The fifth chapter of the movie transitions into a more modern setting, exploring the ways in which superstition and belief in the supernatural continue to impact society. This includes scenes of séances and other forms of spiritualism, as well as a critique of the role of religion in perpetuating these beliefs.

Overall, Haxan is a groundbreaking movie that challenges audiences to reconsider their assumptions about history, religion, and the supernatural. The film's blend of historical accuracy and artistic interpretation creates a unique viewing experience that is both educational and entertaining. Despite its controversial subject matter, the movie stands as a testament to the power of cinema to explore complex and difficult topics in a thoughtful and engaging way.

Haxan is a 1929 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.