Watch The Witches of the Orient

The Witches of the Orient is a captivating documentary film that was directed by Julien Faraut in 2021. The film tells the incredible story of the 1964 Japanese women's volleyball team that captivated the world and won the Gold Medal in the Tokyo Olympics. The team is nicknamed "The Witches of the Orient" because of their unique playing style and exceptional abilities on the court.

The documentary film takes a deep dive into the history of the team and the societal changes that were happening in Japan at the time of the Olympics. The film features interviews with surviving members of the team, as well as archive footage from the time of the Olympics. The film also features unique animation sequences that further enhance the storytelling and help paint a picture of the team's journey to the Gold Medal.

At the core of The Witches of the Orient is the story of the team's coach, Hirofumi Daimatsu. In addition to being a volleyball coach, Daimatsu was also a teacher and mentor to his players. He was responsible for creating the unique playing style that eventually led the team to Olympic victory. Through interviews with Daimatsu and his players, we gain insight into the coach's philosophy and his methods for preparing the team for the Olympics.

The film also explores the societal changes occurring in Japan during the 1960s. Women's volleyball became an incredibly popular sport in Japan after the Olympics, and the success of The Witches of the Orient inspired a new generation of female athletes. The film explores the impact that the team had on Japan and on the global stage.

The Witches of the Orient is a visually stunning film that beautifully captures the excitement and energy of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The film expertly weaves together archival footage with modern-day interviews, creating a compelling narrative that will keep audiences engaged from start to finish. The animation sequences are particularly impressive, and serve as a creative way to tell the story of the team's journey to Olympic victory.

One of the most captivating aspects of The Witches of the Orient is the sense of camaraderie and teamwork exhibited by the team. The players on the team were incredibly close, and their bond is evident throughout the film. The team's success is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and teamwork, values that are still relevant today.

Overall, The Witches of the Orient is a must-watch documentary film. It tells an incredible story that is both inspiring and informative. The film shines a light on an often-overlooked moment in history and pays tribute to the remarkable women who made history at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

The Witches of the Orient is a 2022 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 74.