What is Luca Guadagnino's new interpretation of "Suspiria"? *Note! Contains spoilers.

Connection between witches and hijackings

However, the witches' group in this film is a little different. Some of the members, such as Bran who sympathizes with Susie and some who try to escape from the group, have a sense of ethics. This point is hinted at by the reports of the hijacking incident by the Baader-Meinhof Gruppe (German Red Army Faction) that actually occurred in 1977, which are occasionally inserted in parallel with the story.

The revolution that the Baader-Meinhof-Gruppe sought to achieve was, in short, the destruction of capitalist society with its exploitative structure. To that end, they vigorously continued their radical underground activities, repeatedly committing murders and acts of terrorism. Their targets of attack were those in power who were trying to protect existing interests and the system.

In that sense, they are similar to the members of the Marcos Dance Company. Historically, witches have been the subject of persecution in Europe. To be more precise, historically, those in power have labeled those who were inconvenient to their rule or profit as witches and persecuted them to eliminate minorities and diversity. The witches of the Marcos Dance Company, who believe in ancient religions, are independent women who survived World War II under the Nazi regime, surviving together in a society where mainstream Christianity was dominant and women were discriminated against and oppressed. That is why they dance innovative contemporary dance, rather than ballet, which has been refined and established through tradition.

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But of course, they are not good beings who are only oppressed. In order to ensure the survival of the company, they execute their comrades if necessary, and sacrifice the young girls who are members of the company but who could have been their compatriots. Furthermore, Klemperer, a psychiatrist who was persecuted by the Nazis and whose wife was murdered, is also about to be sacrificed in the ritual because he approached the mystery of the company. This radicalized state, in which they are willing to cause harm to achieve their goals, overlaps with the Red Army's hijacking incidents, in which they armed themselves and took many hostages.

Who is Susie Bunyon?