In the 18th century, juvenile vagrant Paola is regarded as an eyesore by fastidious hunchback, Baron De Michelis, who is detests witches. In danger of being burnt at the stake as a witch, Paola is saved by Dolores, a kind witch who looks after orphans in the secluded woods. Paola feels at home there despite the hard training to become a witch, but they are dispersed when the troops sent by Michelis chase her out. Paola tries to launch a counterattack for Dolores and her friends. The Legend of the Christmas Witch: The Origins is a prequel to the previous film, which achieved commercial success when released in Italy in 2018. Set in a fairytale-like small town in Italy, the film shows how Paola grows through accepting herself as she is, and provides touching moments, which are even more magical than the action scenes in the film. It’s great to see the goddess of Italian cinema, Monica Bellucci, playing Dolores. (Jin PARK)