I can see why this film had received a 14-minutes standing ovation during its out-of-competition premiere at Cannes this year. It really nailed the third act and landed a strong, emotional and emotionally-satisfying ending. A mashup of Ready Player One meets Beauty and the Beast, this was a modern, Japanese, anime retelling of a classic fairy tale complete with memorable songs, a stirring score, and gorgeous CGI and hand-drawn cinematography.
Belle started out really strong with an engaging world-building and empathetic background exposition but it faltered in the Second Act where the emo teenage drama threatened to overtake the storyline and destroy any prior sense of character building. But thankfully, director/writer/co-producer Mamoru Hosada 細田 守 managed to salvage the situation, albeit slightly more bleakly than expected, and the climax paid off heaps - in terms of visual spectacle and emotional resonance.
Tears were freely shed.
This was a film that was highly suitable for family viewing. There were actually many modern themes throughout that were made - and suitable - for family discussion with young ones/teens like internet bullying, online fame and self vs avatar. Then, there were the more classic exploration of familial loss, reclaiming one self, depression, humility, courage and sacrifice.
There was even, if you read deep enough to it, a small jab at politics, the justice system and Western corruption.
Surprisingly, romantic love was just a small component of the story. And thankfully so, because whenever Hosada ventured into that realm, it was very clear he was out of his depth with regard to teenage girls' emotions. Those scenes actually bordered on annoying.
The highlights were the phenomenal songs and score through the film. Kudos to lead voice actor and singer Kaho Nakamura 中村 佳穂 and the music team of Taisei Iwasaki 岩崎 太整, Ludvig Forssell and Yuta Bandon 坂東 祐大. Coupled with superb character design and animation, the musical moments were outstanding. This would work so well as a musical, either as a movie or stage production.
Its Japanese title, literally The Dragon and Freckled Princess, may well have embodied the film than just simply Belle. Nonetheless, Belle may not have been as exciting as Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, or as epic and dreamlike as Spirited Away, nor as romantic and swoon worthy as Your Name, but it was beautiful and heartfelt and stayed with you after the end.
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