Review: Belle

Source: 
Belle: The Dragon and the Freckled Princess (2021) - IMDb

Nothing new to those who know me personally, but to anyone who isn't I am a huge nerd. Yes I am a theatre nerd, but I mean a NERD nerd, including of course, a huge anime nerd, also known as an otaku. 

I cannot believe therefore to FINALLY be able to talk about a project with enough basis in music and song for me to able to write about. 

Belle, or Belle: The Dragon and the Freckled Princess if you translate the entire title from the Japanese, is the latest film from renowned Japanese filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda; if you're unfamiliar with his works, then he's best known for directing The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Summer Wars. 

In 2011, he formed his own studio Studio Chizu, and went on to create Wolf Children (that one's a tear-jerker) and Mirai. The latter of which was nominated for Best Animated Film at the OSCARS, losing out to Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse. 

He's one of the top filmmakers working in Japan today, alongside those at Studio Ghibli, and Makoto Shinkai (who wrote the stunning Your Name). 

Still with me! Fab! Let's move on to Belle: the one for which Hosoda allegedly got a several minute long standing ovation for at the Cannes Film Festival! 

Ever since Suzu's mother died, her life hasn't been great. She's shut out her father and her classmates, and hasn't been able to sing ever since; even though she did frequently with her mum. 

However, when her only friend Hiro sends her a link to virtual reality platform U, her world changes. Able to come to the persona Belle, she leaves her "normal self" behind: and finds she can sing again, becoming viral in the process. 

"You may not be able to start over in reality" the U simulator says "but you can start over in the world of U"

At the peak of Belle's popularity though, another avatar Dragon, comes crashing in; known as "The Beast" he is pursued by those trying to keep the "peace" in U, who see him as a trouble-maker. Suzu then becomes determined to help Dragon, though she doesn't know how. 

Now by that last bit, and the way the trailer looks, you may think it sounds like Beauty & the Beast - to which yeah, there is a base on that. 

While it does find lots of moments to pay homage to the 1991 Disney classic (castle, roses, even a dance sequence), I must admit, this is the weakest bit in the writing for me. 

Until the knot is tied at the climax (no spoilers), it almost feels like two different stories, and it takes away from Suzu's main character arc. That and the reason Dragon is being chased feels very "just 'cause" and the "villains" are quite bland to me. Calling it "oh it's Beauty and the Beast in virtual reality" sounds a bit simplistic to me. 

Having said that though, the rest of the writing is incredibly strong, exploring virtual reality, social media, alienation, the power of music; and ultimately, how we channel grief. 

It's very much a "show don't tell" approach

Like Coco, the fact that this film has so much music, and is able to translate the power of song into its story gives me the excuse to talk about it. So with that in mind, I'd like to mention that how sound is used simultaneously with the animation. 

When Suzu is living her day to day life, we don't get any background music. There's just the rumbling of a bus going down the road, the birds, or even just silence. It's only AFTER she becomes Belle in U, when we start to get any kind of soundtrack in that world there on. After all, Suzu's pain over her mother's death stops her from singing, so in her view, why SHOULD there be any music without her mum - it's genius! 

It also means all the more when she IS able to sing as Belle. Taisei Iwasaki's soundtrack switches between classic J-pop, and the uplifting, and in the case of Lend Me Your Voice, a very powerful emotional punch, whether in English or Japanese! 

What brings an even bigger punch though is the contrast in animation. Like sound, there's a big difference in how the animation is portrayed between the two worlds, just like in Summer Wars, working together with the sound design to create the atmosphere and contrast between the two worlds. 

In the real world, the camera is claustrophobic, the backgrounds flat. 

However, in U, it couldn't feel more different. 

This is where the collaboration with Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon comes in. U feels so fast it's almost infinite. A huge display in colours, effects, and quirky character designs with all the avatars U designed. 

Take a look at the opening scene for just an idea... 

Would I recommend this? Absolutely yes! 

For anime fans, this is a given, in fact you may have seen it already (yeah bit late to the party on this one as it came out last year). If you haven't seen any of Hosoda's work, then this is a good starting place. If you can, see it on the biggest screen you have to get the most out of the U scenes. 

It may not be my favourite of his work (probably still Summer Wars for me), but I cannot be happier I finally got a chance to see Belle in all her glory. 

Now, here's the question many an anime fan will be familiar with: Sub or Dub? 

Well, I watched the dub, and it wasn't bad at all so you'll be safe with that if that's what you prefer - plus the songs sound amazing too. But I would always say if you are open to subs and can find it subbed, then go with then go with the native Japanese. 

Fingers crossed this will not be the only anime musical I will get the chance to talk about... 

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