Movie Review: Belle

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A- 

A beautiful and moving animated drama from Japan.

Anyone who has seen Mamoru Hosoda's previous films (Wolf Children, Summer Wars, The Boy and the Beast) will know that he is one of the great filmmakers of today and Belle just further cements this standing. Though one can accuse this movie of trying to do too many things at once, it does each of these things excellently. This movie works as a teen romance, an animated fantasy, a character study, a comedy and a social commentary on how the internet has changed our world. Much of why each of these elements work is because of our main character. This character is incredibly real and likable. On the outside she like so many girls that we just simply pass by every day. Yet beneath all this she is a truly beautiful, kind, loving and talented person. She is too hurt (by the passing of her mother among other things) as well as shy and insecure to show this side of her to everyone, yet through the internet she is able to allow who she is to shine there without anyone else knowing it is her. This is something that each of us can relate to as well as something that perfect represents the time we are living in. Because of this each emotional moment feels completely real and relatable. As the film goes on it becomes truly moving and touching. The finale may even bring a little tear to your eye. I also love how smart the social commentary is here. There are many movies that have the overly simplistic moral that the internet is bad, that we should spend more time away from it and in the real world. This movie portrays the internet in a more complex and realistic way. While it does show the faults of the internet, it never condemns it as a whole. In fact, it shows how great it can be as a means of artistic expression and a way to connect to other people. Yet this film also shows the importance of not hiding behind the internet or to only be ourselves when we are there. Technology is meant to enhance our lives, not be a replacement for them. This moral is one that hurts further home and has much more truth behind it than a simple "the internet is bad," and I applaud this film for taking on a more complex moral. This movie also discusses some darker themes such as child abuse and the loss of family members. Again, when discussing these themes, the film never talks down its audience or offers any simple solutions to these problems.

This film is also a visual treat. The internet world is so colorful and inviting that is clear to see why some people would want to live in there. Yet the real world is also beautiful looking and captures the beauty of nature extremely well. I also have to praise this film for how well the humor work. There were times when the audience I saw this film with all laughed out loud and I definitely joined in. 

All in all, this is a must see for both anime fans and non-anime fans alike.