Belle

About Belle

Belle is a 2021 animated film directed by Mamoru Hosoda, a celebrated Japanese film artist known for his previous creations like Mirai and Wolf Children. The film takes inspiration from the classic fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast". However, it presents the tale in a futuristic cyber universe known as U, where people's identities are masked, highlighting the repercussions of an increasingly interconnected yet impersonal digital world.

Making / Production

Belle was created and produced by the animation studio Studio Chizu, noted for creating profoundly heartwarming and insightful animations. The film was initially conceived by Mamoru Hosoda, who envisioned a modern take on the traditional tale of "Beauty and the Beast". To further enhance Belle’s distinctive look, Hosoda hired legendary Disney Artist, Jin Kim, who notably designed characters in Frozen and Moana, for designing the film’s titular character.

Actors

• Kaho Nakamura, voicing the role of Suzu/Belle, is commendable for breathing life into the character, making the audience empathize with Suzu's emotional journey in both the real and virtual world.
• Takeru Satoh, portraying the role of the Beast, is impactful with his haunting yet lovable character.
• Ryo Narita, as Justin, aptly plays the flamboyant pop star in the virtual world of U.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Belle is the third film by Mamoru Hosoda to play at Cannes Film Festival after Wolf Children and Mirai.
• The film is an international success, having been released in several languages.
• Mamoru Hosoda collaborated with architect Eric Wong for designing the hyper-realistic virtual world of U.

Awards

As of the moment, specific awards for Belle are not available.

Quotes

• "[Translated] You don't stop being you, no matter how you look!" - Suzu/Belle.
• "[Translated] Is there a voice that can save lonely souls?" - Beast.
• "[Translated] We could meet a million times in here, but we’d never truly meet at all." - Suzu/Belle.

Music, Soundtrack

• "U" is a catchy pop number that plays in the virtual universe of U.
• "Belle" is a beautiful ballad sung by Suzu/Belle, which encapsulates her emotional journey.
• "Wave of a Windless Sea" contributes to the painting of the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere of the story.