Belle
GKIDS | Release Date: January 14, 2022
7.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 102 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
81
Mixed:
15
Negative:
6
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
ChatclawsJan 15, 2022
Such a great movie! Voice actress was beyond amazing and the songs were so heart felt
6 of 6 users found this helpful60
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10
JohneyBoy100Jan 14, 2022
Really enjoyed this movie. Was a different and refreshing take on the Beauty and the Beast story.
The story, characters, amazing soundtrack, and fantastic visuals all kept me engaged and entertained for the entire movie.
Some reviews haveReally enjoyed this movie. Was a different and refreshing take on the Beauty and the Beast story.
The story, characters, amazing soundtrack, and fantastic visuals all kept me engaged and entertained for the entire movie.
Some reviews have stated that the movie feels disjointed at times and confusing, however I did not find that to be the case at all. Even assuming it creates confusion for you I believe it would still be worth a viewing since it's visually beautiful and the soundtrack is excellent.
(Review based on a subtitled showing)… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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8
Bradh6886Jan 16, 2022
Absolutely floored by BELLE. Stunning animation over a beautifully layered script, tackling topics from self discovery to compassion to coming of age. Not the biggest fan of this animation subgenre but I was won over in minutes. Great to seeAbsolutely floored by BELLE. Stunning animation over a beautifully layered script, tackling topics from self discovery to compassion to coming of age. Not the biggest fan of this animation subgenre but I was won over in minutes. Great to see non Disney films be this powerful.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
bertobellamyJan 25, 2022
Sure, 'Belle' explores an unoriginal concept —social media as a double-edged sword—; some subplots feel very random, and the out-of-nowhere finale, although somewhat dark, lacks development. Despite all of this, it's hard to call it aSure, 'Belle' explores an unoriginal concept —social media as a double-edged sword—; some subplots feel very random, and the out-of-nowhere finale, although somewhat dark, lacks development. Despite all of this, it's hard to call it a failure. The visuals, especially those of "U" —the virtual world where Suzu, the protagonist, escapes her sorrow to turn into Bell, a world-renowned singer — are breathtaking; the 3-D graphics blend seamlessly with the 2-D animation to create exhilarating vistas full of cool characters. And, of course, the drama and anxiety around Suzu translate very well the teenage angst of a traumatized girl that, in the end, finally understands the soothing power of opening herself to others. Loved the music and the Spanish (Latin) dub.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
MarkTakayamaJan 27, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What an anime! The picture is beautiful. I really loved rivers, mountains, and people in the Kochi area where Suzu lived. It made me hungry when I saw katsuo no tataki that is a signature sashimi food in Kochi. Yes, Kochi is safe, people are so nice. On the other hand, Tokyo might not be safe! You will see the reason after you watch the movie!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Experiment626Jan 14, 2022
Went into this thinking Beauty and the Beast, Ready Player One, and Jem and the Holograms. And to an extent, that does sum up the core elements. It sounds like cheese, but the story and characters work. It kept me engaged the whole time.Went into this thinking Beauty and the Beast, Ready Player One, and Jem and the Holograms. And to an extent, that does sum up the core elements. It sounds like cheese, but the story and characters work. It kept me engaged the whole time. Like 'Your Name', this movie takes a turn into the serious that I wasn't expecting. This makes the story much more compelling. I recommend at least one watch for Belle.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
celfhelpJan 19, 2022
i think the best way to watch this film is to ignore the "Beauty and the Beast" angle of the marketing.

yes, this film *contains* a 'retelling' of the classic tale, but that is far from the whole point of the film. this film explores ai think the best way to watch this film is to ignore the "Beauty and the Beast" angle of the marketing.

yes, this film *contains* a 'retelling' of the classic tale, but that is far from the whole point of the film. this film explores a hopeful and optimistic view of what internet connectivity can enable and birth. THAT is the heart of this film, and it should come as no surprise that some terminally online folk miss the point/execution of a film commenting on the state/potential of being terminally online.

this film is hosoda's best so far, followed closely by mirai, and while it may lose some viewers due to how exceptionally japanese it is, it is easily one of the best films of this/last year, and one of the best anime films in recent memory.

i'm not a fan of "dubs" still being a thing in anime, for the same reason i don't like live-action foreign films being dubbed, but i guess i understand why it's still happening. i watched the subtitled version and the acting was exceptional. in addition to kaho nakamura's singing voice being entirely untouchable, it's kind of hard to believe this is her first acting gig. while i'm very familiar with how japanese artists (including voice actors) approach channeling/conveying emotion, i was still in a state of awe at some of the moments she pulls off. "breathtaking" barely does it justice.

all of that said, from everything i've heard, they cast english voice actors who come surprisingly close to their JP counterparts; Kylie McNeill in particular is extremely impressive, and she (probably unintentionally) emphasizes the difference between theater acting and typical english "voice acting". if we gotta have anime dubs for a while yet, they should absolutely make a shift into using theater actors more.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
TicketStubsMar 3, 2022
Belle is a cute anime retelling of beauty and the beast. Overall, the movie had spectacular effects and visuals and the songs were beautiful. 10/10
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
EpycWynJan 18, 2022
Intolerable amount of inserting commentary from what must be a forum section on Steam. Bad guys 2D and too easily defeated. Struck me as excessive in the self awareness to the point of forgetting to craft an interesting digital world. SummerIntolerable amount of inserting commentary from what must be a forum section on Steam. Bad guys 2D and too easily defeated. Struck me as excessive in the self awareness to the point of forgetting to craft an interesting digital world. Summer Wars blows this movie out of the water graphics and color-wise along with better imagery in general.

Really wish the majority of characters were not douchey nosey social-pressuring pricks. I did not find the reactions of people believable, including the villains.

Way too much focus on excessively pushing pseudo-realistic commentary and reactions that fall short of how people would actually act and react.

Wish the movie had explored the world and its importance and beauty like Ready Player One did phenomenally.

Felt start to finish like this movie was piss scared to be controversial or its own thing.

Music is okay, graphics are okay, animation quality is fantastic. Falls short for me. Found it kind of meh.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
InShaneJan 15, 2022
"Belle" was... Decent. The film certainly wins in the "Sound and Visuals" department (It would have been great to see it in XD), but the story felt a bit forced: There was a lot of on the nose exposition and VERY linear story telling. All"Belle" was... Decent. The film certainly wins in the "Sound and Visuals" department (It would have been great to see it in XD), but the story felt a bit forced: There was a lot of on the nose exposition and VERY linear story telling. All of that, coupled with the fact that the movie is way too similar to it’s predecessor, "Summer Wars," it almost had me bored at times.

However, it did a fine job blending the real life and virtual aspects of the story together and the final act really subverts expectations in a meaning full and important way.

This isn't Mamoru Hosoda's best film, but it was enjoyable at bare minimum…… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
wadisplaceFeb 6, 2022
An outstanding movie! It is a parody on how much the internet has control of our daily lives.
Great for the entire family.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
aidan0Mar 22, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While the movie and singing made me cry, I don't know, that ending was sooo out of left field, it kind of spoiled it. It didn't really fit, nobody goes with her? Come on. And then she randomly finds them on the street? Like the beast said nothing changes... nothing... and nothing changed, maybe that's the point. And that just sucks.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Voodoo123Feb 19, 2023
This heartfelt animation explores a young girls journey as she navigates the themes of human kindness, the awkwardness of adolescence and loss using a virtual internet world as outlet to be free and creative using an anonymous avatar. TheThis heartfelt animation explores a young girls journey as she navigates the themes of human kindness, the awkwardness of adolescence and loss using a virtual internet world as outlet to be free and creative using an anonymous avatar. The emotional beats hit their cue nicely and the soundtrack is decent but I felt the logic choices of the characters in the story were unrealistic. Also for my taste I thought the use of cg animation and overall design choices in that space detracted from the other more traditional 2d hand drawn style used in the 'real world'. Overall if you're a fan of anime and teen drama this will entertain you.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
alejandro970Jan 25, 2022
It's not every day you get to see a play like this, is it? Virtually amazing! It ingeniously combines traditional 3D animation with a story that evokes the classic Beauty and the Beast, with an analogy about the importance of accepting who weIt's not every day you get to see a play like this, is it? Virtually amazing! It ingeniously combines traditional 3D animation with a story that evokes the classic Beauty and the Beast, with an analogy about the importance of accepting who we are and overcoming our worst fears. Do not let it go.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
NobodyYouKnowAug 5, 2022
Don't let the overt "Beauty and the Beast" reference throw you -- this is *not* a BatB retread. The BatB reference is actually an unhelpful distraction, IMO. The only similarities are superficial (names/places); the stories are completelyDon't let the overt "Beauty and the Beast" reference throw you -- this is *not* a BatB retread. The BatB reference is actually an unhelpful distraction, IMO. The only similarities are superficial (names/places); the stories are completely different. There is real emotional depth to this film, and it has nothing to do with Hollywood love stories.

Some of the messages about life in the internet age are a bit heavy-handed, but they're nonetheless true. The thrust of the film is about dealing with trauma and the necessity of connecting with people in the *real* world to actually deal with that trauma. We can all relate to wanting to run/hide from our pain whether it be via VR or something more self-destructive (drugs, alcohol).

The movie also cleverly creates a mystery whereby we and the characters are all trying to figure out who the mysterious Beast is IRL. It's quite engaging.

The voice acting is top-notch, and the animation is exceptional -- at times, breathtaking. There are scenes where the music and the visuals combine to produce deeply moving moments. You'd have to be a robot not to be moved by the final song scene in the "U" world.

Forget BatB and just enjoy Belle on its own terms. You'll be glad you did.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
DubeauFeb 19, 2022
Belle is a retale of a classic story but in a very actual and modern settings. The story is strong and emotional. The music is decent. There are little bits of musical, some I have like, some less. The animation is fantastic and mixing stylesBelle is a retale of a classic story but in a very actual and modern settings. The story is strong and emotional. The music is decent. There are little bits of musical, some I have like, some less. The animation is fantastic and mixing styles of anime too. This made me cry because I have live some of those problems when I was young. I give it 82%. Beautiful and engaging.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
PyrateSep 17, 2022
What a visual spectacle it all is! I mean, I knew I was in for a treat when it comes to Hosoda, but still. Such a nice contrast between the virtual world of U and the IRL world of our characters.

Besides that, the retelling of Beauty andWhat a visual spectacle it all is! I mean, I knew I was in for a treat when it comes to Hosoda, but still. Such a nice contrast between the virtual world of U and the IRL world of our characters.

Besides that, the retelling of Beauty and Beast story is done very gracefully, if only superficial and rushed at times. The momentul never goes though, and the emotional climax we get near the end is beautifully rendered. Somehow, still, the best scene in "Belle" revolves around a long-shot in a train station, which speak volumes about the character driven story we have going on on display.

Sure, the third act slogs and has holes in it, but the emotion and spirit Hosoda embedded into the film makes it all worth it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
SoulWarfareFeb 6, 2022
Belle is a modern Japanese take on the classic Beauty and the Beast story. The director Mamoru Hosoda made some wonderful anime movies such as Summer Wars, Wolf Children and Mirai which I absolutely loved. So I was no doubt going to watchBelle is a modern Japanese take on the classic Beauty and the Beast story. The director Mamoru Hosoda made some wonderful anime movies such as Summer Wars, Wolf Children and Mirai which I absolutely loved. So I was no doubt going to watch Belle.

I love the contrast in art and animation style between the real world and the virtual world. The real-world uses 2D fluid and dynamic animation while the virtual world uses this 3D dazzling and beautiful aesthetic. Both are amazing to look at. One of the biggest highlights though is the music which is just wonderful. The final performance is just absolutely stunning!

I also enjoyed how Mamoru put a new spin on the classic tale through the use of a virtual world. It made the story feel fresh even though it goes through a lot of the same beat for beat story you have seen before. The characters are also quite lovable in their personality and I adored the character development that our main lead Suzu goes through. The story does juggle a lot of plot points and doesn't give a completely satisfying resolution to everything. However, the story has a lot of heart and soul in it that it comes out as very sweet and touching by the end.

I had a blast with the 2 hours watching Belle and I do not doubt that you will too.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
ElthorAug 16, 2022
I'll be brief.
Yes, the story is Disney's Beauty and the Beast meets Hannah Montana and (oddly) Summer Wars.
Some of the plotting is awkward. Some of the backstories feel stuffed in unnecessarily. ...and watching this movie just made meI'll be brief.
Yes, the story is Disney's Beauty and the Beast meets Hannah Montana and (oddly) Summer Wars.
Some of the plotting is awkward. Some of the backstories feel stuffed in unnecessarily.
...and watching this movie just made me happy.
I'm a fan of Mamoru Hosoda's work and I'd say this is one of his top three.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
WordsmythologicJan 15, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Belle is a perfect movie.

The experiences and feelings of the characters carry more meaning than any other movie I have seen in years. The storytelling is perfectly done. The way it shows the effects that different kinds of pain have on people. The way it depicts abuse. How her mother died trying to save somebody, and how she felt that loss at such a young age, and the hurt that it caused her... and how she, like her mother, risked something important to help him. How her actions mirrored her mother's, to help somebody. Belle takes the characters and structure of a classic folk tale, and imagines them differently, into something beautiful and original. The seamless combination of 2D and 3D animation was also stunning.

Belle, from me, gets the rarest ever descriptor of "perfect movie". Mamoru Hosoda continues to be very good at storytelling.… Expand
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9
BidoulouFeb 18, 2022
It's a real masterpiece of visual animation. The story is an allegory of the Beauty and the beast classical tale, and this modern era revisitation of the tale is a great original movie. Visually, the characters are stunning. The colors of theIt's a real masterpiece of visual animation. The story is an allegory of the Beauty and the beast classical tale, and this modern era revisitation of the tale is a great original movie. Visually, the characters are stunning. The colors of the scenes, the music, all is great. A total must see movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
mikesgold2KApr 4, 2022
Piękna pod kątem audiowizualnym, z masą świetnych piosenek. Historia jest wciągająca i angażująca, za to bohaterowie trochę jednowymiarowi. Piękna (i) Bestia
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
PopKulturowyApr 25, 2022
Życie Suzu zmienia się drastycznie, gdy jej Matka ginie podczas próby ratowania innego dziecka. Dziewczyna zamyka się w sobie i w wieku nastoletnim staje się bardzo zamkniętą osobą. Dzięki zaproszeniu koleżanki trafia do wirtualnego świataŻycie Suzu zmienia się drastycznie, gdy jej Matka ginie podczas próby ratowania innego dziecka. Dziewczyna zamyka się w sobie i w wieku nastoletnim staje się bardzo zamkniętą osobą. Dzięki zaproszeniu koleżanki trafia do wirtualnego świata „U” gdzie użytkownicy za pomocą swoich smartfonów, wchodzą w ciała stworzonych avatarów. Główna bohaterka za pomocą swojego bajecznego głosu, szybko zdobywa sławę i uznanie. Niestety jej kariera zostaje zaburzona, gdy poznaje smoka – groźnego avatara, który stwarza zagrożenie dla świata „U”

Rzeczywistość wirtualna przedstawiona w tej animacji stanowi pewnego rodzaju ucieczkę dla bohaterów. Prawdziwy świat, gdzie doznają bólu i cierpienia, przestaje być dla nich atrakcyjny. Dotyczy to głównie Suzu, która z cichej i zamkniętej w sobie osoby, zmienia się w sławną piosenkarkę, poruszającą serca za pomocą swojego słowiczego śpiewu. O ile te dwa światy są są od siebie różne, to mocno ze sobą koegzystują i wpływają na siebie. Sława głównej bohaterki przechodzi do rzeczywistości i zaczyna ją przerastać.

Historia, mimo że opowiedziana prosto, zawiera luki w fabule – następują dziwne przeskoki w narracji i nagle zaczynają się dziać niespodziewane wydarzenia. Odnosimy wrażenie, że autorzy scenariusza, starają się przyśpieszyć całą opowieść. Mimo tej poważnej wady całość jest bardzo ujmująca i wzruszająca. Finał jest silnie emocjonalny i mimo przesadnego patetyzmu, w moim przypadku pojawiła się łza. Świat „U” i świat rzeczywisty zostały zaanimowane przepięknie – widzimy wyraźną różnicę między nimi i nie gubimy się w szybkich przeskokach pomiędzy tymi rzeczywistościami. Całość oglądana na wielkim ekranie potęguje tylko wrażenia i momentami zapiera dech w piersiach. Poruszając się razem z główną bohaterką w wirtualnym świecie, doznajemy uczucia wolności i wyzwolenia, które jej towarzyszy. Natomiast gdy wracamy do rzeczywistości, warstwa wizualna staję się smutniejsza i czujemy to bardzo wyraźnie. Podczas szkolnych perypetii czy samotnych wieczorów Suzu, czujemy realną tęsknotę za wirtualną rzeczywistością.

Muzyka w filmie wspina się na wyżyny swoich możliwości i już podczas seansu wiedziałem, że moja playlista na Spotify wzbogaci się o nowe tytuły. Scena tańca z bestią nasuwała skojarzenia z „Pięknej i bestii” , a finałowa piosenka powodowała gęsią skórkę. Cały soundtrack budzi skojarzenia z Disneyowskimi produkcjami i dzięki temu świat „U” wydawał się bardziej uniwersalny.

Mimo że przesłanie Belle jest proste, to dzięki temu łatwo je odczytać i mocno wpisuje się w naszą rzeczywistość. Gdy rzeczywisty świat zawodzi, szukamy często pocieszenia w wirtualnym świecie. To tam często możemy wykreować siebie na nowo, pozbawionego wad. Ta ucieczka jednak często sprawia, że emocje w realu nie są już dla nas tak atrakcyjne. Dzieło Mamoru Hosody to wspaniała podróż w inny wymiar, gdzie będziemy się świetnie bawić i śpiewać razem z Suzu.

https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recenzja-anime-belle/… Expand
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9
Jonathan_M_2Jan 18, 2022
Absolutely stunning visually and sonically. The story moved me. Almost a masterpiece.
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9
PtipanaJan 26, 2023
This movie was great. The music, the animation, and the Japanese voice actors all made this movie worth watching.
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8
H0kv5Jun 24, 2022
Another heart warming experience in anime that keeps me wanting more of it, love, trust and kindness and mostly accepting who you are is the key concept here, this not only brings it close to reality but open it to new possibilities and thatAnother heart warming experience in anime that keeps me wanting more of it, love, trust and kindness and mostly accepting who you are is the key concept here, this not only brings it close to reality but open it to new possibilities and that is moving me beyond the voices i heard. Belle the experience was amazing.… Expand
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9
Joseloco123KingJan 17, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The film is a treat both in Animation and it’s sound track. While the story is good the film has trouble explaining the 2nd half like why is the beast father so abusive towards his children and also there was no real explanation on the bad guy Justin in the world of U he was just there. I saw the English dub and whoever did the casting did a amazing Job in that department… Expand
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9
waywardlaserJun 28, 2022
Is the plot a little disjointed? Yes. Is it melodramatic at times? Yes. Do some of the internet elements feel a bit derivative of his previous work? Yes. But I can't lie man, this one really got me. I was completely on board with Suzu'sIs the plot a little disjointed? Yes. Is it melodramatic at times? Yes. Do some of the internet elements feel a bit derivative of his previous work? Yes. But I can't lie man, this one really got me. I was completely on board with Suzu's journey to overcome her grief. I recently lost someone in my family whom I was very close to, so maybe this is hitting me a lot harder than it will for other people. But I can't deny my feelings; I cried four or five times...at least. That must count for something. A big thank you to GKIDS because this was an absolute visual splendor and I am so happy to have seen it on the big screen. Not to mention, every song was an emotional powerhouse that together completely elevate the presentation. With singing being such a central aspect of the story it's a good thing that the music was written, orchestrated, and performed so beautifully.

I really can't express how much I loved this enough. Of all Mamoru Hosoda's films I've seen, this is definitely my new favourite.… Expand
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7
adamtaylor792Jul 17, 2022
Belle has some cool visuals, but it does not do too much with them. The story is not anything special and does not invest enough time in the core theme about the sense of self in the internet and social media age.
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