Film Review: BELLE (2021): Mamoru Hosoda’s New Anime Film is Profoundly Entertaining

Belle Review

Belle (2021) Film Review, a movie directed by Mamoru Hosoda and starring Kaho Nakamura, Ryo Narita, Shota Sometani, Tina Tamashiro, Ikura, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Mamoru Miyano, Sumi Shimamoto, Koji Yakusho, Ken Ishiguro, Ermhoi, Hana and Takeru Satoh.

Life can feel a little too “ordinary” sometimes. Writer/director Mamoru Hosoda’s new anime film, Belle, conveys this theme and then some throughout the powerful movie which is simply breathtaking to behold from a visual standpoint. This picture takes us into another world where a virtual universe known as “U” can change people’s lives in terms of creating for them alternate realities which can be somewhat better than or much different than what is actually real. Belle never feels manipulative in its emotions although there are times where audiences can get hit heavy with deep, thought-provoking topics. Luckily, the movie succeeds by interweaving a fantasy world with a realistic one in both fascinating and creative ways that challenge and intrigue viewers.

For a painfully shy, seemingly ordinary teenager with dark hair named Suzu (voice of Kaho Nakamura), life is not only lackluster but laced with tragedy following the death of her mom when she was just a little girl. Suzu’s mom sacrificed her life to save a child and Suzu sometimes thinks that her mother was selfish for doing this and not being there for her now when Suzu needs her the most. Suzu doesn’t see the whole picture and that her mom had to do what was right in her own eyes. Suzu is in emotional pain and is guided by her friend towards the world of “U.” In this virtual world, Suzu creates an alternate personality called Belle who has pink hair and can sing wonderfully and inspirationally. Suzu becomes an overnight sensation (and gets lots of online followers) as Belle and the movie takes off with some pretty profound themes of finding one’s own voice and being who one truly is rather than hiding behind an alternate reality. What’s surprising is how the film, at the same time, shows the good in that alternate reality the film presents.

Suzu is a regular girl who is timid. She particularly feels nervous when she is around Shinabu (Ryo Narita), a kind boy who likes Suzu. But, as Belle, Suzu can let her voice be heard. Literally. Belle lets her every emotion come out through her songs and wins the admiration of many through the internet but also gets “roasted” by those who criticize her for what she’s trying to do as well. There are some supporting characters such as Justin who leads the Justices, a group of superheroes and more relevant to the plot, there is “the Beast” who is making his presence known in the world of “U.” Belle is curious as to who the beast is in real life and what motivates his rebellious nature just as people are curious as to exactly who the radically cool, freckled Belle is in real life.

There is a lot of substance to Hosoda’s plot. Besides the obvious theme of discovering one’s true self by pretending to be someone different, there are more urgent plot threads that move the viewer in unique ways. Towards the end, the picture gets really heavy handed with two abused young characters who are desperately in need of help. However, emotionally speaking, these scenes make quite an impact on the viewer and are quite involving and satisfying.

In the alternate reality the film sets, the letters “AS” represent the avatar that allows the given character the freedom of expression in the virtual world as opposed to in the real world where certain characters such as Suzu are repressed and unable to express themselves or project themselves correctly due to various reasons. In the character of “the Beast,” Hosoda gets to explore goodness versus rebellion in complex and intriguing ways through Belle’s interaction with the said character. Many layers are revealed to the characters throughout the complicated labyrinth the film explores.

There are scenes which stretch credibility just a bit such as when a character locates some key characters conveniently in just a matter of moments and at the end, Suzu has just a band-aid on after a vicious incident, but these flaws are all forgivable due to the terrific heart that the film possesses.

Belle is ultimately a story of learning what is real in life by exploring a false reality which has some genuine goodness to be found in it. There is definite positivity in being able to express one’s suppressed dreams and desires. However, the movie teaches us about reality and the pleasures of day-to-day life which can be just as grand as our own ambitions to be more than we could ever be in real life.

Japanese filmmaker Hosoda has put together a visually appealing film that creates an alternate universe within the world of “U.” This world is vividly and richly detailed. It is well-imagined and draws the viewer in right from the early scenes. Perhaps, Hosoda at his best when he explores Suzu’s passions through being Belle who is quite well realized. You will root for Suzu/Belle throughout and understand the importance of kindness and individuality by the time Belle ends. It’s a notable achievement that will win many fans of Hosoda over and create a lot of new ones as well for the acclaimed filmmaker. I highly recommend this film.

Rating: 8.5/10

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