The Triplets of Belleville

October 29, 2004

This movie made me hate French people.

Okay, I realize that’s a completely absurd and silly statement, but throughout the entire film, I kept thinking, over and over, “GAWD…French people really suck!”

It’s a good film though – very entertaining. I was paranoid that I’d have to squint through a bunch of subtitles, but I was pleasantly surprised that it played out more like a silent film than a foreign film. There were a few snatches of French throughout, but nothing integral to the plot.

Although animated, this is definitely NOT a cartoon. The PG-13 rating is definitely warranted. Although nothing too graphically violent or sexual is shown, there a still little moments that are definitely not for kids. I really think that The Triplets of Belleville was out of place in the Oscar Category of Best Animated Film. Not that film wasn’t Oscar-worthy – it definitely was…it just doesn’t operate on the same level as Finding Nemo or Brother Bear. (How the fuck did Brother Bear get nominated? Were there absolutely no other animated films made in 2003?)

Notwithstanding the bizarre animation style and weird plot, the music was friggin’ amazing. A weird combination of what I guess is Cabaret and Jazz music, the songs are catchy, although not exactly radio friendly. I’ve ended up with ‘Belleville Rendezvous’ stuck in my head more than a few times during the past couple of weeks.

I would totally go hang out with the Triplets of Belleville – frog legs are totally yummy. They kinda taste like chicken, but with a musky aftertaste. I wish that Pappadeaux still served them… *sigh*

Year – 2003
Rating – PG-13
Runtime – 78 minutes
Genre – Animation
Director(s) – Sylvain Chomet
Writer(s) – Sylvain Chomet
Actor(s) – Béatrice Bonifassi, Lina Boudreault, Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Mari-Lou Gauthier
BOB Rating – Four BOBs
Favorite Quote –