The Triplettes of Belleville (Belleville Rendez-Vous (DVD))

Member Name: JB01

Product:	Belleville Rendez-Vous (DVD)
Date:	01/12/06 (106 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amusingly not too long

Disadvantages: ?

My copy of Belleville Rendez - vous came free with a copy of the Times on Saturday. The cover gave away the cartoon style that was to follow. Written & directed by Sylvian Chomet for predominantly French audiences, it goes under the name The Triplets of Belleville for English speaking audiences. The film came in DVD format, rated PG parental guidance for children under 12 years old due probably to the mild nudity & moderate violence as mentioned. It lasts approximately 80 minutes including advertising for the Times and a trailer for the next free gift.

***THE PLOT***

Champion is orphaned at a young age and kept by his grandmother Madame Souza. Noticing his unhappiness she buys him a bicycle. Champion becomes obsessed with cycling and it dominates their lives until Champion is worthy of his name. now he is ready to enter the worlds' most famous cycle race, The Tour de France. Soon after the race has begun he and other competitors are kidnapped. It is up to Madame Souza & her faithful dog, Bruno, to rescue them from the crooks. Soon their quest takes them across the Atlantic to a seaport called Belleville, HQ of the French mafia. Lost in the metropolis they encounter 3 eccentric female music sisters (The Belleville Triplettes) music hall stars of the 1930's. Now a jazz combo. They join the old ladies and do battle with the evil French mafia. Can recapture Champion.......?

***CINIMATIC EXPERIENCE***

CAST
Beatrice Bonilassi....................Triplette (voice)
Lina Boudreau......................... '' ''
Marie - Lou Gauthier................ '' ''
Charles Linton (singing voice)

The story is simple enough the character design by Sylvian is abstract and ugly. The dialogue is fairly minimal, what there is describes a razor sharp wit. The animation is grotesque but classical. The film is a visual delight and appealing to both young and old.

***MY OPINION***

I thought there ought to be more music, the show moves from scene to scene quickly helping to maintain interest. I watched it in 2 sittings due to time constraints, this passed quickly enough. I would have preferred more dialogue but I guess something in the french language would sell well here. The black & white start start with the three sisters singing jazz is a nice touch. The music and the abstract cartoons add bundles to the atmosphere, worth watching again. I suspect I will.

Summary: A touch of french cartoon cinema.