I've passed by this interesting looking film at the video store several times in the past few years, picked it up, and put it back down. I am very glad that I finally did watch it. It is unlike any animated film I have ever seen before. Leave all of your Disney expectation at the door, as it breaks away from nearly all Disney narrative devices to present a truly unique and visionary story.
The film starts out with a flashback of the Triplets' popular vaudeville act. After this, the story switches to that of a young boy and his mother as she buys him his first bike. The young boy then turns into the professional cyclist who is kidnapped by two incredibly square-shouldered mafia henchmen. The story then really gets going as the mother follows her son across the sea to the metropolis of Belleville, where her son is being used by the mafia in a dangerous gambling race. With the help of her faithful dog, and the Triplets of Belleville, the mother is able to sneak into the Mafia underground to attempt to rescue her son.
This film, with its incredibly innovative and unique animation and its glorious soundtrack, is very entertaining and often very humorous. This, however, is not a cartoon for children, as it contains scenes of nudity and violence. But for the adult viewer, you would be hard pressed to find a more entertaining animated film. Definitely recommended.
My Grade: A-
Release Date: June 11, 2003
Rating: PG-13 for images involving sensuality, violence and crude humor
Running Time: 80 min.
Director: Sylvain Chomet
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