Review of The Triplets of Belleville (2003) by Elder B — 17 Jan 2012
Only an animation like this could have come from France. Done by animator Sylvain Chomet, this is a one of a kind 2D animation puts the computer animated efforts of Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks to shame.
It uses very little dialogue, but it has violent slapstick and pantomime to move it's story story forwards. It has an old woman Madame Souza, raising her grandson Champion and their puppy Bruno. When Madame Souza discovers Champion is interested in bicycle racing, she gets him a bike, and as the years pass, she trains him up to be a great bicycle racer and to compete in the Tour de France.
However while competing in the tournament, Champion is kidnapped by the French mafia, and is sent to the bustling North American metropolis of Bellville, Madame Souza and Bruno follow them in pursuit.
Unable to find Champion, they are taken in by 3 triplets, the Belleville triplets, famous music hall singers from the 1930s, now not as famous but still able to get a gig or two. They agree to help Madame Souza find Champion and get him back home, Champion has been kidnapped to be used as part of a betting scam.
It's a touching and brilliantly made animation film, proof that great animation doesn't have to come from America. It has some weird moments, funny moments and touching moments. Sylvain Chomet followed this up with his Jacques Tati homage The Illusionist (2010).
As for this, Ralph Bakshi and Chuck Jones would have killed to make something like this.
This review of The Triplets of Belleville (2003) was written by Elder B on 17 Jan 2012.
The Triplets of Belleville has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
