SYNOPSIS
From the celebrated Academy Award®-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, creators of Mirai, Wolf Children, and Summer Wars, comes BELLE, a fantastical, heartfelt story of growing up in the age of social media. Lauded by critics around the globe following its premiere at the 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival and nominated for five Annie Awards including Best Independent Feature, this stunningly animated film is a breathtaking adaptation of a tale as old as time.
Suzu is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U”, a massive virtual world, she escapes into the online persona of Belle, a gorgeous and globally-beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an emotional and epic quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.
REVIEWS
“[Belle has] one of the most intensely beautiful moments you’re likely to see, anywhere.”
— ASSOCIATED PRESS
"A dazzling phantasmagoria."
— THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Destined for anime history."
— VARIETY