Watched The Triplets of Belleville last night after we came home from our parish's Lenten Supper series. What an odd little movie. It takes a bit to get used to the animation--very not American to say the least!. At first I was so distracted by how ugly I thought everything was, that it took me a bit to get into the story. But it doesn't take long to fall under the spell of Madam Souza and her incessant whistle, to love the dog (who is too much like our own constantly barking dogs), and admire the Triplets (who else would carry a bombs tucked into their hosiery?).
I remembered this from last year's Academy Awards, and when it popped up on my Netflix recommendations, I took a chance. I'd give it four stars. If you're an animation fan, you should check it out. And the score to the movie is absolutely hypnotic.
Rose rented this last week. She loved the dog who acted so real, liked the animation because it was so French, but overall said it was rather strange and didn't come together until the end.
We love this film, own the DVD, and have watched it many times. In fact, it has been Amalia's favorite for months now (I finally had to ban the CD of the soundtrack from the car, because it is all she would want to hear, although it beats a lot of other things that she would repeat ad nauseam if I let her).
Be sure to watch the features on the director. The animation is heavily influenced by the Disney period of Lady and the Tramp and 101 Dalmations. What is interesting is that the director modeled the motions of the triplets on young black American men.
Stupid question, I expect: is this the same film as "Belleville Rendezvous"? Which was fab! But indeed rather odd.
Gratias.
Boeciana,
Yes, Belleville Rendezvous is the French title.