Belle
Parents say
Based on 3 reviews
Kids say
Based on 10 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Belle
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Belle is a coming-of-age anime fantasy that retells the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale in a slightly futuristic setting. Available both in the original Japanese (with subtitles) and in a dubbed version, it delicately deals with several big issues within a family, including (spoiler alert) loss, grief, abandonment, and abuse. None of those incidents are actually depicted, but kids are shown being threatened, and one receives a bloody scratch. Main character Suzu (voiced by Kaho Nakamura and Kylie McNeill) is still grappling with the past trauma of her mother's death, and her sadness has left her alienated from most of her classmates over the years. With the encouragement and support of her best friend, she finds comfort (and eventually strength) by re-creating herself as a beautiful avatar in a virtual environment, emboldened by her anonymity there. Themes include curiosity and beauty coming from who you are inside. Expect some name-calling ("idiot," "loser," "old fart," "scumbag," etc.) and a use of "damn," as well as jokes about possibly age-inappropriate crushes.
Community Reviews
Slow, plot holes, inappropriate for young kids.
Report this review
Great positive messages for tweens
Report this review
What's the Story?
Still hurting from her mother's tragic death about a decade earlier, timid teen Suzu (voiced by Kaho Nakamura in Japanese and Kylie McNeill in the English dub) joins U, a virtual playground that promises users they can be whoever they want. Creating a beautiful avatar whose appearance shares only her trademark freckles, Suzu becomes BELLE, an uninhibited singer and fashion icon who becomes the most popular personality in the digital universe. When a troublemaking beast known as The Dragon disrupts her online concert, Suzu and her best friend, Hiro (Ikura, Jessica DiCicco), are curious about why he's so angry and set out to learn more.
Is It Any Good?
Vibrantly spectacular, this anime movie imaginatively retells the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale as a humorous, heartfelt story of empowerment and self-discovery. In real life, Suzu is emotionally fragile teen dealing with the trauma of significant loss. In U, a social media metaverse, she can live a different life with the avatar and persona she creates. For viewers who, like Suzu, have difficulty expressing themselves face to face, U is a fantasy within a fantasy. It's vicariously exciting to watch Suzu become a sought-after celebrity (who still retains her anonymity) and see her confidence develop. We all want to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated for what we can offer the world, and kids in particular often feel insignificant or dismissed in the world of adults.
Director Mamoru Hosoda's film is absolutely phenomenal, but it takes a bit of a turn in the third act. Suzu takes "real world" actions that defy belief. Hiro, a computer whiz, suddenly starts pulling off feats that would impress the NSA. And adult characters knowingly allow Suzu to travel far away, alone, and into a dangerous situation. The thrill from watching a breathtaking work of perfection starts to lose a bit of steam -- at least, that's how adults and critics may see it. But for kids, Suzu finishes her journey in a way that may continue to bolster their own dreams of strength and independence. Can we ask for a more beautiful experience?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Suzu's curiosity led her to be a force for good. What's the difference between following your curiosity and "being nosy"? Why is curiosity an important character strength?
What alternate persona would you create if you could "start over" in a digital, anonymous world? Do you think people already do this online, on YouTube, or on social media?
How does Belle reimagine Beauty and the Beast? How do the stories compare? What fairy tale can you picture taking place today?
How do Suzu and her mother demonstrate courage? In both instances where they must be brave, was there a better solution that would have kept them out of harm's way?
How do Suzu's friends and classmates show kindness, understanding, and support? Hiro can be blunt and refers to Suzu in unflattering ways, but she also creates the path to help Suzu find her way back to herself. So is she a good friend?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 14, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: May 3, 2022
- Cast: Kaho Nakamura, Ryô Narita, Koji Yakusho, Kylie McNeill, Chace Crawford, Manny Jacinto
- Director: Mamoru Hosoda
- Studio: GKIDS
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Friendship, High School, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- Run time: 121 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic content, violence, language and brief suggestive material
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 5, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Beauty and the Beast
Disney fave has great music, strong messages, some scares.
-
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Colorful, clever sequel tackles complexity of online world.
-
Ready Player One
Intense virtual reality adventure will dazzle '80s fans.
-
Beauty and the Beast
Fantastic but scarier remake of the "tale as old as time."
For kids who love animated fairy tales
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate