The Triplets of Belleville (PG-13, 2003)

This is not a children's movie but i enjoyed it thoroughly. I was reluctant to view it when a friend told me about but I love it. It is witty and clever and beautifully done. The music is great and the characters well developed and drawn.

My family were engrossed with this film but surprised when they discovered where the kidnapped cyclists were taken and for what purpose. The music performed by the triplets caught my girls imaginations 9 and 11 and showed that art is expression. Toad soup and popsicles had us laughing in disgust and the love of a mother who never gives up is inspiring. But again cultural gems for adults are over the kids heads. I loved the art, music and burlesque of real life reflected in this film. The kids liked the music, the theatre and watching a young man turn into a cycling champion. Unfortunately they lost interest in the organised crime turn of events and failed to finish watching it. Loved the mum (or nanna) a superb role model for relentless love. Good old Bruno and the beautiful animation. Such a sad reality of human nature to gamble on anything even death. Is the depiction of bare breasted dancers offensive…I think not but be prepared to discuss this aspect with your kids. For all it promised in the start I was really let down by the final stages of this remarkable film.