Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vivid anime has humor and heart and deals with big themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Belle
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is visually stunning and filled with emotionally deep themes that resonate with older audiences, while addressing topics like child abuse and insecurity. Many praised the beautiful music and animation, though viewers noted some scenes may not be suitable for younger children due to their intense nature.
- visually stunning
- deep themes
- intense scenes
- beautiful music
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Japanese Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : GKIDS
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Friendship , School ( High School ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content, violence, language and brief suggestive material
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 7, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
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