Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming sequel is emotionally intense; peril, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Belle and Sebastian: Friends for Life
What's the Story?
Sebastian (Felix Bossuet) lives a happy life with his adopted grandfather Cesar (Tcheky Karyo) and their four dogs in the French Alps in BELLE AND SEBASTIAN: FRIENDS FOR LIFE. His father (Thierry Neuvic), widowed when his wife (Lilou Fogli) died in childbirth, is about to marry Sebastian's adopted aunt Angelina (Margaux Chatelier) and is considering a move to Canada. It's the first sign the 12-year-old's life is about to change drastically. Then comes Joseph (Clovis Cornillac), an intimidating outlaw who claims that Sebastian's dog Belle and her three puppies belong to him. Joseph will stop at nothing to get the dogs, even threatening to harm them and their owners. Sebastian and Cesar put their own lives at risk to stop his sinister plans.
Is It Any Good?
Belle and Sebastian: Friends for Life is a film that parents and tweens can enjoy together. The French film completes a novel-based trilogy set against the war-torn 1940s and successfully combines history, location, action, and dog-driven charm. The movie is also beautifully filmed, with gorgeous aerial shots of the snowy Alps and their mountain hamlets. The tale may feel far-fetched, but the actors convey authenticity in both the action scenes and the emotional connections these characters have built together over several films.
Belle benefits especially from solid performances by 12-year-old Felix Bossuet and veteran actors Tcheky Karyo, as the hardened grandpa with a tender heart, and Andre Penvern, who lightens the mood as the town mayor. Co-star and director Clovis Cornillac, looking a lot like Leonardo DiCaprio's ravaged frontiersman in The Revenant, infuses Joseph with a sinister determination, though the film never makes clear what his deeper motivations are beyond the price he might fetch for the pups.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the risks Sebastian takes to save his dogs in Belle and Sebastian: Friends for Life. Do you think he goes too far?
Belle also saves Sebastian's life on more than one occasion, and she seems to understand Sebastian when he gives her instructions. Do you have any experience with dogs this loyal and wise?
The film is set in the French Alps in 1948. What do you know about this time and place?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : September 4, 2018
- Cast : Felix Bossuet , Tcheky Karyo , Clovis Cornillac
- Director : Clovis Cornillac
- Studio : Gaumont
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Animals
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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