Cast
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Kaho Nakamura
as Suzu Naito / Belle (voice)
Ryo Narita
as Shinobu Hisatake (voice)
Shota Sometani
as Shinjiro 'Kamishin' Chikami (voice)
Tina Tamashiro
as Ruka Watanabe (voice)
Lilas Ikuta
as Hiroka 'Hiro' Betsuyaku (voice)
Ryoko Moriyama
as Yoshitani (voice)
Michiko Shimizu
as Kita (voice)
Fuyumi Sakamoto
as Okumoto (voice)
Yoshimi Iwasaki
as Nakai (voice)
Sachiyo Nakao
as Hatanaka (voice)
Toshiyuki Morikawa
as Justin (voice)
Mamoru Miyano
as Muitaro Hitokawa / Guttokoraemaru (voice)
Sumi Shimamoto
as Suzu's Mother (voice)
Koji Yakusho
as Suzu's Father (voice)
Ken Ishiguro
as Kei and Tomo's Father (voice)
Crew
Director
- Mamoru Hosoda
Producer
- Genki Kawamura
- Nozomu Takahashi
- Toshimi Tanio
- Yuichiro Saito
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Belle examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mamoru Hosoda brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Belle took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 181 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Belle shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dirt Femme, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Belle offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Hottest State and Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion explore similar territory, Belle stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 16, 2021
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Revenue: $63,501,160
Where to Watch
