Belle is Beauty & the Beast meets Ready Player One!
Belle is from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, creators of Mirai, Wolf Children, Summer Wars. It was released in theaters in Japan July 16th 2021 and now comes to USA theaters on January 14th 2022.
Synopsis
Suzu is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U,” a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally-beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an emotional and epic quest. She plans to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.
After watching the trailers for Belle play before Spider-Man: No Way Home, I was instantly enamored by the visuals and music of this film. This movie is so beautiful on-screen when you are immersed in the ” U ” the film’s interactive virtual world.” The colors are so rich and dazzling when you are introduced to the U. The movie is a transcendent cinematic experience.
The story is an updated version of Beauty and the Beast for the modern and digital world, which absolutely works. I found the use of the classic tale brilliant and fun. It is a reimagining that is so clever and creative that I have no clue how Mamoru Hosoda fathomed it. This movie is a thought-provoking look into what the Metaverse will become for the entire world.
Verdict
I give Belle a 3.5 out of 5. You can watch it in theaters during it’s limited release starting January 14th.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.