Belle

Suzu, a shy high school student, lives a quiet life in the country but finds solace and fame as Belle, a world-famous singer in the virtual world of 'U'. When a mysterious dragon-like beast appears, Suzu embarks on a thrilling adventure to uncover its identity and help it, discovering her own true self in the process.

Belle was met with widespread critical acclaim, with praise directed at its stunning animation, imaginative world-building, and emotionally resonant themes of identity, grief, and connection. It was particularly lauded for its breathtaking musical sequences and Mamoru Hosoda's masterful direction.

• Praised for its visually spectacular animation and vibrant musical numbers.

• Hailed as a modern fairytale that explores complex themes of online identity and personal growth.

• Celebrated for its emotional depth and compelling narrative.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's beautiful animation and captivating music. Many users found the story to be moving and inspiring, particularly appreciating its exploration of the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and healing.

Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 49th Annie Awards. Received the Audience Award at the 2021 Sitges Film Festival. Won Best Animation at the 2021 Mainichi Film Awards.

The striking character designs for the virtual world 'U' were created by character designer Jin Kim, known for his work on several Disney animated films like 'Tangled' and 'Frozen'.