Belle

Suzu Naito, a shy and unremarkable high school student, lives in a rural village and grieves the loss of her mother. She discovers a virtual world called "U" where she can create a new identity as Belle, a globally renowned singer. As Belle, Suzu experiences immense popularity, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a mysterious and dangerous creature known as the "Dragon." Suzu becomes determined to help the Dragon, uncovering the truth behind his existence and confronting the challenges that arise.

Belle received widespread critical acclaim, with praise directed at its stunning animation, emotional depth, and compelling themes. Critics lauded Mamoru Hosoda's direction and the film's ambitious exploration of identity, trauma, and the digital age. Audiences were also captivated by the musical numbers and the poignant story, making it a significant box office success both domestically and internationally.

• Visually breathtaking animation that is a feast for the eyes.
• A deeply moving and resonant story about grief, identity, and connection in the digital age.
• The musical sequences are captivating and elevate the emotional impact of the narrative.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised Belle for its spectacular animation and powerful, emotional storytelling. Many highlighted the film's ability to explore complex themes of online identity and real-world connections with sensitivity and depth. The musical elements and the compelling journey of the protagonist were frequently cited as major strengths, resonating deeply with audiences.

Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 94th Academy Awards, Won Best Animated Film at the 45th Japan Academy Film Prizes, Won Audience Award at the 2021 Sitges Film Festival.

The character designs for the virtual world 'U' were created by a team of international artists, including Jin Kim (known for his work on Disney's Tangled and Frozen) and Tomomi Narita.