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Simply Perfect

A Disappointing Continuation

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Blistering performances.

This film IS unlike most of the films I review IS suitable for Children in fact it is approved by the Dove Foundation as family approved film it is NOT rated by the Motion Picture Association of America so one will have to use their own judgment as to letting ones kid,s watch this film I enjoyed this beyond measure Due to the fact I prefer family films that are non Violent and free of foul langue and Nudity and or sexual content I prefer films that make one thinkThe star of this film who plays SEBASTIAN ( Félix Bossuet) is a very talented young man you could read the emotions in his face that is one mark of a supper actor. this film is Seething with Nazis the foul buggers they were. Please rent this film form your local Library and enjoy with your family God Bless your Friendly Film Reviewer

Nicholas Vanier directed this adaptation of Cécile Aubry's novel (adaptation and screenplay by director Vanier with Juliette Sales and Fabien Suarez) n a film that is in both French and German with English subtitles. The result is a film for the heart – a reminder that during the atrocities of WW II there were moments of meaningful relationships, especially between animals and people (remember 'War Horse'?). The film is set during WWII in the snowy Alps of occupied France, on the border of Switzerland. Six year old Sébastien (Félix Bossuet), raised and adopted by his grandfather, is lonely and dreaming of the day his mother will return from America for him. He befriends an enormous yet gentle sheepdog Belle who quickly becomes his best friend and protector. With Nazis in the village rooting out the resistance fighters helping Jewish refugees cross the border, Belle and Sébastien's loyalty to each other and the village that has embraced them both will be put to the test.The scenery is magnificent and the acting by the young and gifted Félix Bossuet is extraordinary. It is a moment of devotion and love and caring and protection during WW II that creates a strong sense of caring about the true meaning of friendship.

I was actually very surprised to read a few less than stellar reviews on IMDb. From the moment I saw the trailer for this last month I knew it looked right up my alley. I was practically in tears watching the trailer. Then I found a little more about it. It turns out this is a live action version of the 1960's animated French cartoon which I remember from my childhood in the eighties!! Its a beautifully simple, stunningly shot story about a boy and his dog with a side story about World War 2 prisoners escaping to Switzerland through the French mountains. They could have turned this into a full fledged TV Show but they did very well with the time constraints of a movie. I don't mean to imply that its brilliant or breathtaking but it is incredibly sweet and just a very nice family movie with absolutely nothing to be concerned about for the younger audiences save for a few moments of intensity. The melancholy tone of the film keeps you on the edge for each climactic turn and while none of the performances are "amazing" everyone is at least very good. It is easily one of the best "cartoon" adaptations I've ever seen because it simply stands on its own merits.Félix Bossuet is very good as our young hero. One reviewer said he lacked emotion and looked uncomfortable and I did not get that one bit. First of all, he's adorably cute and looks almost animated in a live action sort of way. He looks like a young, free spirited, creative little boy and he makes the role completely believable. Bossuet just had the right look for this role and does well in it. Tchéky Karyo is excellent as Bossuet's Grandfather Cesar. We know right from the beginning that he cares deeply for Sebastian and is teaching him everything he knows. We also know he has a lot of his own dark demons, alcoholism being at the top of that. Karyo is terrific in this role. The only problem is that we don't see enough of him and the film doesn't allow us to really explore his character. Regardless he was one of my favourites in the film. Margaux Châtelier, Dimitri Storoge and Andreas Pietschmann are supporting characters that should have and try to be main characters. They are all very interesting with good back story but there just isn't time to get to know them as characters. Still, their performances are solid and they definitely are integral to a very good film. None of these actors overshadow the performance of that beautiful dog. Perhaps it was more than one dog...I don't know and it doesn't matter. I don't know who the credit goes to but the dog is brilliant. He shows emotion and facial expression and a heart that literally drives the film. Without her and Bossuet this wouldn't have nearly as good.Reviewers said that they expected this to be more emotional but I do think they made this film for children or at least families. They aren't trying to be emotionally extreme though there are moments. I watched these with tears streaming down my face when the "beast" is hunted and shot because I already felt the connection between Sebastian and Belle and that is kudos to the entire cast and crew. Director Nicolas Vanier has taken a simple and cute story and turned it into something beautiful. Vanier comes from documentaries which probably helps with the absolutely gorgeous cinematography that is all happening behind and around these characters. Take a moment to just look at the stunning scenery and the way its used as a setting. Equally as haunting and beautiful is the musical score including a song that is simple and sweet and sung by Sebastian in the background of one or two scenes. It actually gave me goosebumps hearing it. Whether you're a fan of foreign films or not, grab your children, sit down and watch this/read it together if you have to. This is a beautiful story and an absolute gem that I won't soon forget. To me this was nearly an instant classic in my books and I intend on sharing it with my children. 9/10

Belle and Sebastian was originally a novel by the French actress and writer, Cécile Aubry. The story was very popular and was made into a French live-action series in 1965. Oddly, it later was a Japanese anime in the 1980s and now is a French film. Although the story is quite popular in France, I'd never heard of it and I cannot compare this film in any way to the other projects. The anime, series or book could be a lot better or worse…I just don't know.This film is set during WWII in the French Alps. Sebastian is a 6 year- old boy who lives with his adopted grandfather and his niece. The boy is amazingly independent and resourceful—and as the film progresses you marvel at the kid's courage and tenacity. Initially you see it when the men of the village go off in search of an animal that is killing sheep. They assume it's a dog that has gone feral and they are determined to kill it. One day, Sebastian is walking in the hills and encounters the dog—and this Great Pyrenees doesn't seem particularly aggressive and the boy stands there and calmly talks to it. When the boy sees the dog again later, he even gets the dog to allow him to pet him and soon the pair are friends. But, the men have vowed to kill this animal and when Grandpa sees the animal, Sebastian goes so far as to stand in front of the dog to shield it from the gun. This is a good thing because later, it turns out that it's NOT this dog that is harming the sheep. Additionally, towards the end of the film, the dog turns out to be a serious blessing. But, what that is and how he helps saves some lives is something best seen by you.Although this film has some Nazis in it, the film is appropriate for all ages. The violence is not too extreme and the film is similar in style to the old movie "Lassie Come Home"—charming and family-oriented entertainment. The star of Belle and Sebastian clearly is the location and the cinematography. It's rare to ever see a film so beautiful and the film truly is breathtaking. Additionally, you really have to admire the cast and crew for working some pretty extreme conditions to bring us the movie. Well worth seeing—particularly if you are looking for something you won't be ashamed to show your kids or mother!