Les Triplettes de Belleville (2003)

You know, it's a real shame that in the massive production and promotional machine of mammoth companies like Disney and Dreamworks, smaller animated films often get overlooked. Maybe they don't all go for the feelgood aesthetic, or are just a little too off kilter for the big crowds, but that doesn't mean they are not worthy of your time.

Case and point: 'Les Triplettes de Belleville'.

This French production is different on almost every level from what you are usually accustomed to when it comes to animation. But this is still a hoot to watch.

Madame Souza is the grandmother of Champion, a little boy who has recently lost his parents. She tries to brighten him up, but after trying the piano or even buying a puppy, something still seems to be missing in Champion's life. Until she discovers that he adores the cyclists that compete in the Tour de France every year. She buys him a bicycle and from that point on, it is all he lives for. Champion is then trained by Madame Souza for several years so he can join in the Tour de France. But during his race, he and two others are kidnapped by shady characters and taken to Belleville across the ocean (it's New York, complete with a fat Statue of Liberty). Madame Souza follows, and comes across the Belleville Triplets, who used to be a massively successful jazz trio back in the day. It turns out Champion was kidnapped by French mobsters and now the aged ladies will attempt to rescue him from the evil clutches of the mob.

Why do they kidnap Champion? Because they drug cyclists and let them race a virtual version of the Tour de France so they can bet. Does it sound silly? Because it is, but in this universe, it all makes sense.

You will not watch this for the dialogue, as there is none. Well, here and there a couple of lines, but most of it is implied and actual conversations do not happen. But that doesn't matter. The expressions and posture of all the characters more than convey what they are trying to express and in all fairness: it is a relief to see something that does away with constant yapping. Not that all other animated films have too much dialogue, but sometimes the reliance on jokes takes the attention away from the actual story. Not so here.

What really makes this a must watch, is the animation and style. It is unlike anything else and it sticks out in a good way. Characters are all ugly (well, I would say 'not pretty', but that is pretty much an understatement), but they are all the more endearing for it. They have a lot more personality than most slickly designed animations. There are some gags, but not too many. It is all surprisingly touching and even though the chase through Belleville is as absurd as it gets, you'll be rooting for the ladies to get away.

Maybe the bookend to the film is the most poignant moment in a lot of animation. At the start of the film, Madame Souza asks Champion if the film is over (when they are watching tv). At the very end, Champion (now an old man) speaks for the first time, turns to the seat where his grandmother used to sit and says: "Oui mémé, le film est fini." ("Yes, grandma, the film is over.") That really pulls on your heartstrings.

'Les Triplettes de Belleville' is different and all the more reason to see it. If you like your stuff flashy and clean cut, you might not enjoy it. But if you are looking for something beyond the beaten path, you will find it here.