THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE (BELLEVILLE RENDEZ-VOUS) Special Screenings

Breaking down the rules of studio animation with a sledgehammer, this French gem has rediscovered animation’s potential to offer a pure sense of wonderment and delight.

In the Paris countryside, a young boy named Champion gets a tricycle from his loving aunt, Madame Souza. The Parisian suburbs envelop their home as Madame Souza works as Champion’s trainer, helping him become a Tour de France e0mpetitor. In the heat of the race, two mysterious men in black kidnap Champion, leading Madame Souza to paddleboat across the sea with their faithful dog Bruno to his rescue.

Writer/director Sylvain (hornet brings us into a world of stunning urban landscapes and beautifully orchestrated color palates. His brilliant character design uses the power of cartoon to give Champion massive leg muscles that Madame Souza massages with an egg-beater. Mafioso henchmen melt into one another, and spectacular musical numbers abound. THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE stands out as a landmark of feature film animation, seamlessly weaving together profound societal metaphor, comic noir shadings and profound moments of true love.