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“Belle” is an animated movie loosely inspired by “Beauty and the Beast” that takes place in a virtual world. It follows a girl who assumes a virtual persona and becomes a pop star.
Read on to find out where to watch “Belle” in Canada and dive into the mysterious virtual world of U with Belle.
Table of Contents
What Is Belle All About?
“Belle” follows Yuzu, a small-town high school student who once had a passion for writing and singing songs. However, after her mother tragically passed away while trying to rescue a child from a flash flood, Yuzu distanced herself from her passions. Introduced to the virtual world of “U” by her friend Hiro, she reluctantly signs up as “Belle” and discovers her ability to sing again through this persona. As “Belle,” she becomes a popular singer with millions of fans in the virtual world.
Unexpectedly, a user referred to as “the Beast” or “the Dragon,” pursued by authorities in U, appears in the story. Intrigued and startled, Yuzu seeks to befriend the Beast and understand him better. The movie revolves around Yuzu’s fascination with the misunderstood Beast and her quest to help him amid the challenges they face in the virtual world.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Belle?
The movie was directed and written by Mamoru Hosoda. It was produced by Studio Chizu with Nozomu Takahashi, Yuichiro Saito, Toshimi Tanio, and Genki Kawamura as the movie’s producers. It was distributed by Toho for its theatrical release in Japan and eventually, the English dubbed version was distributed by GKIDS. The movie features an incredible group of voice actors that made the film come to life. The cast includes:
- Kaho Nakamura / Kylie McNeill as Suzu Naito and Bell
- Takeru Satoh / Paul Castro Jr. as Kei or tBeast/Dragon
- HANA / Bentley Griffin as Tomo or the Angel
- Lilas Ikuta / Jessica DiCicco as Hiroka “Hiro-chan” Betsuyaku
- Koji Yakusho / Ben Lepley as Suzu’s father
- Ryo Narita / Manny Jacinto as Shinobu Hisatake
- Shota Sometani / Brandon Engman as Shinjiro “Kamishin” Chikami
- Tina Tamashiro / Hunter Schafer as Ruka Watanabe
- Toshiyuki Morikawa / Chace Crawford as Justin
What is the Rating for Belle?
“Belle” is rated PG which means younger audiences can watch it but parental guidance is advised.
How Many People Watch Belle?
“Belle” became one of the most successful animated movie releases of 2021. It managed to soar in sales making Belle the third-highest-grossing Japanese film of 2021. Its U.S. release was also a hit with the film earning $1.6 million on its opening day.
How Are the Reviews for Belle?
When “Belle” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, it was met with an astounding 14-minute standing ovation from the audience. The movie currently has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb, and a 72/100 score on Metacritic. Some of the reviews say:
- “An aesthetically imaginative and affectingly breathtaking fairytale for our modern world, Belle envelops you first with its clever mechanics and youthful preoccupations. But as the reflective subtext comes to light, it extends an invitation to reconnect with others offline and to beware of the comfort of these surrogate identities,” says Carlos Aguilar of The Wrap.
- “As is often the case with Hosoda, it’s the extracurricular details that make his work so moving, the textures of the everyday lives of his characters that become something larger and more profound when placed in contrast to the genre elements at the center of his story,” says Alison Willmore of VULTURE.
Where to Watch Belle in Canada?
You can watch “Belle” on VOD available in Canada.
Is Belle Available on Streaming?
“Belle” is not yet available on streaming platforms in Canada.
Is Belle Available for Rent (VOD)?
You can rent or purchase “Belle” in Canada. Here are a few platforms that offer viewers a chance to rent or purchase the movie. Just a heads up, rented films are only available for a limited time.
| Platform | Rent | Purchase |
| Apple TV | CAD$6.99 | CAD$17.99 |
| Google Play | CAD$3.99 | CAD$12.99 |
| Microsoft | CAD$4.99 | CAD$8.99 |
| Youtube Movies | CAD$3.99 | CAD$12.99 |
Is Belle on Cable or Free TV?
“Belle” is unavailable on any Free TV or cable networks in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Belle?
You don’t have to use a VPN to watch “Belle” in Canada. It is not yet available on streaming platforms.
Humanity in the Virtual World
U is an escape from reality, where people hide behind virtual avatars. The movie emphasizes the importance of preserving U as a utopia for those dissatisfied with the real world. Belle focuses on the humanity within U, disrupted by the appearance of the out-of-place Beast. Suzu’s powerful moment of standing up without her persona showcases her growth, hinting at the potential of U. The film’s touching climax involves a rallying of people to help the Beast in the real world, proving that even in virtual spaces, humanity endures despite life’s struggles and sadness. Beyond being a beautifully animated Beauty and the Beast interpretation, the movie deeply resonates with its viewers
You can watch “Belle” on VOD platforms in Canada.
