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
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