Belle

Seventeen year old Suzu lives in a quiet provincial town, still reeling from her mother's death. Solitary and shy, she hides behind a gentle smile and helps out at home while chasing big dreams through art and music. One day she discovers U, a sprawling online universe where people can reinvent themselves as digital avatars. She becomes Belle, a radiant singer with the confidence she keeps buried in the real world. In this vast, musical world she attracts fans, fellow users, and the attention of a glamorous crowd that values spectacle over truth. Yet a dragon shaped figure appears, challenging Belle to prove what lies behind the avatar and confront the real pain she carries inside and a new resilience.

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, Belle is presented as an original story inspired by Beauty and the Beast myth. Produced by Studio Chizu, the film blends animation with pop music themes and opened in 2021 before rolling out to international theaters.

Belle collected about 63.5 million dollars worldwide, reflecting a solid reception for an anime feature outside Japan. Its earnings showcase the global appeal of Hosoda's vivid animation and music driven storytelling. Its worldwide release spanned multiple markets globally through 2022.

Belle sparked conversations about online identity and community as fans discussed how virtual personas can reflect real emotions. The film's lush world, catchy songs, and striking design left a lasting imprint in anime discourse and among audiences who saw a boundary pushing approach to storytelling. Its music and visuals resonated.

Critics praised the film for its vibrant visuals, emotional honesty, and the way it blends music with a coming of age arc. They note themes of grief, self acceptance, and the tension between online glamour and real connection, while acknowledging pacing quirks that sometimes slow the film. It sparked discussions.