In the visually stunning animated film "Belle," we follow the journey of 17-year-old Suzu Naito, a high-school student grappling with the emotional scars left by her mother's untimely death. Living in a quaint rural town with her father, Suzu feels isolated and struggles to express herself in a world that seems too big and overwhelming. However, her life takes a transformative turn when she discovers the expansive virtual realm of "U," a digital landscape where she can create her alternate identity. Adopting the persona of Belle, a stunning and confident singer, Suzu begins to explore this new world where all her insecurities fade away, and she finds her voice amidst the chaos of adolescence.
As Belle, Suzu quickly garners the attention and admiration of U's vast community, captivating users with her mesmerizing performances. But the allure of this online fame is not without its challenges. Just when Suzu starts to relish her newfound identity, a mysterious figure, a dragon-like creature, emerges, disrupting the virtual utopia she has come to thrive in. This enigmatic being captures her curiosity and simultaneously sparks a whirlwind of intrigue, prompting Suzu to delve deeper into the complexities of her feelings about loss, love, and the blurry lines between reality and the digital world. Watching her avatar blossom in U's limelight juxtaposes the loneliness she feels in her real life, raising questions about authenticity in a world dominated by artificial connections.
With each encounter in both realms, Suzu’s journey becomes a poignant exploration of self-discovery and emotional healing. The juxtaposition of her ordinary high school life with the vibrant online universe of U serves as a powerful commentary on modern social dynamics and the importance of finding one's voice, both literally and metaphorically. Under the enchanting voice of Kaho Nakamura, who portrays Suzu/Belle, and complemented by Ryo Narita’s role as Shinobu Hisatake, the film expertly weaves a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has navigated the challenges of adolescence and the quest for belonging in an increasingly fractured world.
Main Cast of Belle
Kaho Nakamura
Ryo Narita
Ryo Narita delivered a compelling performance as Shinobu Hisatake in Mamoru Hosoda's animated masterpiece "Belle." As the voice actor, Narita brought depth and nuance to the character, a young man caught between his online persona and his real-world struggles. Hisatake's character arc is one of growth and transformation, and Narita's vocal work masterfully captures the emotional complexity of a teenager grappling with family issues and societal pressures. His ability to convey vulnerability, anger, and eventual acceptance is a testament to his talent and range as a voice actor. Narita's performance is integral to the film's exploration of identity and connection in the digital age, and it resonates with authenticity, providing a strong counterpart to the protagonist's journey within the vibrant virtual world of "U." His collaboration with Hosoda has resulted in a character that is both memorable and relatable, underscoring the universal themes of the film.
Shota Sometani
Shota Sometani's voice performance as Shinjiro "Kamishin" Chikami in Mamoru Hosoda's animated film "Belle" is a standout element of the movie's narrative depth. Sometani brings a complex and nuanced portrayal to the character of Kamishin, a mysterious and brooding figure within the virtual world of "U." His voice work masterfully conveys Kamishin's inner turmoil and the paradoxical blend of aggression and vulnerability that defines the character. Sometani's delivery adds layers to the enigmatic persona of Kamishin, making him both an object of intrigue and a relatable character with a hidden sensitive side. His interactions with the protagonist, Suzu/Belle, voiced by Kaho Nakamura, are particularly compelling, as Sometani's performance captures the subtleties of their evolving relationship, oscillating between suspicion, admiration, and a deep, unspoken connection. Sometani's vocal nuances contribute significantly to the emotional resonance of "Belle," ensuring that Kamishin's journey from antagonist to a character of empathy is both believable and touching. His work not only complements the film's exploration of identity and connection in the digital age but also marks a high point in his career as a voice actor, showcasing his range and ability to imbue animated characters with profound humanity.
Secondary Cast of Belle
ermhoi
HANA
Asami Miura
Crew of Belle
Full backstage crew list →- Released on July 16, 2021