The Triplets of Belleville

Plot

Madame Souza, an elderly woman, instills in her grandson Champion (for who she acts as his guardian) a love of cycling. As a young man, he does become a dedicated road racer with his grandmother as his trainer. During a mountainous leg of the Tour de France in which Champion is racing, he goes missing. Evidence points to him being kidnapped. Indeed, he and two of his competitors were kidnapped, the kidnappers who want to use the threesome's unique skills for nefarious purposes. With Champion's overweight and faithful pet dog Bruno at her side, Madame Souza goes looking for Champion. Their trek takes them overseas to the town of Belleville. Without any money, Madame Souza and Bruno are befriended and taken in by three eccentric elderly women, who were once the renowned jazz singing group The Triplets of Belleville. The triplets help Madame Souza and Bruno try to locate and rescue Champion.

Why watch

"The Triplets of Belleville" is a whimsical adventure that celebrates the bonds of family and friendship through the lens of eccentricity and nostalgia. With its vibrant animation and a heartwarming quest, it invites viewers to embrace the absurdity of life and the joy of connection across generations.

Talking points

• the role of music in storytelling
• the representation of aging in media
• the significance of non-verbal communication
• the impact of cultural dislocation on identity

Cultural context

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