The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

The Triplets of Belleville (2003) is a visually striking, offbeat animated caper that blends dark humor, melancholy and jazz-era nostalgia. It follows elderly Madame Souza, who has raised her grandson Champion and trained him into a top bicycle racer. When Champion is mysteriously kidnapped during the Tour de France, Madame Souza — joined by her devoted, comically flatulent dog Bruno — pursues him to the grim, surreal port city of Belleville. There they meet the eccentric, former music-hall trio the Triplets, who help mount an audacious rescue from a shadowy criminal underworld. Watching the film is as much about its atmosphere as its plot: expect sparse dialogue, richly detailed hand-drawn animation, inventive sight gags, and a hauntingly infectious jazz score that drives the action and emotion. The tone shifts between whimsical comedy and tense, almost noirish suspense, while visual storytelling and small human moments create genuine warmth and pathos. The result is an unusual, memorable experience — equal parts funny, strange and touching — that rewards viewers who appreciate bold animation, expressive design, and music-led storytelling.

Actors: Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin

Director: Sylvain Chomet

Runtime: 80 min

Genres: Animation, Comedy, Drama

7.5 /10 91 /100 7.7 /10 8.1 /10