Sin #22: Two French Animated Flicks

On the one hand we’ve got the triplets of Belleville who, at their prime, were exhilarating singers and icons of the burlesque show. However, the years have passed and they rarely perform anymore, instead they spend their time hunting for frogs (since it’s an essential part of their diet) and relaxing at home.

One day they meet a strange old lady on the street and decide to give her shelter. She is looking for her grandson (a renowned professional cyclist) who has been kidnapped by the mafia.

“The Triplets of Belleville” is whimsical and bizarre, a film that virtually uses no dialogue to convey very strange emotions. The movie is intrinsically French, from the grotesque designs of a crowded city inhabited by disgusting and obese people to the peculiar music created by the triplets, using such instruments as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators and old newspapers. This ain’t no Disney film, that’s for sure.

On the other hand there’s Marjene, a quirky and lively girl growing up in Iran under a dictatorial government. This cruel regime has also made the life of her and her family a living hell so they decide to send her to Europe where she can live a more peaceful and exciting life.

“Persepolis” is a wonderful tale of a woman, her life’s experiences and heritage. It tells the story of a country torn apart and the damage it did to future generations through Marjene’s unique point of view (it happens that Marjene is a real person and the movie is based on the graphic novel she created).

While “The Triplets from Belleville” is colorful and packed with vibrant visuals, “Persepolis” is drawn in black and white, featuring a sober and distinct look. What they both show are unique visions and the need to introduce mature thematic elements into animated features (which are traditionally seen as merely children’s entertainment); they also prove that the animated front shouldn’t only be dominated by the American and Japanese markets. These two inventive and original films are prime examples of thoughtful entertainments that should be seen by any filmgoer and not just the art festival crowd.