Belle & Sebastien

Belle and Sebastian may also be the name of a band or an appliance brand but this review deals with the recent French film by that name. In it, a boy and his fluffy white dog save Jewish refugees from the Nazi occupation of France by leading them over the French Alps into Switzerland. Why don't the soldiers just follow them into unarmed Switzerland and take back the escapees is a good question for your history teacher. Beyond the honoring of true-life heroic acts taken by the French resistance, the movie is also an excuse to film some stunning visuals in the boy's largely vertical world. Within this world some sad and sophisticated things happen (including a least 2 double-crosses) so clearly this isn't an American children's picture. Some sad stuff happens as well but not as much as you expect for a French film. The acting is overwrought at times but generally very good - the dog is excellent. In short, worth taking your older children to and having them learn something.

If you have a child who has never seen a foreign film, this would be a great one to start with! Belle and Sebastian is a French movie, by Nicholas Vanier, with English subtitles.

Belle and Sebastian is about a young boy, Sebastian and the friendship he makes with Belle, a large dog. She is being blamed for killing the sheep in the village. In fact, the villagers call her "the beast."

The movie is set in Nazi-occupied France. There are refugees in the village always escaping at night over the snow-covered mountains into Switzerland. Sebastian is told to stay away from both this part of the mountain and "the beast." But, he can't resist. He finds and tries to protect "the beast," who he names Belle.

Sebastian meets up with Belle every day and they run in the fields and play in the snow. He shows her places to hide from the angry villagers and from the German Nazi soldiers. She is Sebastian's friend and he believes that it is not her who is killing the sheep. The scenery in this film is incredible! The snow-covered mountains, grassy hillsides, waterfalls, rocks and panoramic vistas will take your breath away. There are lots of aerial shots in the film that make you wish you lived in France.

Parents should know that there is some drinking, lying and cursing, but the characters are trying to do their best given the given circumstances. It can't be easy having your little village be taken over by soldiers. Over-all, the message this movie gives is a good one. "Protect your friends and always try to do the right thing." I recommend this movie for ages ten to eighteen. This is a great age level to introduce appreciation of sub-titled movies. I give Belle and Sebastian four out of five stars for amazing scenery and great acting.

Belle and Sebastian, initially an excellent novel written by Cécile Aubry, has been adapted in movie by Nicolas Vanier. This beautiful and charming story makes a perfect family movie. Children as well as adults can enjoy it!

First, the story takes place during the WWII in the French Alps. Sebastian is a 6 year young boy, raised by his adopted grandfather. This little adventurer spends much time in the nature, playing with all it offers. One day, some sheep are found attacked. Everybody thinks that's a cruel and dangerous animal but during a walk, Sebastian meets this mysterious beast. It appears that it is a dog, a so cute dog that the boy recalled 'Belle'. At this moment, an unequaled friendship has just begun. Unfortunately, the determinate grandfather and his band have to kill the dog. Sebastian is so hungry with it and takes care of his best friend in secret. The boy will prove that the dog is not a bad animal the day it saves a life.

That lovely relation between a dog and a child is really pleasant for those who want to see a piece of sweet in this violent world period. In fact, we can also feel the strong atmosphere of occupation in that movie. A good point is definitely the beautiful mountainous landscapes. If you are fond of nature, you should be filled with Belle and Sebastian. We also have to notice the performance of Félix Bossuet, the young Sebastian who's particularly effective in his role.

In a word, I really recommend you this movie, a French one, something different than the full effects American movies. We sometimes need to see and enjoy simple things as a true friendship.

In 1943, in the French Alps, the orphan Sébastien (Félix Bossuet) lives in a small village with his grandfather César (Tchéky Karyo), who is a shepherd, and his aunt Angélina (Margaux Châtelier), who is a baker. Sébastien misses his mother and believes she has traveled to America. He expects to get a watch with compass as a gift from her. The local Dr. Guillaume (Dimitri Storoge) is a member of the Frech resistance that helps Jewish refugees to flee to Switzerland and the German Lieutenant Peter (Andreas Pietschmann) and troop are hunting down the resistance. When sheep are found slaughtered, César and the other residents believe that a stray dog that has been abused by his owner is the responsible and hunt it down. Sébastien finds the dog, gives the name of Belle to her and they become friends. But the animal is considered a beast by the inhabitants. Will Sébastien be capable to save Belle?

"Belle et Sébastien" is a great family entertainment, with a beautiful story of friendship. The needy Sébastien find his soul mate in a stray female dog and together they become friends during the World War II. The wonderful landscapes in the Alps are highlighted by the cinematography and the camera. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Belle e Sebástian" ("Belle and Sebástian")

Adapted from the classic children's books by Cecile Aubrey - who also gave the name to one of the best band's ever, Scotland's own, 'Belle and Sebastian, we have a tale of a young boy and a dog. Well there is a bit more to it, as it is set in the Pyrenees during World War II. Sebastian befriends a run away dog and together they go off and have loads of adventures, face danger and stand up to the nasty Nazi's.

We also have the French resistance lots of snow, some songs so sugary they must be bad for your teeth and some subliminal messages to children about being nice to each other and getting an education - preferably in a school.

This is a great film for children - especially if learning French and might get them to start watching World cinema which can be no bad thing. It is very well made and the dog is as cute as a kitten in a bomber jacket. Add to that the mild adventure and you have all the ingredients for a classic. In French with a small amount of German and good sub titles; they are actually already making the follow up to this so that will be one to look out for soon.