Belle & Sebastian (2013)

A six-year-old boy and his dog look to foil a Nazi effort to capture French Resistance fighters.

Director:

Nicolas Vanier

Writers:

Juliette Sales (screenplay), Fabien Suarez (screenplay)

Stars:

Félix Bossuet, Tchéky Karyo, Margaux Chatelier

4 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Félix Bossuet	...	Sébastien
Tchéky Karyo	...	César
Margaux Chatelier	...	Angélina
Dimitri Storoge	...	Docteur Guillaume
Urbain Cancelier	...	The Mayor
Andreas Pietschmann	...	Lieutenant Peter
Mehdi El Glaoui	...	André (as Mehdi)
Paloma Palma	...	Esther
Karine Adrover	...	La mère d'Esther
Loïc Varraut	...	Le père d'Esther
Jan Oliver Schroeder	...	Soldat Hans (as Jan-Oliver Schroeder)
Tom Sommerlatte	...	Soldat Erich
Andrée Damant	...	Célestine
Pasquale D'Inca	...	Le boucher
Eric Soubelet	...	Fabien

Storyline

In 1943, in the French Alps, the orphan Sébastien lives in a small village with his grandfather César, who is a shepherd, and his aunt Angélina, 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 is a member of the Frech resistance that helps Jewish refugees to flee to Switzerland and the German Lieutenant Peter 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?

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Plot Keywords:

german | soldier | jew | shooting an animal | refugee | 

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Taglines:

Two great friends. One grand adventure.

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Family

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Belle is a Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

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Crazy Credits

Sebastien is seen with a school knapsack and other school boys during the credits.

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Connections

Followed by Belle and Sebastian, Friends for Life (2017)

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Soundtracks

L'Avalanche
(uncredited)
Performed by Henri Tournier, Armand Amar
Composed by Armand Amar
(P) © 2013 Radar Films - Epithète Films - Gaumont under exclusive license to Play On

User Reviews

A fresh and moving movie

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.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

France

Language:

French German

Release Date:

18 December 2013 (France)

Also Known As:

Belle & Sebastian

Filming Locations:

Bramans, France

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,263

Company Credits

Production Co:

Radar Films, Epithète Films, Gaumont

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1