The Triplets of Belleville November 22, 2003

Part of the Three Rivers Film Festival.

Already being hailed as the front-runner for this year's Best Animated Feature Oscar, this brilliant film forges a new narrative and visual style that will set the bar for all animated features to come. Diminutive Madame Souza lives with her grandson, named Champion, and faithful dog Bruno. Champion spends years training for the Tour de France but when he's finally ready, he's kidnapped by the French Mafia. Madame Souza and Bruno's rescue mission takes them to Belleville where they meet the renowned Triplets ? three old women, former music-hall stars ? who turn out to be quite helpful. While totally original, Triplets shows influences as diverse as Caro and Jeunet (City of Lost Children), Mr. Magoo, and Wallace and Gromit. Exciting, hilarious, magical, and touching, this is the must-see film of the festival. (Directed by Sylvain Chomet; France; 2003; 80 min)