The Triplets of Belleville – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Triplets of Belleville

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2003

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Surreal French animation about a grandmother rescuing her kidnapped cyclist grandson—visually stunning, narratively weird, and definitely not for everyone.

7.7/10

94%

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The Triplets of Belleville

movie

PG-13, 2003

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Surreal French animation about a grandmother rescuing her kidnapped cyclist grandson—visually stunning, narratively weird, and definitely not for everyone.

7.7

94%

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7.7/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, The Triplets of Belleville is objectively a beautiful, critically acclaimed piece of animation. It's weird, it's French, it's visually inventive, and film nerds love it.

But let's be real: most kids are going to find this boring as hell. The pacing is glacial, there's almost no dialogue, and the whole vibe is surreal and off-kilter in a way that doesn't land for modern audiences raised on Pixar's emotional beats and Marvel's quippy action.

If you have a budding animator or a kid who genuinely loves experimental art, this could be a revelation. For everyone else? It's a hard sell. The score reflects that tension—high marks for imagination and craft, but a significant watchability penalty because, honestly, who's asking to rewatch this?

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-16 who have the patience and curiosity for art-house cinema. Younger kids will likely be bored or confused; older teens might appreciate it as a film studies curiosity, but it's not exactly a crowd-pleaser.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models deep intergenerational love and determination—Madame Souza's unwavering devotion to her grandson is the emotional core. Celebrates cooperation (teaming up with the Belleville Sisters) and perseverance. Minimal dialogue means tone is conveyed through visual storytelling, which is gentle and quirky rather than mean-spirited. Some mild crude humor and caricatured depictions, but overall emotionally healthy.

Imaginative

Visually stunning hand-drawn animation with a distinctive, surreal art style that's unlike anything else. The film is wildly creative—from the exaggerated character designs to the imaginative chase sequences and the absurdist humor. It invites viewers into a unique, dreamlike world that rewards close attention and sparks curiosity about animation as an art form. The nearly wordless storytelling is itself an imaginative choice that opens up interpretation.

Safe

No graphic violence, sex, or gore, but there are some elements that might startle or confuse younger viewers: the Mafia villains, a kidnapping premise, some mild peril during the rescue, and grotesque character designs that border on unsettling. The film's surreal, sometimes dark humor and visual style can be disorienting. Common Sense Media rates it 12+, suggesting it's not for young children who might find the tone or imagery confusing or scary. No major trigger warnings, but the weirdness factor and mild threat level warrant caution for sensitive kids.

Enriching

Critically acclaimed (94% RT, 91 Metacritic) for good reason—it's a masterclass in visual storytelling and animation craft. Offers cultural enrichment through its French sensibility and jazz-age nostalgia. Themes of family loyalty, resilience, and resourcefulness are meaningful. However, the near-absence of dialogue and slow, quirky pacing means it's more of an art-house experience than a traditional narrative with clear lessons. Kids who engage will gain appreciation for experimental filmmaking, but it's not delivering overt skill-building or ethical frameworks.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely gorgeous hand-drawn animation with a unique, unforgettable visual style that stands out in a sea of CGI
Celebrates unconditional family love and determination—Madame Souza is a wonderfully tenacious protagonist
Nearly wordless storytelling teaches visual literacy and rewards close attention to detail
Critically adored (94% RT, 91 Metacritic)—a genuine work of art that exposes kids to experimental filmmaking
Quirky jazz soundtrack and nostalgic vibe offer cultural enrichment and appreciation for different eras

⚠

What to Watch For

Slow, deliberate pacing and minimal dialogue will bore most kids under 10 (and plenty over 10, honestly)
Surreal, sometimes grotesque character designs and imagery—the Mafia guys are unsettling, and the overall vibe is just...weird
Kidnapping plot and mild peril might worry sensitive younger viewers
This is art-house animation, not Pixar—if your kid needs clear plot and fast action, skip it

Conversation Starters

"What did you think of the way the story was told mostly without words? Was it easier or harder to follow?"
"Madame Souza never gave up on finding her grandson. When have you had to be really determined about something?"
"The animation style is so different from most movies—what did you notice about how the characters looked?"
"Why do you think the filmmakers made everything so exaggerated and weird-looking?"

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