Belle
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
"U" is a popular social media platform where people can create a virtual persona and start a new life. Among its five billion users, one newcomer is quickly gaining attention: Belle, a beautiful singer whose alluring melodies slowly capture the hearts of the masses. But in this space where everyone hides behind an avatar, curiosity arises over who the mysterious girl truly is. Suzu Naito—a shy girl from the countryside—can no longer sing following past trauma, all her efforts resulting in breakdowns and illness. However, when Suzu joins U, she is once again able to project her voice. Under the alias "Belle," her vocals soon go viral, receiving both love and hatred. Meanwhile, rumors spread of a chaotic beast within U, known only as "The Dragon." After a chance meeting during her concert, Belle finds he is not as evil as the stories suggest. Now, both online and in the real world, Suzu has to face the struggles of identity, fame, and opening one's heart.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception for Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime is highly divided, with strong opinions on both ends of the spectrum. While many praise the film's breathtaking visuals and phenomenal soundtrack, a significant portion of viewers found the narrative convoluted, poorly paced, and underdeveloped. Critiques often center on the confusing plot, inconsistent world-building, and questionable writing, leading to a polarized viewing experience.
Strengths
- Visually stunning and beautiful animation, especially in the virtual world 'U'.
- The soundtrack and music are exceptionally well-done and a highlight of the film.
- The film tackles serious themes like loss, grief, online bullying, and identity with emotional depth for some viewers.
- The maximalist portrayal of the internet and its details are mesmerizing.
- The contrast between the online and real world visuals is appealing.
- The film offers a fresh, platonic interpretation of the Beauty and the Beast narrative.
Weaknesses
- The story is often confusing, with abrupt scene cuts, plot holes, and a lack of narrative coherence.
- Character motivations and world-building mechanics are frequently unexplained or underdeveloped.
- The pacing is inconsistent, with many plot points feeling rushed, random, or unresolved.
- Dialogue can be laughably bad at times, lacking natural human interaction.
- The depiction of online interactions and moderation in 'U' is unrealistic and nonsensical.
- Some critics feel the film relies on 'outsourced emotion' through manipulation rather than genuine narrative depth.
- The CGI animation, while sometimes good, is described as hideous or an eyesore by some.
- The film juggles too many ideas and themes without fully developing them.