The New Yorker by Anthony Lane
Such is the hazard of the cartoon: as a form, it thrives on elongation and excess, yet, within its vortices and crannies, who knows what moldy prejudice can breed? [1 December 2003, p. 118]
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ Read critic reviews
France, Belgium, Canada · 2003
Rated PG-13 · 1h 20m
Director Sylvain Chomet
Starring Betty Bonifassi, Lina Boudreau, Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda
Genre Animation, Comedy, Drama
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Accompanied by a dog and a trio of music hall singers, Madame Souza embarks on a quest to rescue her grandson - a Tour de France cyclist - from the French mafia.
The New Yorker by Anthony Lane
Such is the hazard of the cartoon: as a form, it thrives on elongation and excess, yet, within its vortices and crannies, who knows what moldy prejudice can breed? [1 December 2003, p. 118]
The New York Times by Dana Stevens
May be the oddest movie of the year, by turns sweet and sinister, insouciant and grotesque, invitingly funny and forbiddingly dark. It may also be one of the best, a tour de force of ink-washed, crosshatched mischief and unlikely sublimity.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Children may enjoy it, aside from the youngest, who might find it too weird for comfort. Its main audience is adults, though. And not just any adults, but those in the mood for venturesome fare that's both surreal and hilarious.
The year's most ingenious and original animated feature.
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
A highly satirical work, albeit without the "in your face" style of "South Park."
Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan
Fast, funny, unexpected and uninhibited, The Triplets of Belleville may be animated, but it is also the product of an artistic vision every bit as rigorous as any lofty Cannes prize-winner. Hearing about a film this special isn't enough. It demands to be seen, and it generously rewards those who, like Madame Souza, let nothing stand in their way.
Almost completely dialogue-free but graced with terrific sound design and a swell score.
New York Magazine (Vulture) by Peter Rainer
The most joyously cinematic movie I've seen this year. Chomet's astonishing imagination conjures images you could swear you've seen in your dreams.
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
It's comic, touching and a visual knockout.
Triplettes is terrific there's no competition for the fall's most imaginative delight. In that race, Triplettes can already take its victory lap.
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