Watch Belleville Tokyo
- 2010
- 1 hr 12 min
Belleville Tokyo is a French film directed by Elise Girard and co-written by Haruka Hori and Fanny Liatard. The movie tells the story of Leo, a young man who is traveling to Tokyo to discover his roots and learn about his mother's past. On his journey, he meets a woman named Monica and the two embark on an adventure that takes them through Tokyo's gritty underworld.
The movie begins in Belleville, a neighborhood in Paris where Leo works at his family's Chinese restaurant. Leo is restless and feels unfulfilled, so he decides to take a trip to Tokyo to find out more about his mother's past. Once he arrives in Tokyo, he is immediately struck by the city's energy and chaotic atmosphere.
While in Tokyo, Leo has a chance encounter with Monica, a French woman who has been living in Japan for several years. Monica is mysterious and enigmatic, and Leo is drawn to her immediately. The two form a bond and set off on a journey through Tokyo's underground culture.
As they explore Tokyo, Monica introduces Leo to her world, which includes illegal street racing, underground dance clubs, and a group of modern-day samurai. Through these experiences, Leo begins to understand more about himself and his mother's past. He also learns about the darker side of Tokyo and the people who inhabit it.
Throughout the movie, Leo and Monica's relationship is tested by their pasts and their desire for adventure. The two are drawn together by their shared sense of adventure, but they also struggle to connect emotionally. As they journey through Tokyo, they must confront their fears and insecurities to discover what truly drives their desire to explore.
The cinematography in Belleville Tokyo is stunning, capturing the energy and grit of both Belleville and Tokyo. The movie also features a strong soundtrack that includes everything from electronic music to traditional Japanese instruments.
The acting in the movie is also superb, with Valerie Donzelli and Jeremie Elkaim delivering heartfelt performances as Monica and Leo. Philippe Nahon, who plays a yakuza boss, also delivers a memorable performance as a menacing but ultimately sympathetic character.
Overall, Belleville Tokyo is a riveting movie that explores themes of identity, adventure, and the search for meaning. The movie is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging, making it a must-see for anyone who loves travel or exploration.