Belle (2021), directed by Mamoru Hosoda

Belle (or The Dragon and the Freckled Princess) presents a modern reimagining of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, but it is so much more. Written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by Studio Chizu, this 2021 Japanese animated musical film explores a variety of themes: personal loss and grief, strained relationships, using the internet for connection and personal expression (both for good and for bad), the healing effect of music, teenage awkwardness, the power of friendship and community, vulnerability and self-sacrifice, bullying and abuse, personal growth and restored bonds . . . I could go on. It’s beautiful; bring lots of tissues.

La la la

La la la la la

Gales of song

Guide me through the storm

On the wings of a small, simple melody

Words take flight and soar

They carry me

A world we’ll see

Looking for a farewell, I pull the threads

A life without you I cannot accept

I can’t tell that lie

I can’t let go

So begins high school student Suzu Naito’s first song as “Bell” (or “Belle”) on the virtual reality platform “U.”[1] This is the first time Suzu has sung in about ten years. Though passionate about music, Suzu lost her singing voice as a child when her mother died in an accident. Since then, she has alienated and suppressed herself as she struggles with grief and resentment. But now, online, she discovers she can sing again, and so she expresses and wrestles with her feelings and struggles musically. Through her music, this virtual medium, and more, Suzu embarks on a path to connection, healing, and growth.

Our good God is big enough to handle our sorrows and our pleas, our laments and our complaints. He is also kind enough to send us aid in the midst of our distress. Because the Father sent the Son to save us and the Holy Spirit to indwell us, we have open access to God in prayer. Now in union with Christ by the Spirit, we also have communion with one another—the saints, the church. In Philippians 1:1–11, Paul takes advantage of (and is thankful for) both. By employing our voice (prayer!) and embracing our (Christian) community, we—like Suzu and like Paul—can experience the connection, healing, and growth that the Lord desires for us. In that way, we “may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil 1:10–11).

Questions

1. Read Philippians 1:1–11. Note how many people are mentioned (explicitly and implicitly) as well as how many times Paul mentions prayer. Keep those numbers in mind as you consider Paul’s present (unpleasant) circumstances in that passage.
2. Are you holding anything back from the Lord in prayer? Something you think may be inappropriate or irreverent to say to him? With a posture of humility, voice your sorrow, plea, lament, complaint, or question to God. He is big enough and kind enough to hear you and love you.
3. Watch Belle. Note the different struggles the film’s characters wrestle with. Note also the different interpersonal relationships and how they help or hinder the characters’ flourishing (that is, their happiness and wholeness).
4. Who are the believers in your life with whom you “rejoice” and “weep” (Rom 12:15)? Are you praying for them, and do they pray for you (Phil 1:1–11)? Are you embracing the community that God designed for you to flourish in? How?

For more devotionals in this series, click here.

[1] In Japanese, “Suzu” most commonly means “bell.”

About the Contributors

Torey J. S. Teer

Prior to teaching at DTS, Dr. Teer served in various roles at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, primarily aiding students in writing and style improvement. He has also taught in several church ministry capacities, including with college students and adult singles. As a professional editor, Dr. Teer also works on a variety of projects, including published books, doctoral projects, and journal articles. His research interests include the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, and early church history, particularly the fourth-century church fathers. He is married to Elizabeth, and together they enjoy all things anime/manga and sci-fi/fantasy. Dr. Teer endeavors to form students spiritually and intellectually so that they will make a great impact worldwide for God’s kingdom.