GOING boldly against the tide of films being bigger, louder, more hi-tech and gadget-filled is Belleville Rendez-vous, an almost dialogue-free French pen and ink animation which took this year's Cannes Film Festival by storm.

The film centres on Champion, a lonely orphan who is brought up by his grandmother, Mme Souza.

Champion has two pleasures in life - his puppy Bruno and his tricycle.

His grandmother encourages his interest in the latter and sets him on a rigorous training schedule, which leads to him taking part in the Tour de France.

But while he is taking part in the race, he and two other competitors are kidnapped by the French Mafia and taken to Belleville, which bears a strong resemblance to New York.

Mme Souza and Bruno launch a rescue mission, with the help of the Belleville Sisters, an all-singing trio who perform their musical numbers on a range of instruments, including a fridge and a newspaper.

Sure to charm the socks off you, this film is a must-see for animation fans.

In French. Contains some nudity and violence.

Harbour Lights Picture House, Ocean Village, Southampton Until Thursday. Box office: 023 8033 5533.