Movie Review: Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Beauty and the Beast (2017), directed by Bill Condon, is a live-action remake of Disney’s beloved 1991 animated classic. This version brings the fairy tale to life with stunning visuals, a talented cast, and a deeper exploration of the story’s themes. While staying true to the spirit of the original, the film offers a fresh take on the tale of love, redemption, and inner beauty, while adding new songs, character backstories, and a more immersive world.

Plot Overview:
The story follows Belle (Emma Watson), a bright, independent young woman living in a small French village. She feels out of place in a town that values conformity, and her dreams of adventure and greater meaning set her apart. Meanwhile, in a grand castle hidden deep in the woods, a cursed prince (Dan Stevens) lives in isolation as a monstrous Beast, with his enchanted servants, including Lumière (Ewan McGregor), Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), and Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson), who are also trapped in their cursed forms.

When Belle’s father Maurice (Kevin Kline) is imprisoned by the Beast after stumbling upon the castle, Belle offers to take his place in exchange for his freedom. Over time, Belle and the Beast develop an unlikely bond, discovering that love, understanding, and kindness can break the curse that binds them both. The film explores the importance of looking beyond the surface to see the true beauty within, and how compassion can change even the most hardened heart.

Key Themes:
Inner Beauty and Redemption: The central theme of Beauty and the Beast is the idea that true beauty lies within. Both Belle and the Beast are initially misunderstood and judged by their outer appearances—Belle for her intelligence and eccentricity, and the Beast for his monstrous form. The film beautifully explores how love and selflessness can break down barriers, leading to emotional transformation and redemption.

Self-Acceptance and Freedom: Belle’s journey is also about self-empowerment and finding the freedom to be herself. Throughout the film, she challenges the expectations placed on her by society, choosing to live her life on her own terms rather than conforming to a life of marriage and tradition. Similarly, the Beast’s journey is about accepting his past mistakes and learning to let go of his pride in order to open himself up to love and change.

The Power of Love and Kindness: The relationship between Belle and the Beast evolves from mutual suspicion to understanding, and ultimately, to love. Their bond teaches that love is not just about attraction, but about compassion, kindness, and seeing the true worth of a person beyond their exterior. The film also emphasizes the importance of loving others despite their flaws and imperfections.

Community and Loyalty: The enchanted servants, who have all been turned into household objects, play an important role in the narrative. Their loyalty to the Beast and their hope for redemption are crucial to the story’s progression. Their relationships with Belle also demonstrate the importance of friendship, teamwork, and loyalty. As they help Belle and the Beast find their way to happiness, the enchanted objects show that even in the darkest of times, community and cooperation can bring light and joy.

Visuals and Direction:
The film is visually spectacular, with lavish sets, intricate costumes, and stunning special effects that bring the magical world of Beauty and the Beast to life. The CGI used to create the Beast is impressive, with Dan Stevens’ performance enhanced by motion capture technology, allowing the character to express both menace and vulnerability. The transformation scenes are particularly striking, especially when the Beast’s castle and enchanted servants come to life.

The direction by Bill Condon captures the grand, fairy tale quality of the story while adding a sense of depth and detail that gives the film a timeless quality. The iconic ballroom scene, where Belle and the Beast dance to “Beauty and the Beast,” is breathtaking and beautifully choreographed, capturing the magic and emotional weight of the moment.

The film’s lush cinematography and production design also contribute to its fairy tale atmosphere, creating a world that feels both magical and grounded. The use of practical effects, combined with CGI, ensures that the magical elements feel seamless within the live-action environment.

Acting:
Emma Watson is perfectly cast as Belle, bringing a combination of intelligence, independence, and warmth to the role. She captures Belle’s adventurous spirit and her longing for something greater than the life that’s expected of her. Watson’s portrayal feels modern and relatable, while still staying true to the character’s original essence. Her singing voice, while not as technically polished as some of her co-stars, is still charming and fits the character’s personality.

Dan Stevens, as the Beast, delivers a nuanced performance, balancing the character’s anger, vulnerability, and eventual growth. His portrayal of the Beast is both menacing and tragic, and Stevens is able to convey a wide range of emotions despite being covered in makeup and CGI. The combination of his acting and the Beast’s digital design makes him both sympathetic and complex.

The supporting cast is also stellar. Luke Evans shines as Gaston, the charming yet arrogant suitor who is willing to go to great lengths to get what he wants. His performance brings a darker edge to the character, making him more menacing than in the original animated version. Josh Gad as LeFou adds humor and depth to the character, providing both comic relief and moments of emotional growth.

Ewan McGregor (Lumière), Ian McKellen (Cogsworth), and Emma Thompson (Mrs. Potts) are all delightful in their roles as the enchanted servants, bringing their characters to life with warmth and charm. Their vocal performances, along with the use of CGI, create characters that are both endearing and humorous.

Music:
The music in Beauty and the Beast is a central part of the film’s charm. Alan Menken, who composed the original score, returns to create new arrangements and additional songs for the live-action version. The classic songs, such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Gaston,” are given new life with sweeping orchestral arrangements, while the new songs, such as “How Does a Moment Last Forever” and “Evermore,” add emotional depth to the narrative.

The film’s musical numbers are beautifully staged, with “Be Our Guest” being a standout with its vibrant visuals and energetic choreography. The ballroom scene, with its slow dance to “Beauty and the Beast,” is a highlight, evoking the magic and romance that made the animated film so beloved.

Criticism:
While Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film, some viewers may find that the story feels somewhat predictable, especially for those familiar with the animated version. The film sticks closely to the original plot, which is both a strength and a weakness—it’s familiar, but there are few surprises in the narrative.

Some critics also noted that the pacing in certain parts of the film can feel uneven. The addition of backstories for characters like Belle and the Beast adds depth, but it also slows the plot down in places. Additionally, some of the CGI effects, particularly with the enchanted servants, can feel overly polished, making the world seem slightly artificial at times.

The film also adds more modern elements to the story, such as a slightly more progressive portrayal of Belle and her role in society. While this is generally positive, some purists may feel that these changes alter the spirit of the original.

Conclusion:
Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a gorgeous, heartfelt adaptation of the Disney classic that captures the magic and emotion of the original while adding new layers of depth and character development. With strong performances, particularly from Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music, this live-action remake succeeds in bringing the beloved fairy tale to a new generation.

While it may not offer many surprises for fans of the original animated film, its beauty, charm, and powerful messages about love, self-acceptance, and inner beauty make it a standout addition to Disney’s live-action adaptations.

For those who have cherished the animated film, Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a loving tribute that honors the magic of the original while adding new dimensions to the story.