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Beauty and the Beast, released in 2017 and directed by Bill Condon, is a visually stunning and enchanting live-action adaptation of Disney's beloved animated classic. With its dazzling production design, memorable performances, and faithful reimagining of a timeless story, Beauty and the Beast captures the magic and charm of the original while adding its own delightful touches.
The film follows the familiar tale of Belle (played by Emma Watson), a bright and independent young woman who finds herself drawn to a cursed prince (Dan Stevens) trapped in the form of a beast. As Belle befriends the castle's enchanted staff and begins to see beyond the Beast's exterior, she discovers that true beauty lies within. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, love, and the breaking of a powerful curse.
Emma Watson brings a fresh and spirited portrayal to the role of Belle. Her strong-willed and intelligent interpretation adds depth and agency to the character, making Belle a more modern and relatable heroine. Dan Stevens captures the essence of the Beast, expertly conveying his internal struggle and eventual transformation. The chemistry between Watson and Stevens is palpable, lending credibility and emotional weight to their burgeoning romance.
The film's visual presentation is a feast for the eyes, with elaborate sets, intricate costumes, and breathtaking CGI. The enchanted castle and its inhabitants are beautifully rendered, combining practical effects and digital wizardry to create a world that is both whimsical and believable. The iconic musical numbers, including "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast," are gorgeously staged and performed, evoking a sense of nostalgia while adding new dimensions to the familiar tunes.
The supporting cast is exceptional, with standout performances from Luke Evans as the arrogant yet charismatic Gaston and Josh Gad as his loyal sidekick LeFou. Evans captures Gaston's larger-than-life personality and delivers a memorable rendition of the character, while Gad injects humor and humanity into LeFou, offering a fresh take on the role.
The film successfully incorporates new elements and expands upon the original story, providing more depth to the characters and their backstories. It delves into the Beast's past and introduces new songs and narrative threads that enhance the overall storytelling experience. These additions offer a fresh perspective on a tale as old as time and deepen the emotional connection to the characters.
While Beauty and the Beast excels in many areas, there are moments where the film feels overly faithful to its animated predecessor, resulting in certain scenes feeling like a shot-for-shot recreation. However, the film's overall charm and the strength of its performances more than compensate for any moments of familiarity.
In summary, Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a magical and enchanting live-action adaptation that successfully captures the essence and charm of Disney's animated classic. With its captivating performances, stunning visuals, and faithful reimagining of the timeless story, the film transports audiences to a world of romance and wonder. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to the original while adding its own flourishes, making it a delightful experience for both fans of the animated film and newcomers alike.
I remember seeing this film in 2017 when it was in the cinemas and it was a fantastic movie and I preferred this version to the original one.
An arrogant prince is cursed as a frightening beast until he finds true love.
Years later a girl named Belle (played by Emma Watson) comes to the Beast's castle and he agrees to take her father's place at the castle dungeon. She soon becomes friends with the castle's servants as they invited her to dinner. Soon she and the Beast start to form a friendship and they soon fall in love.
Overall I enjoyed watching this film.
What can I possibly say?! Emma Watson I absolutely amazing and plays Belle in a way you couldn’t even imagine. She is perfect for the role as is Dan Stevens as the beast. I must acknowledge Luke Evans (Gaston) as he makes you love to hate him. However, probably the beast feature of this movie is the infamous Josh Gad (LeFou), playing one of Disney’s first LGBTQ+ characters, and he is great at it! His romance makes the movie even better, finally bringing modern ideas to our favourite characters.
I loved the original movie, but I must admit that the 2017 version wins.
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