DISNEY | 'Beauty & the Beast' Film Review
For many children growing up in the 90s, Walt Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was a favourite. It was one of several animated Disney films of the period, including gems such as ‘The Little Mermaid’ (1989), ‘Aladdin’ (1992) and ‘The Lion King’ (1994).
Carrying on with the trend of recreating beloved animations, Walt Disney Pictures and director Bill Condon have done a fantastic job with this version, keeping very close to the original script and creating some stunning digital effects (the enchanted household!), familiar and beloved settings (the library!), and gorgeous costuming (the golden ball gown!) . The charm of the original animation is certainly not lost after twenty-six years.
Belle is the favourite Disney princess for many. Viewers found her relatable, with her bookworm ways and outsider status in her little town (“She really is a funny girl, that Belle!”).
Emma Watson does a fine job of portraying the fearless heroine.
Kevin Kline is charming as Belle’s father, Maurice.
Dan Stevens (of whom many will recognise as Cousin Matthew in ‘Downton Abbey’) makes a fine Beast - terrifying at first, but gradually revealing the sensitive man beneath the impressive prosthetics.
Gaston is just as hot-headed and narcissistic as his animated counterpart, and Luke Evans plays him to perfection.
With a supporting cast that includes silver-screen royalty Emma Thompson, Ian McKellen, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Josh Gad, the ensemble truly sparkles.
Music for the 1991 film was written by talented composer Alan Menken, with lyrics by Tim Rice and the late Howard Ashman. The Menken/Rice team have since reunited to compose three new songs for the live action version, adding depth to the story of Belle’s parents, and allowing the Beast to express his frustration at Belle’s departure. Each song fits seamlessly into the flow of the film.
Luckily for us fans, Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ is also set to be given the live action treatment. And with news that ‘The Little Mermaid’ (not Universal's film of the same name, which is to be released later this year) will also be recreated with onscreen face actors, 'Beauty and the Beast' is just the beginning. Release dates have yet to be announced, but excitement is already building.
If you loved the original animation, then this 2017 recreation is an absolute must-see. But if you've not yet seen the 1991 classic, then you’re in for a real treat: an enchanted fairy tale that will stick with you long after you leave the cinema.
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