Review of Beauty and the Beast (1991) by Christopher A — 13 Apr 2012

The Disney Renaissance was a time that would be considered Disney's 2nd Golden Age. It brought many of the classics that we love today. But the crowning jewel of not only that time, but of all time for Disney, is Beauty and the Beast. It became the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture (losing to Silence of the Lambs). As great as Silence of the Lambs was, this movie is the true best picture of 1991.

Now, this review is about 3 months late, as I went to see this at the theaters during its re-release (a non-3D screening by the way), even though I already had it on Blu-Ray. And it was amazing in theaters. It was like going to a musical orchestra.

The first three minutes of the movie tells us, through stained glass and narration, about this prince who was a spoiled brat. But one night, an old woman came to the castle asking for shelter. But he rejects her for her deformed appearance. But then the woman showed that she was really a beautiful enchantress. As punishment for his cruel nature, he transforms him into a beast. But she gives him a rose which would bloom until he turned 21. If he can fall in love with another and earn her love in return before the last petal falls, he and his servants will return to normal. But if he fails, they will remain cursed forever.

Years later, a beautiful woman named Belle (voiced by Paige O'Hara) is introduced to us. She lives in a peaceful village and with her inventor father, Maurice (Rex Everhart). She is considered the most beautiful woman in the village, but at the same time considered a bit odd because she does things that women usually don't do like reading. She is pursued by Gaston (Richard White), a hunter who is a celebrity of the town, but is self-absorbed.

But fate comes along when her father goes to a fair, but gets lost in the woods. After being chased by some wolves, he finds himself at a castle. He is welcomed by enchanted furniture like Lumiere (Jerry Orbach) and Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury), but is taken hostage by the Beast (Robby Benson). When Maurice's horse comes back to Belle, she comes to the castle. She exchanges her freedom for her father's. The Beast agreed to this and lets him go.

Although Belle is at first saddened by this turn of events, she eventually begins to warm up as she is treated well by the servants (even giving her a musical "Be Our Guest"). And after being saved from some wolves by the Beast, he begins to go through many changes as they spend more time together. Beast starts to become well mannered and benevolent. However, when Gaston discovers that Belle is in love with the Beast, he rallies up the village to try to kill the Beast and claim Belle as his own.

The story is in one word: wonderful. It tells us that we must not judge a person solely on their appearance. This movie gives definition to "It's not what's on the outside, but what is on the inside that counts." Although the Beast at first looks hideous and cruel, he eventually becomes a better person. While Gaston, despite his good looks and charm, reveals his true nature in the climax.

Not only is the story excellent, but also the songs and score. All of the songs are wonderful and beautiful. "Belle" is a good song that introduces us to Belle's character. "Gaston" is also delightful as Gaston boasts about himself. "Be Our Guest" is just magnificent and very colorful. "We'll Be Human Again" is also a good song. But the most memorable is "Beauty and the Beast," particularly when sung by Celine Dion. The ballroom scene is quite beautiful and one of the most iconic moments in Disney history.

The characters are also lovable. The Beast and Belle are among the best love stories of all time and one that we're able to cheer for. The furniture characters are also fun. Lumiere has a good accent and is even funny. Cogsworth seriousness is amusing. Mrs. Pott and Chip are delightful. As for Gaston, his character was just awesome. He is quite unique in that he is not shown as evil in the beginning, coming off as more of a jerk. But when his desires are threatened, that's when we see how bad he is. That's part of what made him such a great villain and is among Disney's best villains of all time.

The best Disney film of all time.