Review of Beauty and the Beast (2017) by Makarand D — 20 May 2017

Director Bill Condon set out to recreate the animated Disney tale of love between Belle (Emma Watson) and the Beast (Dan Stevens). In a breath of fresh air, the movie is almost a play-by-play of the original film. These days it is expected that a classic fairytale will be mangled by a studio in an attempt to deliver a 'fresh perspective' to their audience. I have to admit that I expected the same from this version, but was pleasantly surprised by the result. I am not a fan of the Beauty and the Beast storyline, but I can appreciate a film well made.

We are introduced to Belle, a beautiful french girl who lives with her father Maurice (Kevin Kline) in provincial France (albeit speaking in a British accent). She finds the village boring and small-minded and in turn, the villagers think she is aloof and strange (she enjoys reading - which is only reserved for those not intent on marrying and producing babies). She is persistently pursued by the handsome (read: narcissistic) Gaston (Luke Evans), egged on by his sidekick Lefou(Josh Gad). And yes, they are both annoying as hell.

Following an unfortunate series of events, Belle finds herself the prisoner of a Beast(previously a mean Prince but cursed until he can learn to be a good boy) in an enchanted castle. Everyone knows the plotline to the story so I won't be giving away any spoilers here. The spellbound furniture is convinced that Belle would be the girl to break the spell cast on the Beast. Only true love would free them from the curse, but their time is running out. They plot to bring the two together - cue eye roll. (Call me cold-hearted, but talking furniture hasn't made me smile since I was 5). Within a few days, Belle has acclimatised to her new life in the castle and the Beast has made nice. He gives her his entire library, which makes her giggle and smile, so we know that she is starting to get comfy. The food is great, she can read to her heart's content. Besides uncapped wi-fi, what more could a girl want? In no time, Belle breaks out in song about how sweet and gentle the Beast is under all that fur.

Skipping ahead we see Belle's father, Maurice, trying to rally the town to help him free Belle. People think Maurice is mad and eventually, Gaston, using the scenario to his advantage, reveals his true colours (surprise, surprise) and ties Maurice to a tree as fodder for the wolves. Belle sees this in a magic mirror and the Beast lets her leave to help him. When Belle arrives in the village, Gaston quickly realises that she has feelings for the Beast and they lock Belle up and head out to kill the Beast. The villagers, spurred by Gaston's jealous rage.

In an icy rooftop battle, Gaston and the Beast fight it out. We all know the Beast wins the day and Gaston meets his icy death (it would have been more satisfying if the villagers had turned against Gaston and sent him to the madhouse instead). The Beast breathes his final breath and Belle proclaims her love for him. The spell is lifted and everyone rejoices as the castle is bathed in sunlight once again. In true fairytale style, the movie ends with singing and dancing and true love prevailing over all.

The costumes are lovely and the special effects believable. (I almost prefer Dan Stevens WITH the fur.) There were some laughs, a lot of singing and plenty of eye-roll moments.

Aside from a few personal gripes, the question remains: Did I enjoy it? Yes.

Should you watch it? Why not!