This new movie is a remake, with real actors, of the 1991 Walt Disney animation movie of the same name. Released in March 2017. Running time: 129 minutes.
Director: Bill Condon.
Starring: Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston and Kevin Cline as Maurice.
An artistic and commercial success it certainly is. A box office hit, with enthusiastic reviews.
The story, in its bare outlines, is well known. A vain prince is cursed by an enchantress and becomes a hideous beast, until he learns to love and to be loved. He lives in an enchanted castle with objects who are really human beings who have also been cursed and turned into clocks and cups and pens.
The female lead is Belle, a village beauty, loving, helpful and very fond of books. The person she loves most dearly is her father, Maurice, the village clocksmith.
Vying for her attention and affection is Gaston, vain to a fault, and convinced that he is the best match a girl can get.
Belle’s father rides his horse one day into the forest. He does not return—only his riderless horse does.
Belle gets on this faithful horse and rides into the forest, where she meets the frightening Beast. He is rough and angry, and the girl’s father is his prisoner now. She asks to take her father’s place.
The Beast is wounded when he tries to save others from a pack of wild wolves. Belle looks after him lovingly.
The two become close.
In the meantime, Gaston incites the villagers to attack the Beast’s castle. How will the attack end? Will Gaston win over Belle’s hand and heart?
What about the budding love between Belle and the Beast?
A review should not spoil the viewer’s enjoyment by giving away too many details. Suffice it to say that reviewers give the movie top ratings. Emma Watson (who acted as Hermione in the Harry Potter movies) does a superb job as Belle. The other actors, too, do a splendid job, including those who are voices for the enchanted objects in the castle. It is also a visually splendid movie, with lovely songs and a fast pace. No wonder it is a hit with viewers.
Discussion Points
The underlying human theme is worth discussing: What matters more in a person—external beauty or a good heart? Who is a better match in a marriage—a handsome, but selfish and vain partner (as Gaston is) or a loving and generous person who is ugly (as the Beast is condemned to be, until he finds love)? So, too, should a girl read and cultivate her mind, or simply “settle down” and be a wife? (JTM)
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