''Beauty and the Beast' (2017 film)- Review

Directed by: Bill Condon
Released: 2017
Country: United States

Genre: Musical, Romantic, Fantasy, Drama

Rating: 4 out of 5

Review

It is love that triumphs in the long run and this is the underlying message of ''Beauty and the Beast''. Here is a story that I have loved and treasured since my childhood, and this beautiful remake made me not just nostalgic but it also charmed and amazed me with its powerful, strong message dealing with the victory of love.

The film is, of course, a remake of the 1991 animated film of the same name. Along with ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'', ''Cinderella'', ''The Little Mermaid'' and ''Pinocchio'', ''Beauty and the Beast'' is one of the films I grew up with. As such, I had been eagerly waiting for this remake. And I was not disappointed. It is a charming and beautiful film.

The story is that of an arrogant, narcissistic prince, played by Dan Stevens. When one evening, during a party, he misbehaves with a frail, old woman who appears in his palace, the old woman turns out to be an enchantress, who transforms the prince into a monstrous beast and the members of his household are transformed into household objects- like clocks and pots- that can talk. The enchantress also wipes the memories of all those living around the palace, making them forget the existence of the prince and his palace. She leaves with the prince a rose: when the last petal of the rose has fallen, the prince will remain a beast forever- unless he finds true love before the last petal falls.

Several years later, when the beautiful Belle- played by Emma Watson- ends up in the beast's palace after some accidental incidents and the beast imprisons her in his palace- the members of the beast's household think that it is Belle who can break the curse.

The film conveys the message of the power of love really well. The story is exactly the same as that of the 1991 film. There is even a background story about Belle's parents that was absent in the 1991 film. The characters have a lot of depth in them. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens deliver excellent performances. Besides them, Luke Evans, playing the antagonist, Gaston, is amazing too. The supporting cast is extremely impressive as well: Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, and Josh Gad. 

Every single thing in the film is reminiscent of the animated film we love and cherish. The music and the songs transport us back to the 1991 film. Of course, this film can never replace the animated film. However, that does not mean, by any means, that this film has to be neglected. The 2017 remake is lovely and enchanting in its own right. No, it is not as great as the original. Yes, we are aware of the storyline and most of the songs. However, with its brightness and positivity, the film overwhelmed me. Power of love is not just reflected in the chemistry between the Beast and Belle, but also in the chemistry among the different members of the Beast's household, Belle's love for her father and vice versa, and Morris's (Belle's father's) love for his late wife.

Like Belle comments in the middle of the film, the members of the beast's household find a reason to be hopeful and optimistic about even though they are going through sorrows and despair. But in spite of that, their love for life, the sunshine- things they haven't enjoyed since the curse was placed on them- make them retain hope for life, for better days. The film gives us the opportunity to celebrate the power of love all over again.