One word: magical. That’s typically what’s associated with most Disney movies, but this one is especially so. I might be biased, as Beauty and the Beast was my favorite movie when I was young, and Emma Watson is my favorite human ever, but if you don’t see this movie, you’re seriously missing out. This live action remake took the original up a notch. It was more intense and mature, but stayed true to the plot and characters. Watching it was extremely aesthetically pleasing. The animation and special effects felt modern yet reminiscent to the cartoon. It was larger than life, and felt realistic; a whole different universe.
Emma Watson, who is a strong advocate for feminism and women’s rights around the world, brought a new strength and power to Belle’s character. She was less helpless and more resourceful and independent, and truly stood up for herself, her beliefs and values. Belle also had more of a backstory, and the audience learned about her internal struggles not knowing her mother or how she died. Luke Evan’s Gaston was less comically arrogant and more evil, Kevin Kline’s Maurice (Belle’s father) was less eccentric and more wise. Dan Steven’s Beast was less scary and more human. Overall, all of the characters had stronger development and had more depth. Growing up with this classic story, this remake was the perfect compliment to the cartoon original. There were moments when I felt like I was six years old again, like when Ewan McGregor’s Lumière sang “Be Our Guest,” or when Emma Watson appeared at the top of the ballroom stairs in her beautiful yellow gown. But at the same time, the movie brought a mature air to it that made me appreciate the story and the characters even more now that I am eighteen.
photo credit: comingsoon.net