The main problem remakes face, especially of well-loved classics that were box-office hits too, is that of comparison with the original and high expectations. Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s live-action remake of the classic 1991 animated musical, is one of the most anticipated children’s movies in recent times.
For one, it has Emma Watson in her first major role since she played the popular Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series and fans were waiting for what she had to offer next. And she couldn’t have chosen a better role than that of the curious, strong-willed, yet sympathetic Belle.
Beauty and the Beast is a well-read, watched and loved story of a brave and kind-hearted girl who, in order to save her father from a beast, volunteers to live in his castle. It is a tale which teaches one to look beyond the outwardly appearance of people, and value and love them for what they are really from inside. In this case, the angry and terrifying beast (Dan Stevens) is everything Belle would despise, but she, well aided by all the animated objects in the enchanted palace, is finally able to break the curse on the beast and turn him into a handsome prince again by simply liking him for what he is as a person.
Director Bill Condon has well handled the special effects with life-action to give us a movie that is spectacular in detail. But it is the performances that stand out in this memorable musical remake. Stevens’ Beast conveys his frustration, anger, underlying sadness and loneliness well through in his voice and gestures.
Belle’s strong spirit and gentleness come naturally to Watson and the actress shows here that she can sing well too. Since Beauty and the Beast is a movie where the minor characters, like all the servants of the prince who have been turned into household objects, play a significant role. The candelabra Lumiere (Ewan McGregor), mantel clock Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), teakettle Mrs Potts (Emma Thompson), harpsichord Maestro Cadenza (Stanley Tucci), wardrobe Madame de Garderobe (Audra McDonald) and feather duster Plumette (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) — all leave a mark on the viewer.
Beauty and the Beast is a musical that will be enjoyed by the kids of today and also those adults who where kids when the original came out in 1991 and anyone else who enjoys Disney’s magic.
The movie is rated PG for some action, violence, peril and frightening images.
Published in Dawn, Young World March 25th, 2017
