Watch Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is a 2017 fantasy musical film directed by Bill Condon and produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Based on the classic fairy tale of the same name, the movie is a live-action adaptation of the 1991 animated film of the same name. Starring Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, and Luke Evans as Gaston, this highly anticipated film was an instant success upon its release.

The movie follows the story of Belle, a young book-loving woman, who lives in a small village in France with her father Maurice (Kevin Kline). Belle is seen as an oddity by the villagers for her love of books and is constantly harassed by the arrogant Gaston, who is determined to win her heart. However, Belle’s life changes forever when her father is taken captive by the Beast, a cursed prince living in a nearby castle, who was transformed into a monstrous creature after his callous treatment of an old witch. Belle offers to take her father’s place, and so begins her journey to find true love and break the curse before it’s too late.

On arrival at the castle, Belle is greeted by a host of enchanted objects, including Lumiere (Ewan McGregor), Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson), and Chip (Nathan Mack), who are all under the curse. This is where the CGI comes into play, the characters come to life and add to the wonder and magic of the story. They convince Belle to stay in the castle for a while, hoping that she can help break the curse by falling in love with the Beast.

Dan Stevens’ Beast character is portrayed with a depth and warmth that captures the audience’s sympathy. Although at first, he is angry, aggressive, and unapproachable, Belle’s selfless and kind nature slowly softens his heart. As they get to know each other, they begin to find, despite their differences, that they have a lot in common.

One of the greatest strengths of the movie is the chemistry between the lead actors. The love story between Belle and the Beast is both believable and touching. Emma Watson is perfect for the role of Belle. She brings a strong sense of independence and intelligence to the character while maintaining her kind and compassionate nature. Her sheer beauty, talent, and wit make her an ideal fit for the part.

Luke Evans, on the other hand, plays the role of Gaston, the narcissistic and manipulative villain, perfectly. His performance is a delight to watch, and he portrays the character with such conviction that it truly feels like he was born to play the role.

The movie’s soundtrack is another highlight, adding depth and feeling to an already heartwarming story. The score is a blend of old and new, featuring a mix of classic songs from the original version of the film along with new tracks written specifically for this adaptation. The new songs pair well with the classic tracks, giving a fresh feel to the timeless story.

In conclusion, Beauty and the Beast is one of those rare movies that can be described as a magical experience. It’s a timeless love story that’s been told countless times, but this version of it is special in its own right. It’s a perfect blend of classic and modern storytelling, featuring outstanding performances, stunning visuals, and a poignant score. It’s a movie that will make you feel as if you’ve been enchanted, and you'll be singing its tunes for days after watching it. If you're a fan of the original animation film or simply love a great love story, this live-action adaptation will not disappoint.

Beauty and the Beast is a 2017 kids & family movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 65.