Beauties, Beasts, and in Between

The fable of “Beauty and the Beast” first appeared over 250 years ago and has since become an iconic and beloved fairytale. Bill Condon’s live action “Beauty and the Beast” (2017), Disney’s remake of their 1991 animated version, proves that despite the story’s long history, it is neither old-fashioned nor stagnant. Instead, the tale’s cautionary messages regarding the importance of inner beauty and tolerance make it a timeless classic, providing generation after generation with powerful role models.

The storyline, despite its infamy, is captivating. While staying true to the original plot, “Beauty and the Beast” is infused with scenes and moments that expand upon the story and solidify its morals, making it grow into a modern fairytale. It focuses more on Belle’s (Emma Watson) independence and capabilities, as she becomes more than a bookworm and changes into a wise and strong-willed figure.

Emma Watson displays her talent as an actress, as she instills within Belle an internal dignity and resolve that elevates the entire film. At times, she is determined with a steely demeanor, exhibited in defense of her father. At others, Belle displays a softer side, such as when she cares for the Beast (Dan Stevens). Watson is able to present Belle as a multifaceted and evolving individual, while emphasizing the character's defining aspects—her tolerance and potential.

Belle’s ability and skills are expanded upon within the film as well. Through her actions, Belle displays herself as a self-assured and capable young woman, driven by Watson’s genuine belief in public outreach about the empowerment of women. Rather than focusing on her own alienation within the community, Belle extends a hand to try and invite change, as seen in the scene where she teaches a young girl to read and boldly faces the backlash from her community. We see her as an innovator—laboring, thinking, creating—displaying her self-discipline and drive to be stimulated intellectually. Through small moments in which its characters show dignity in the face of hardship, “Beauty and the Beast” becomes a powerful tool for teaching self-worth and resilience.

The other characters are no less developed. The film expands upon the Beast’s narrative, revealing more about his difficult family background and showing his depth as a character: how he came to be so cold and disinterested as to warrant such a curse and why he deserved salvation. Though his initial cruelty is more pronounced, behind it lies a man tortured by loneliness, mistrust, abandonment, and despair—a man who can be vulnerable and surrender himself to unconditional and, more painfully, unrequited love. Dan Stevens’s performance is powerful and displays incredible range; ironically, he truly fleshes out the Beast’s character as achingly human. As the relationship between the two title characters develops, the Beast reveals a kindness beyond his cold exterior, brought out by Belle’s faith in him and his devotion to her.

The relationship between Belle and the Beast is the heart of this movie, and “Beauty and the Beast” is able to mold it into powerfully positive themes that serve as a model for young viewers. It makes a clear distinction between the failures marking the relationship’s rocky start and its progression into true affection. Only when the two are able to overcome their dislike for one another and treat each other with compassion and kindness does true emotion develop, and the importance of looking beyond exteriors is showcased.

At the same time, the film explores darker themes through Gaston (Luke Evans) and his role in the plot. Though his tremendous ego and superficiality immediately give him away as an unlikeable character, underneath is a truly sinister persona. His manipulative nature is impeccably portrayed as Evans’s face morphs into one of sickening insincerity, and his voice gains a melodic quality not present in its usually deep timbre as he capitalizes on his charm to manipulate the people. He becomes a character not only genuinely frightening, but also hauntingly familiar from a modern perspective, in a film that warns against blindly following charismatic leaders.

The original movie was widely renowned for its soundtrack, and in this area “Beauty and the Beast” also shines. The vocals in the film are full and powerful, and the musical numbers are endlessly entertaining. While the original songs are done great justice, “Be Our Guest” is nothing short of a breathtaking, colorful musical extravaganza, with endless formation changes and a loud, harmonic chorus.

The new numbers that are introduced in some ways surpass the originals. “Evermore,” the Beast’s ballad expressing his heartache at Belle’s departure, is not only beautifully executed, but contains a rare sophistication within its lyrics and composition. Dan Stevens’s booming voice fills the grand crescendos with heart-wrenching emotion, simultaneously providing a brilliant musical performance and expanding the depth of his character in a voice that captures true heartbreak.

The film truly is a sight for sore eyes, with a whimsical set and masterful costumes. Belle’s iconic yellow dress is even more breathtaking in the live action film, with a delicate, flowing skirt that shimmers and makes every movement graceful. Each costume is intricate, and even the minor characters are given attention, as in the opening ball scene where an array of white dresses with intricate lace, each unique, is seen.

The sets are likewise beautiful, infused with vibrant colors of meadows and Belle’s quaint provincial town, characterized by a modest, but homey design. The graphics allow the film to truly emulate a magical kingdom that is impossible to find in the real world, with the Beast’s imposing yet elegant castle of towers that seems lifelike in spite of the darkness clouding it.

“Beauty and the Beast” ticks off all the boxes. It is a film that gives and gives, creating an experience that is not only immensely enjoyable but also productive and inspiring. Ultimately empowering in its messages of the perseverance of good and the power lying behind external appearances, it leaves viewers with a sense of lightness and hope, reinforcing the potential within kindness to stimulate change. It provides young viewers with valuable lessons, teaching young girls they are capable and strong and reinforcing the importance of education and making your own decisions. This enlightened, relatable fairytale proves to the world that tradition and progress are compatible, meaningful, and bold, even evoking faith in the lost notion of “happily ever after.”