Movie Review: Beauty and the Beast

Directed by Bill Condon

5 Stars

This live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast follows the character of Belle, a young woman from a small provincial town in France. Belle is known for being different from the other people in her town, and often feels like she’s misunderstood and out of place. She has a love for reading and learning. She doesn’t prioritize marriage above all else like the others in the village. When her father becomes imprisoned in a castle in the forest known to be home to a beast, Belle sets out on her journey to free her father. This movie is probably one of my favourite Disney live-action remakes. I thought that the movie was really aesthetically pleasing, like the enchanted castle and the costumes of Belle. I also thought that the film had some fun songs that made for really great scenes, like when “Be Our Guest” is sung. The side characters are also very interesting as we get more background information about their stories. The way that they are visually created is also very aesthetically pleasing. I also really liked Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle. They made her someone who isn’t afraid to stand out in her small village. She’s very well educated and tries to teach children skills like how to read, which isn’t really otherwise encouraged in this village. She is also an inventor like her father, breaking away from stereotypes about women, especially during this time period. Overall, I would give this movie 5/5 stars. I would recommend this movie to anyone of any age who enjoys beautiful, historical fantasy movies!

Reviewed by Soha as part of the Teen Reviewer, opens a new window program.

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