Top 10 Most Engaging Aspects of the 2017 Film Beauty and The Beast

Beauty and The Beast is a film with many layers of meaning from Disney. In the 2017 version, the prince's castle and Belle's hometown both feature a diverse cast with characters of African descent. Moreover, the film openly supports the LGBT community through LeFou's brief admiration of Gaston, a moment that Disney has publicly embraced, allowing the character a happy conclusion. Additionally, the film's feminist themes are more pronounced compared to the original animated version, with the tension between Belle and the villagers being more intense, especially as the townspeople see a literate young woman as an affront to their traditional values.

Disney and director Bill Condon's decision to make LeFou, Gaston's sidekick, an openly gay character marks a groundbreaking moment in the live-action version of Beauty and The Beast. This is the first openly gay character in a Disney film, representing a step forward for equality. LeFou's affection for Gaston is subtly portrayed. Though the hints are clear, he expresses his feelings through actions, from supporting Gaston to covering up his wrongdoings, even going as far as spending money to cheer him up after Belle rejects his proposal. Ultimately, LeFou faces disappointment when Gaston sees him only as a pawn. However, LeFou eventually finds love on his own, a love that is free from manipulation.

The ending of Beauty and The Beast 2017 is not only a happy conclusion for the main couple, but also brings happiness to all the supporting characters. Lumière and Cogsworth each find their own 'other half,' Madame de Garderobe is reunited with her musician lover Cadenza, and Chip and Mrs. Potts eagerly await the day the curse is broken so they can reunite with the husband living in Belle's village. This ending leaves audiences with a warm feeling, as it shows that happiness is not limited but should be spread to everyone.

As is often the case with Disney films, the most impressive aspect is the breathtaking special effects. From the grand, majestic castle to the deep, eerie forest with howling wolves under the moonlight, every scene is meticulously designed. The enchanted objects, from talking furniture to magical beings, are crafted with remarkable detail, bringing them to life in a way that's both captivating and immersive for the audience.

The story of this film truly captures the humanistic essence of the fairy tale. It emphasizes that "love comes from within, not just from outward appearances." This is likely why the movie stands as a timeless fairy tale, suitable for audiences of all ages and eras.

One of the standout features of Beauty and The Beast is its successful and detailed recreation of a small village in the French countryside. From the costumes to the scenery and the villagers themselves, the film immerses us in the simplicity and charm of Belle's hometown. The villagers live in harmony, carefree and disconnected from the world outside, allowing the viewer to truly appreciate the peacefulness of their everyday lives.

After the film's release, many viewers noticed fascinating parallels between the animated and live-action versions. From small details like Belle enjoying books while strolling through town, to Gaston's vanity as he constantly admires himself in the mirror, and the charming expressions of the enchanted objects like the candelabra, clock, and teacup in the Beast's castle... Additionally, key moments such as Belle's fateful encounter while on a mission to rescue her father, and the beastly prince in his monstrous form, the iconic ballroom dance scene, and the rose petal symbolizing the prince's life, all evoke the magic of the original animation. Recreating these beloved scenes didn't make the experience feel repetitive; rather, it took us back to our childhood, reliving the fairy tale of prince and princess that we had heard countless times without ever growing tired of it.

The cast is always one of the key factors that contributes to a film's success. In the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, transitioning from its animated version, the star-studded cast featuring names like Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Kevin Kline, and Stanley Tucci, created a buzz that had audiences eagerly awaiting its release. The excitement was palpable as viewers couldn’t wait to experience the magic on screen.

One of the key advancements in Beauty and the Beast 2017 is the well-balanced portrayal of both main and supporting characters. Each lead has a distinct personality and a unique charm. Emma Watson delivers a well-rounded performance as Belle – playful, witty, full of life, yet embodying a strong sense of feminism. Dan Stevens captures the selfish, arrogant prince early in the film, skillfully transforming into the Beast with subtle gestures, like shaking his head or joking with Belle, making the character as lovable as the animated version. Luke Evans' portrayal of Gaston is both charming and less obnoxious than the original. His character is a vain hunter determined to marry the most beautiful and intelligent woman in the village, yet he brings a humor and depth that makes him more endearing. The supporting cast, especially those playing the enchanted objects in the castle, shine brightly. Their personalities and the fear of becoming lifeless objects are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Even though they only appear briefly near the film's end, the legendary Hollywood talents behind them – Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Sir Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts – deliver stellar performances.