Throwback Time - Beauty and the Beast (2017) Review 🎥🌹🌟

Hello Internet,

I hope you are doing well today 🌏

My inspiration for today's post comes from the fact that I don't really feel like writing any new stuff at the moment. A lot of the posts that I've put up over the last 6 weeks or so had either been pre-written before their upload date or I forced myself to write something because I had shit I wanted to get off my chest. But for the past week or so, my writing fire has dimmed slightly.

So in order to not mess up my consistent run of posting (which I am quite proud of), I've got a 'throwback' post for y'all.

I wrote this review of the live action Beauty and the Beast film back in April of last year. It was initially meant for distribution through another publication online, but that never eventuated.

Cut to 17 months later, I thought I would put it up for someone to read while I wait for my writing spark to come back. I hope you don't mind....

A tale as old as time receives a charming update in 2017

One of the world’s most well-known fairytales receives a charming modern reboot in Bill Condon’s take on Beauty and the Beast.

An intelligent and beautiful maiden named Belle is taken prisoner by a cursed beast in exchange for her father’s freedom.

Despite her initial fears, she soon befriends the enchanted members of the house and learns to see past the Beast’s grizzly exterior into the heart of the misunderstood prince underneath.

Condon has done well to stay true to the original narrative whilst also incorporating some innovative and creative additions that add a completely new level of depth beyond the singular romantic storyline.

This is possible thanks to Evan Spiliotopoulos and Stephen Chbosky’s rich and clever screenplay that allows these classic characters to individually shine in a more modern context.

Female protagonist Belle has a strong defiance about her that proves she is anything but the stereotypical damsel in distress. She’s not afraid to be herself in a provincial French town where women who read rather than getting married were severely frowned upon.

From standing up to the adults in the village to snapping Gaston’s crossbow arrows, Belle doesn’t stand idly on the sidelines and takes her destiny into her own hands anyway she can.

The strength in Belle also radiates from the innovative casting of Emma Watson. She brings a unique kind of vulnerability and power to this unassuming princess that is wonderfully empowering for young girls to see on screen.

Emma Watson was stunning as female protagonist Belle

A surprise standout performance was delivered by Luke Evans as self-obsessed soldier antagonist Gaston. His charm was smug enough to be the right kind of annoying whilst his menacing moments of villainy were enough to scare even the bravest of viewers.

Dynamic duo Gaston and Lefou were hilarious

In contrast to the romantic arc of Belle and the Beast’s blossoming love story, the charisma and light-hearted chemistry between the members of the household offered a series of warm and often comedic moments that left audiences smiling.

Emma Thompson was especially charming as the lovely teapot Mrs Potts, and stoic clock Cogsworth (Sir Ian McKellan) and spirited candlestick Lumiere (Ewan McGregor) provided strong love and support, even in the darkest of times.

Condon also developed the connection between Belle and her gentle father Maurice (Kevin Kline) beautifully. It was an excellent creative expansion on the original story that added another level of tear-jerking emotion.

But a traditional Disney adaptation would not be complete without the memorable music, and Beauty and the Beast is certainly no exception.

Oscar winning composer Alan Menkin delivers an utterly dazzling original score full of heart, grace and unforgettable lyrical themes.

Thompson’s vulnerable rendition of the classic song Beauty And The Beast complimented the gorgeous dance sequence perfectly, whilst a raw and moving vocal performance from Dan Stevens as the Beast made powerful heartache ballad Evermore one of the most powerful musical moments.

Returning tracks Be Our Guest and Gaston were also performed well by McGregor and Evans respectively, despite dragging slightly in the middle.

Visually, Condon creates an enchanting spectacle with lush CGI animation and vibrant splendour that is a joy to explore throughout the film.

Moving through the different wings in the Beast’s castle and watching the decadent gold interior being restored to its former glory is a marvel, whilst Belle’s iconic yellow gown glows with its glittery frills and details.

Despite the fact that Disney fairytales are often pigeonholed as heavily romanticised and lacking in character depth, Condon and his creative team have succeeded in debunking this myth with a strong and complex reimagination of Belle’s story.

It still captures the enchantment of the original film whilst incorporating robust character development and a consistent narrative pace that adds extra depth and points of relevance for audiences to connect with.

It doesn’t matter if you love, hate or don’t know the fairytale, Beauty and the Beast (2017) will warm your heart and leave you humming a gorgeous melody. After all, who doesn’t love a happy ever after wrapped up in a lush song and dance number?

★☆★☆★☆★☆★

I hope you enjoyed that! To this day, this is still one of my favourite films and musical soundtracks. I'm incredibly hyped for the other live-action Disney films that are currently in the works 😀

If you want to know when I post new content here on my blog, remember to follow me @miss_memphis98 on either Instagram and/or Twitter 💖

Thanks for reading,

Love and magical roses, Emily xx ✨