‘Beauty and the Beast’ will steal your heart
IT’S a Tale as Old as Time – and this film will last a lifetime in the memory of those who see it. This live-action version of Beauty and
the Beast is nothing short of magical, delving deeper into the story that so many have grown to love over the decades.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, it is the story of the young and bright Belle who sacrifices herself for her father’s freedom after he is taken prisoner by the hideous Beast.
The cast was impeccably chosen with Emma Watson playing the perfect Belle. There was definitely a little autotuning in her vocals, but she pulls off the musical renditions relatively flawlessly.
She truly captures the persona of Belle, leaving the audience enchanted with her ability to see through the monstrosity of The Beast. Dan Stevens gives an emotional portrayal of the creature once known as the regal but heartless Prince Adam. The score and musical classics like
Be Our Guest and Tale as Old as Time will have you singing, dancing and, at some points, even crying in your seat. Ariana Grande and John Legend’s rendition of the classical theme song is nothing short of beautiful and refreshing. There are also a few new songs in the film, which add to its magic.
Kevin Kline does a lovely job portraying Belle’s inventive and eccentric father Maurice, while the hilarious Stanley Tucci plays a new character known as Maestro Cadenza. Expect a lot of laughs – especially when he smiles at the end.
Luke Evans nails Gaston with his deep voice and masculine persona while Josh Gad almost steals the show as the loveable and not-so-dim-witted Lefou.
Of course we can’t forget our (half) South African representative in the film, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who plays the giddy love interest for Ewan McGregor’s character, Lumiere.
To be honest, as much as I love Emma Thompson, I wasn’t so convinced of her portrayal of Mrs Potts. For me, it just didn’t gel. The same goes for McGregor’s portrayal.
Although he pulls off a brilliant version of Be Our Guest – a scene which has always been a personal favourite – there was something about the characterisation that didn’t quite fit in with the original. It might have just been the accent. (Don’t watch the relatively recent episode of The Graham Norton Show in which McGregor discusses it – it left me with a bout of uncertainty.)
The magnificent costumes, set design and CGI animation are breathtaking, creating a convincing and picturesque setting for the enchanted 18th-century French castle.
The film is nothing without the castle’s cast of characters, like Cogsworth (played by Ian McKellen), the vivacious Wardrobe Madame Garderobe (voiced by the lovely Audra McDonald) and cute little tea cup Chip.
But what I loved the most about the film was how it delves deeper into the story behind the lead characters. It’s a keeper, and it’s one the whole family will enjoy. You’ll find yourself humming its famous tunes days after watching.
Most importantly, it delivers a powerful message on the significance of seeing beyond appearances – something all of us, especially in this country, should take heed of.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this film steals an Oscar or two, maybe a Grammy.