Beauty and the Beast
2014 · Directed by Christophe Gans
Original language: French
- fantasy
- romance
The story
Forced to face the cruel side of life, a devastated, bankrupt merchant chances upon the enchanted castle of a hideous creature, the mere sight of it chills the bone to the marrow. There, a fate worse than death awaits the poor father-of-six, who, after plucking a sweet-scented rose from the repulsive master's verdant garden, must do the impossible: permit his compassionate daughter, Belle, to take his place and pay for the sins of her parent. Now, an impenetrable mystery shrouds the haunted mansion, and, as repugnance gradually turns into affection, only true love could break the spell.
What it’s like
Lush, painterly fairy-tale imagery: gilded baroque interiors lit by candles and firelight, saturated jewel tones against deep, mossy forest greens, and a stormy, sea-green shipwreck opening. Slow, sweeping camera moves through ornate rooms and a dark, overgrown garden give the film a dreamlike, slightly surreal feel, with sculpted statues and eerie stillness at the castle. The orchestral score is full and romantic, rising into swells and settling into tender, quiet passages. The mood is wistful and romantic, with a touch of gothic unease, best suited to a slow weekend afternoon or a cosy evening with a blanket. Its pacing is unhurried and its tone earnest, following a gruff, wounded creature and a dutiful young woman slowly moving past fear toward affection. Intensity is moderate: some peril, a few violent moments involving a beast and a storm at sea, and creature menace, but no gore and no sexual content. It suits viewers who want sumptuous visuals and a sincere, old-fashioned romance.
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