Beauty and the Beast (2017), directed by Bill Condon, is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated classic. Starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast, the film follows the timeless tale of love, transformation, and the power of inner beauty. Let’s dive into the story of how a young woman and a cursed prince find love and break an ancient spell.
The Prince’s Curse
The story begins with a young prince (Dan Stevens), who lives in a grand castle, but his heart is cold and arrogant. One night, an enchantress disguised as a beggar arrives, offering him a rose in exchange for shelter. The prince cruelly rejects her, and in return, she reveals her true form and curses him. The prince is transformed into a beast, and his servants are turned into enchanted objects, including Lumière (Ewan McGregor), a candlestick, Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), a clock, and Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson), a teapot. The curse can only be broken if the Beast learns to love and be loved in return before the last petal of an enchanted rose falls.
Belle: A Girl Who Wants More
In a small French village lives Belle (Emma Watson), a bright, independent young woman who longs for adventure and excitement beyond her simple life. Belle’s father, Maurice (Kevin Kline), is an inventor who cares deeply for her, but the rest of the villagers think Belle is odd because of her love for books and her refusal to conform to traditional roles for women. Belle attracts the unwanted attention of Gaston (Luke Evans), a vain and arrogant hunter who is determined to marry her. Despite his relentless pursuit, Belle rejects Gaston, uninterested in his arrogance and self-absorption.
The Beast and Belle Meet
One day, Maurice gets lost in the woods on his way to the market and stumbles upon the Beast’s enchanted castle. When he picks a rose for Belle, the Beast captures him and imprisons him in the castle’s dungeon. When Belle discovers her father’s predicament, she bravely takes his place, offering herself in exchange for Maurice’s freedom.
Though initially frightened by the Beast’s appearance and anger, Belle begins to explore the castle and meets its enchanted inhabitants. Over time, the Beast and Belle begin to bond, despite their differences. The Beast, guided by Lumière, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts, starts to soften and show his kindness and vulnerability. Belle, in turn, starts to see beyond the Beast’s monstrous appearance to the heart within.
The Growing Bond: Beauty and the Beast
The film’s central theme of inner beauty is highlighted as Belle and the Beast grow closer. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Belle and the Beast share a magical evening, dancing together in the grand ballroom to the song “Beauty and the Beast,” sung by Mrs. Potts. This marks a turning point in their relationship, as both begin to realize their growing feelings for one another.
However, Belle’s thoughts turn to her father when she senses that he is in danger. The Beast allows her to leave the castle and return to Maurice, even though it means he may never see her again, a true act of selflessness that shows how much he has changed.
Gaston’s Attack and the Final Battle
When Belle returns to the village, she finds Maurice imprisoned by Gaston, who has turned the villagers against her father. Gaston manipulates the villagers into believing that the Beast is a dangerous monster, and they march to the castle to kill him. Belle races back to the castle, determined to save the Beast.
In a dramatic final battle, Gaston and the villagers attack the Beast’s castle. The enchanted objects bravely defend the castle, while Belle confronts Gaston. The Beast, heartbroken and believing Belle would never return, initially refuses to fight back. But when he sees Belle again, he finds the strength to defend himself.
Gaston mortally wounds the Beast but ultimately falls to his death. Belle reaches the Beast just as the last petal of the enchanted rose falls. With his final breath, the Beast tells Belle that he is glad he got to see her one last time. Overcome with emotion, Belle confesses her love for him.
The Curse is Broken: Transformation and New Beginnings
As Belle declares her love, the curse is broken. The Beast transforms back into his human form, and the enchanted objects return to their human forms as well. The castle, once dark and decaying, is restored to its former glory. Belle and the prince are reunited, and they share a joyful embrace, symbolizing the power of love to heal and transform.
The film ends with a grand celebration at the castle, where Belle and the prince, surrounded by their friends and the villagers, live happily ever after.
A Tale as Old as Time Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a visually stunning retelling of the classic story, blending elements of magic, romance, and redemption. The film’s message that true beauty lies within resonates throughout, as Belle and the Beast’s love conquers the curse. With a stellar cast, memorable music, and breathtaking visuals, this adaptation continues to enchant audiences, proving that the timeless tale of love and transformation will always be relevant.
At the end of Beauty and the Beast (2017), after Gaston (Luke Evans) leads a mob of villagers to attack the Beast’s castle, a dramatic final battle unfolds. Gaston manages to shoot the Beast (Dan Stevens) multiple times, leaving him gravely wounded. As the last petal of the enchanted rose falls, signaling that the curse will soon become permanent, Belle (Emma Watson) rushes to the Beast’s side.
The Beast, believing he is about to die, tells Belle that it was enough just to have seen her one last time. Overcome with emotion, Belle finally confesses her love for him. This act of true love breaks the curse just as the Beast takes his final breath.
In a magical transformation, the Beast is restored to his human form. The spell is lifted, and the castle and its inhabitants—once turned into enchanted objects—return to their human forms as well. The castle regains its beauty, and the once-decaying landscape bursts back to life. Belle and the prince joyfully reunite, sealing their love and bringing peace to the kingdom.
The film ends with a grand celebration at the castle, where Belle and the prince, now happily in love, dance surrounded by their friends and the villagers. The story concludes with the message that true beauty comes from within, and that love can overcome even the most powerful of curses.