Reviews

This twist on a princess fairy tale perfectly modernizes the story written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos and directed by Bill Condon. Although the basic plot is the same as the original, many additions were made to increase the diversity of the characters. One of Belle’s (Emma Watson) closest friends is a black bookseller, Pére Robert (Ray Fearon). In the original film and story actors from marginalized communities were not included. In the movie Gaston, a handsome, vain, shallow man, who wants to marry Belle only because of her beauty. His “sidekick” LeFou (Josh Gad) is a gay man, who is respected in the community. Which defies the current political repression members of the LGBTTQQIAAP community are facing. Adding a more diverse set of characters to this story makes it appealing to a wider audience. Although many changes were made, many traditional aspects were kept. The trademark fairytale yellow gown Belle wears, while dancing with the Beast (Dan Stevens) was preserved. Without this detail, we would not be watching Beauty and the Beast. This new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is a great experience, the perfect balance of tradition and modernization.

By: Leila Riker