Tags
1990's, Angela Lansbury, Animated, Beauty and the Beast, David Ogden Stiers, Disney, Fantasy, Jerry Orbach, Musical, Paige O'Hara, Richard White, Robby Benson, Romance
Film Title
Beauty and the Beast
Directors
Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Voice Cast
- Paige O’Hara as Belle
- Robby Benson as Beast
- Richard White as Gaston
- Jerry Orbach as Lumière
- David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth
- Angela Lansbury as Mrs Potts
Enchanting, magical and enjoyable, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a stunning achievement in animation and emotive storytelling that will appeal to all the family. No matter how old you get, the story is still an involving and touching fable.
In the prologue, we learn of a handsome but supremely selfish prince who turned away an old beggar woman offering him a rose in return for shelter. She was in fact an enchantress who transformed him into a hideous beast and turned his servants into animated objects. The curse could be broken if he gained the love of a woman before the last petal fell from the enchanted rose she offered him, if not he will remain a beast forever. Years later in 18th Century France, Belle is a smart and strong-willed young woman living with her inventor father. Belle is beautiful but a nonconformist who prefers the company of her books and yearning for adventure rather than the many advances of the self-obsessed hunter Gaston. Belle’s father Maurice travels through the forest but loses his way. He stumbles upon the Beast’s castle and is imprisoned by the master in the dungeon. Belle later comes to his rescue and bravely sacrifices her freedom so that her father can be released. She is given company by the animated house objects: the rebellious candlestick Lumière, the tightly wound and loyal clock Cogsworth and the motherly teapot Mrs Potts. Initially distant from the Beast, Belle slowly begins to understand him and the two tentatively fall in love, with Belle seeing passed the scary exterior and connecting with the wounded soul beneath. But what will happen when Gaston becomes aware of this? And can Belle’s love for the Beast break the spell? Magical animation, stunning musical numbers and splendid voice work give Beauty and the Beast a lovely elegance that can be treasured.
The animation is truly magnificent and ambitious in equal measure, really making the gloomy world of the castle come alive with colours. Stunning imagery is ever-present such as the splendid ballroom which the Beast and Belle dance in and the snow-covered entrance to the castle. The screenplay excellently shows us the romance between Belle and the Beast, yet also manages to cover the deep theme of accepting others for who they are and that beauty lies within a person. The film soars in the musical numbers that are still as catchy as they were all those years ago. The opening number ‘Belle’ provides a humorous introduction to the eponymous beauty as the villagers discuss how she doesn’t fit in with their society. ‘Gaston’ is a tongue in cheek song about the self-obsessed brute who has Belle firmly in his sights. The main show stopping number is ‘Be Our Guest’ sung by the objects of the castle in an attempt to cheer her up. Taking cues from broadway and old movies, the number is full of dancing plates, sweeping dusters and joyful love that is impossible not to sing along with. And who can forget the haunting title song sung with wise assurance by the incomparable Angela Lansbury?
The voice cast are perfectly suited to their roles and imbue them with dexterity and flair. Paige O’Hara splendidly combines strength and touching bravery as Belle. Her singing voice is a marvel as well, singing with clarity and loving kindness. Robby Benson’s deep but engaging voice is ideally suited to the Beast, and gives him depth and mournful sorrow that subsides into happiness as he develops feelings for Belle. Richard White provides arrogance and unnerving intensity as the selfish Gaston. Jerry Orbach excellently lends his vocal talents to the role of Lumière, the funny and lovable candlestick who often finds himself in trouble. David Ogden Stiers effortlessly voices the rigid and regimented Cogsworth, who clashes with Lumière over various issues. And Angela Lansbury deserves praise for her warm delivery as Mrs Potts.
Joyous, emotionally involving and full of dazzling animation, Beauty and the Beast is a film that will never get old.
mikeyb @ screenkicker said:
People think it’s strange that i’ve never seen this. I need to sort this soon!
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vinnieh said:
I would definitely advise seeing this film.
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thycriticman said:
Wait? Huh? What? Why? Who are you?
Strange is the right word. Guy or gal, old or young, this is a movie requirement. Or was from what I remember! Loved it as a child!
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mikeyb @ screenkicker said:
I grew up with 3 brothers so we always assumed this was a film for girls! I’m a bit more enlightened now though!
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BTW07 said:
My favorite Disney film of all time! Great review!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, it ranks highly on my list of favourite Disney movies.
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alexraphael said:
Delightful film and review 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, delightful is an excellent word to describe this film.
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stephen1001 said:
Nice call on Jerry Orbach & Angela Landsbury, two terrific supporting performances!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, they really do contribute sterling voice work.
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Marilyn Armstrong said:
I like the teapot best 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting. Mrs Potts is such a warm character.
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badblokebob said:
The voice cast of animated movies often get overlooked in reviews, I feel (and I’m as guilty of that as anyone), so it’s nice to see them all singled out for praise — especially as it’s so well deserved!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, I felt they deserved some praise for their great work.
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KittNoir said:
Much love for this film! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, it’s one of those film that is guaranteed to entertain.
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normalityandbanality said:
I have such pleasant childhood memories of this film. Unlike some of the other Disney princess films, this one really goes a lot deeper in terms of emotions and characterization. Belle is probably one of the more layered princesses, especially in comparison to Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. And I never knew Angela Lansbury voiced Mrs Potts omg, although now it seems obvious.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, Belle is such a strong willed character.
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drewt510 said:
I remember watching this movie all the time when I was younger. Great movie and great review, Vinnieh.
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vinnieh said:
It really is a movie that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it.
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Kim @ Tranquil Dreams said:
Awesome review! One of my fave Disneys. Its just so fun plus the music is really great and some are just so catchy.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Kim, Be our Guest has to be my favourite.
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imbrettscott said:
I love this movie. Best Disney cartoon in my opinion. Glad to see the love here, and the first replier is in for a treat. Great reviews man
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, it’s one of the those films that everyone seems to love.
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Tom said:
Couldn’t have said it better myself Vinnie. This is a true classic. Though I haven’t seen it in yeaaarssss
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vinnieh said:
Thanks man, a true classic that will never get old.
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Pingback: Beauty and the Beast (1991) | 100 Films in a Year
vinnieh said:
Thank you so much for the shout out.
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gruadacreations said:
One of my favorite childhood movies. Great review.
http://gruadacreations.wordpress.com
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vinnieh said:
One of mine too. You can’t beat the magic and soul in it.
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beetleypete said:
I didn’t click ‘Like’, as it is a Disney musical!
When my grandson was living here last year, this thing was on at least once a day.
That will cure you, believe me. Not my style mate, as you well know.
Regards, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Haha, I get what you mean Pete. Disney isn’t for everyone it seems.
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thoughtsallsorts said:
This is such a romantic movie.
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vinnieh said:
A lovingly rendered and amazing triumph of a movie.
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Laura Beth said:
This is one of my favorite movies. I loved Belle as a child. Her love of books made me love her even more.
I’m very intrigued by the remake. Emma Watson is gorgeous!
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vinnieh said:
I was really young when I first saw this, and I’ve loved it since then. Belle is a great character and very strong and bright.
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