Beauty and the Beast (2017) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Introduction
The 2017 live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast brings to life the beloved fairy tale with stunning visuals, captivating performances, and a magical soundtrack. Directed by Bill Condon and starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, this film is a nostalgic reimagining that pays homage to the 1991 animated film while adding new elements to enrich the story. This review explores the film’s plot, performances, and where you can watch it online, especially in America.
Film Overview
Plot Summary
Beauty and the Beast follows the story of Belle (Emma Watson), a young woman in a small French village who dreams of adventure beyond her provincial life. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she finds herself imprisoned in a magical castle by a Beast (Dan Stevens), who is cursed to remain in his monstrous form until someone loves him despite his appearance.
As Belle navigates the enchanted castle, she befriends the castle’s living household objects, including Lumière (Ewan McGregor), Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), and Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson). Through her interactions with the Beast, Belle discovers that beneath his gruff exterior lies a kind heart. As their relationship evolves, Belle and the Beast work together to break the curse and restore the Beast’s true form.
The film features elaborate musical numbers, enchanting visuals, and a deeper exploration of the original story’s themes of love, redemption, and inner beauty.
Key Themes
- Love and Redemption: The central theme of the film is the transformative power of love. The Beast’s curse can only be broken by true love, teaching viewers that love transcends physical appearances and that redemption is possible through sincere connection.
- Inner Beauty: The film emphasizes that true beauty comes from within. Belle’s growing affection for the Beast highlights the importance of seeing beyond external appearances to recognize a person’s true character.
- Courage and Self-Discovery: Belle’s journey represents her quest for self-discovery and courage as she steps out of her comfort zone to face the unknown and ultimately finds herself in the process.
Directors and Cast
Bill Condon
- Bill Condon: The director of Beauty and the Beast, Bill Condon, is known for his work on Dreamgirls and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. His direction in this adaptation combines magical realism with a respectful homage to the original animated film.
Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and Supporting Cast
- Emma Watson as Belle: Emma Watson brings charm and depth to the role of Belle. Her performance adds a modern touch to the character while maintaining the essence of the beloved heroine from the animated classic.
- Dan Stevens as The Beast: Dan Stevens portrays the Beast with a blend of vulnerability and strength. His performance, enhanced by impressive visual effects, captures the complexity of the character’s emotional journey.
- Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, and Emma Thompson: The supporting cast, including Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, provide memorable and endearing performances that contribute to the film’s magical atmosphere.
Impact and Reception
Critical Reception
Beauty and the Beast received generally positive reviews from critics. Many praised the film for its visual splendor, strong performances, and faithful adaptation of the original story. The film’s musical numbers and set design were particularly highlighted as standout elements. However, some critics noted that while the film was visually impressive, it did not always bring new depth to the story.
Audience Reaction
The film resonated well with audiences, especially fans of the original animated version. Viewers appreciated the nostalgic elements and the opportunity to see the classic story brought to life with live-action and updated visuals. The film’s musical numbers and performances were also well-received, making it a hit with both children and adults.
Where to Watch Beauty and the Beast Online
For those looking to watch Beauty and the Beast online, the film is available on several streaming platforms and rental services in America. Here’s where you can find it:
Streaming Services
- Disney+: As a Disney film, Beauty and the Beast is available for streaming on Disney+, offering subscribers access to the film as part of their subscription.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase Beauty and the Beast on Amazon Prime Video, with options for both standard and high-definition viewing.
- Apple TV: Rent or buy the film on Apple TV, providing convenient options for digital access.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, giving viewers additional choices for digital viewing.
- Vudu: Beauty and the Beast can be rented or purchased on Vudu, with options for various digital formats.
- YouTube Movies: Rent or purchase the film on YouTube Movies, offering another convenient digital option.
Conclusion
Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a visually stunning and heartwarming adaptation of Disney’s animated classic. Directed by Bill Condon and featuring performances by Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, the film brings a magical and nostalgic experience to viewers. With its availability on Disney+ and various rental and purchase platforms, Beauty and the Beast offers multiple ways for American audiences to enjoy this enchanting tale.
Whether you are revisiting the story or experiencing it for the first time, Beauty and the Beast provides a captivating cinematic journey filled with romance, adventure, and timeless themes.
