Beauty and the Beast (2014)

There have been many versions of the classic fairytale of Beauty And The Beast - from operas and television shows to science-fiction re- tellings. The best-known incarnation of the story, of course, bears the Disney brand and features singing teapots and dancing candlesticks. It sounds ridiculous, sure, but anyone who's watched that film will know that it packs a genuine emotional punch. That's not something that can be said of this latest effort by writer- director Christophe Gans, an opulent, lavishly CGI-ed affair that hews closer to the original, darker story (at least at the beginning) but seems to have forgotten the heart of its tale along the way.

The film opens on an elderly merchant (André Dussollier), who has raised a brood of narcissistic, spoilt children - apart from thoughtful, sensitive Belle (Léa Seydoux). As his fortune crumbles around him, the merchant stumbles into an enchanted castle, wherein he helps himself to plenty of food and treasures. The price exacted by the Beast (Vincent Cassel), mysterious owner of the castle, is a steep one: the merchant's freedom. When Belle arrives in place of her father, she finds herself both prisoner and guest - she's given beautiful gowns to wear and the run of the entire castle, but must spend every evening having dinner with the prickly and recalcitrant Beast. When the Beast finally allows Belle to see her family again, she inadvertently opens the way to the castle for people bearing prejudice, greed and, quite possibly, disaster.

There's no denying that Gans' film looks good - Belle is draped in rich, velvety fabrics, ivory-hued statues lie wreathed in ivy and tears, and the castle stands starkly Gothic against lowering skies. Cassel's Beast make-up - which makes him look like a cross between a cat and a wolf - is decent enough, though it doesn't give him much room to emote. There are moments when the film and its ideas seem to flare to life too. When Belle dreams of the people who lived and loved in the castle before her, she becomes witness to a climactic scene in which a horrible curse is cast - a girl lies, dying and naked, on the ground, cradled in the arms of her broken prince, bleeding a gleaming, scarlet trail of blood. It's a stirring image that might give viewers hope that the rest of the film can be as good and as daring.

But Beauty And The Beast seldom reaches those same heights. In busying himself populating the entire universe of his film with greedy vagabonds and comic-relief sisters, Gans forgets to enrich and develop the central relationship between Belle and her Beast. They share a few stilted, frankly terrifying dinners in which the Beast loses his temper or creepily breathes down Belle's neck. Slinking into her room to watch as she sleeps, the Beast comes across more as her pervert jailer than a legitimate romantic interest. In fact, none of their encounters suggests that Belle could ever find a place for him in her heart, so it's odd when Gans takes it as a given and barrels on towards his literally gigantic, CGI-overloaded ending.

Indeed, Gans spends so much time on the visual effects of his film - from the droopy-eyed puppy-like creatures that trail after Belle wherever she goes, through to the huge stone statues that come to life to defend the Beast - that he seems to have forgotten to get his actors to act. Cassel and Seydoux, who have both delivered arresting performances in other films, don't seem hugely invested in the proceedings or in each other. The film as a whol

Fmovies: Not going to write a long winded review. My wife and I had a look at the "2017 Disney Emma Watson" musical released recently, and it was rather terrible. I am not personally into broad way musical kind of stuff, and I could not stand it. This 2014 version the French made just jells a lot better for me. I can't speak more than 5 words French, but I loved this version of the story and how it unfolds. The graphics and cinematography was also excellent. Visually very stimulating. Well worth your time.

This movie blew me and my wife away. Yes it's all subtitled but with the director of Silent Hill behind the lens this movie just screams masterpiece. The story is different on a better level. The cinematography and everything else was visually beautiful and Oscar worthy. This movie does not disappoint if you love movies with an actual story and characters. Christophe Gans could very well be Frances "Peter Jackson" or "Steven Spielberg". There is definitely something special about his directing and vision that is terribly underrated. I hope this film catches someone's attention here in the states because we need to hand him over some book series to turn into epic American films like he did here. Wife loved it. I loved it. I'd give it more than ten stars because of the quality and directing. Bravo France. Bravo. From America to your people we throw roses at your Beauty and the Beast masterpiece. ~ S A Storyteller

Beauty and the Beast fmovies. The castle, the flowers, the garden, the forest, the places, the settings and the great Vincent Cassel acting. I loved them all, and finally the Closing credits was the biggest highlight which I watched over and over again and never get tired.

Story we heard them in childhood, first I thought why French production team is repeating the same story which we have heard 100 times in our childhood time.

I didn't plan to watch this movie.

But somehow I ended up watch a trailer of this movie, in few seconds I was hooked into the movie.

I always knew and heard, French people are perfectionist, what ever take, like Painting,Music,Cuisine even their kiss is famous all over the world.

Director Christophe Gans is no exception in this matter.

This movie will relax you from the fast forward life for 112 min. :- )

When looking at movies I happened upon this one out of curiosity, and I am all the better for it. First, clear your mind of the Disney releases and story lines behind them. On many layers this masterful work will enchant you, from beginning to end. Disney should be put on notice, because the makers of this film made Disney look like amateurs. The sets, and costuming epitomize the true essence of what movie magic is all about, and will not disappoint you. Even the ending was wonderfully magical. The film score is awesome. Vincent Cassel, Léa Seydoux, André Dussollier all should be recognized for their fantastic talents. The makers of this film have something to be truly proud of. This is a lavishly and visually stunning film, completely delightful, and worth watching a few more times to see what you may miss. The details are exquisite to behold. I can with certainty recommend this film to anyone, knowing they will agree.

I enjoyed this French version of "Beauty and The Beast" for the most part. The cinematography and character designs are beautiful. I liked the fantasy atmosphere and sense of exploration in the first half of the film. I also liked the mystery of the Beast's origin.

I appreciate the fact that it is more accurate to the fairy tale than previous adaptations. That being said, the second half deviates from the original story in a few respects and I found it sluggish in some parts. I found the final action sequence a bit too fantastical and left unexplained except via Deus Ex Machina. However, it certainly looks impressive.

Ultimately, the film isn't perfect. The story has been done many times before and this rendition is sluggish at times. Never-the-less, I recommend watching the film for its stunning beauty alone.