Review #3 | "La Belle et La Bête" (2014)

"La Belle et La Bête" came to life in French cinemas in 2014 and was recently released on disc compatible with Region 1 (USA, Canada) systems accompanied with English subtitles. The film is slated to be released in American movie theatres on September 23, 2015.

This production tells the original fairy tale with a few twists. Those who have read the original tale know that it is probably one of the most lacking of all fairy tales. In short, the original tale is kind of boring. This production brings the story new life sans Disney, adding danger, magic, reality, and literal beauty to the world of Belle and the Beast. Audience members that can let go of the Disney fantasies American culture has grown up with, this film can enthrall in a mysterious, quizzical, and whimsical way.

Film buffs may recognize Vincent Cassel from his role in "Black Swan" opposite Natalie Portman. Léa Seydoux is a starlet in her native France, but American audiences may recognize her from her small role in Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" as well as the acclaimed foreign language film "Blue Is the Warmest Color." The duo make a spit-fire onscreen ensemble with surprisingly raw performances on both ends.

Society has adopted a culture of expecting a happy fairy tale story which "La Belle et La Bête" does not deliver. These performances are raw, charged, and even a bit corny at times. Corniness doesn't have to be a bad thing.

Perhaps American audiences will be taken aback by the somewhat disturbing animated, nightmare-potential residents of the Beast's castle, but as the plot unfolds their presence becomes cohesive. It may be that Americans are acclimated to a different style or expectation of animation which pulls the viewer out of the world within the Beast's Castle. It is important to keep in mind that this is a foreign film not originally intended for American audiences...

Even when it comes to costumes. They are breathtaking. And very European. The elaborate gowns worn by Belle at the castle identify the setting as 1810 France and solidifies the concept of this production. The costumes add to the disconnection of castle life to the outside world. Costumes so elaborate will obviously play a visual role in representing each character.

The only definitive flat note of this film is the obvious disconnection of the plot points with the climax. Belle has to love the Beast for him to transform back into a man, thus saving him from death. This theme is the same in every rendition of the tale. However, in this production, when Belle tells the Beast she loves him, it is very easy to be taken aback by her declaration even though we all know it's coming. It makes almost no sense. He hardly did anything nice for her except 1) tell her she was right, 2) save her life, 3) let her see her family again, and 4) honoring her request to spare a life, none of which merit a woman being obligated to fall in love with a man. #Feminism.

If you can open up your mind to the creativity of film making and the universality of fairy tales, give this movie a go. Despite it's ups and downs it is very enjoyable for any fan of fairy tales and Beauty and The Beast.

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"La Belle et La Bête" is not yet rated for American audiences by the MPAA. This film does contain brief nudity.