A live action film of Beauty and the Beast will be released by Disney in March; both fans of the original, animated film and newcomers alike are writhing with anticipation as the company continues to release tidbits in the form of clips, teaser trailers, merchandise and, most recently, a poster. The film is a reprise of the 1991 film, based on Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont's fairy-tale adaptation, beloved for its central message of true beauty within.
The film boasts exceptional CGI effects in the form of the minotaur-like Beast, played by Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens. A lovely British Emma Watson, in addition assumes the role of the bookish beauty Belle, who quickly learns to look beyond the surface of Beast---eventually reaching his heart, and breaking the curse with requited love. The film-cast includes such notables as Ian McKellen playing the rigidly bossy clock, Ewan McGregor as the romantic Lumiere, Emma Thompson as the nurturing teapot, Luke Evans as the arrogant Gaston, and Kevin Kline as the simple, loving father of the story's heroine. The tale of the selfish prince transformed into an appearance as distasteful as his heart unfolds when the French village girl, Belle, dissolves the castle's enchantment by her own enchanting ability to see past the external and into the heart. Though she is at first his prisoner, she sets everyone free through her bravery, eventually saving the castle and all within from ruin. The narrative bears a striking resemblance to the redemptive power of Christ's love which maintains the power to master the ugly curse of sin and captivate the unlovable and undeserving with love. Just as Belle exposes the beauty of the beast, Christ makes beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
The film, in the spirit of Disney's animated films of recent years before like The Jungle Book and Cinderella, will retain much of the original essence of the animated film, including some of the music. Sound clips have been released of Watson singing Something There, with much more yet to be unveiled. Theatrical release including 3-D showing is announced officially as March 17.
