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Beauty and the Beast backdrop

Beauty and the Beast

17 March 2017English2h 3m
FantasyRomance
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 10 scored reviews · 1 not rated

A visually grand retelling that charms despite falling short of the original's magic.

Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: visual spectacle and lead performances
  • Criticised: lacks magic of original

Audience

User score 7.0 out of 10 from 4 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 2 audience reviews ↓

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Full cast & crew

Critic consensus

What 11 critics are saying

Critical reception for Beauty and the Beast is broadly positive, with most reviewers finding it an entertaining and visually impressive live-action remake suitable for audiences of all ages. Emma Watson and Dan Stevens in the lead roles drew frequent praise, as did the film's spectacular production and the enduring resonance of its central moral message. Common criticisms include a lack of genuine magic or memorability compared to the 1991 original, songs that drag certain portions, and a tendency to play it overly safe within Disney's comfort zone.

How the 10 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (11)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Whether or not you're a fan of the 1991 film, you'll find Beauty and the Beast to be an enjoyably fun remake and also a visually gorgeous time at the cinema.

  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Beauty and the Beast remain safe and secure within its Disney-defined dimensions; its infantile proclamations about a gay character and mixed race couples even further underlining what goes for risk-taking in that world.

  3. Rediff

    Film review ·

    As Beauty And The Beast ends, it leaves me with a satisfied feeling in my stomach, one that you get after finishing a remarkable movie or book. A cinematic experience like this one doesn't come by too often.

  4. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    Emma Watson and Dan Stevens have all the tools they need to recreate the love story of Belle and Prince Adam but what they are missing is a touch of magic.

  5. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Obvious flaws in the story aside, it's an entertaining spectacle that sees you rise, fall, float and fly with every note in this musical. It's engaging, beautiful and idyllic. Purists might have their reservations, but one has to say this is a thing of rare beauty!

  6. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    What essentially works for 'Beauty and the Beast' is its relevance. It stands out because no matter how old the tale, it holds significance especially today, when smart phones and selfies have turned us all into beauty loving beasts.

  8. Sify

    Film review ·

    Overall, the film is enchanting but not remarkably memorable.

  9. Bollywood Life

    Film review ·

    Beauty and The Beast may not work the same magic as The Jungle Book did for Disney last year. However, it is surely an arresting piece of visual brilliance that has to be seen on big screen to get the full experience. While not all songs work and they make some portions drag, the fairy tale romance is still alive when it comes to every scene featuring Emma Watson and the Beast. Though Beauty and The Beast is a classic tale, it is also a very much needed moral lesson to our glamour obsessed world, that beauty is skin deep. Recommended to watch it in IMAX screens.

From our readers

Audience reviews (2)

4 ratings · user score 7.0

  1. Rhiki Ranjan NeupaneMay 2017
    8/10

    Very good. best : Production design , costume design , musical score , acting , Visual effects weakness : Minor flaws ( at times )

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  2. Shashwat SisodiaOct 2019
    7/10

    'Beauty and The Beast' get right the pages of the fairytale it has as its source material, and the recreation of the wide expanse of those villages and the dusty shelfs of those book-rooms have been got right. And also, its not a frame-to-frame remake of the famous Disney classic. But still, if you are looking for a CGI drive that captures enought the music, heart, feel and the edge of these characters, you won't find it here. But you still give it a shot because its not narcissistic in its action. The lead Belle, played by Emma Watson, is filled with charm and beauty. She must be watched loving, caring and introvert-ing. She makes the film with her broad performance and eventually, even the film starts banging your bucks and making you smile. Emma is so strong that she is the best CGI Disney Princess recreation ever. I am going with three stars for 'Beauty and The Beast'. It has its contrivances, but it gets the plot and its imaginative strokes just right.

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