When it comes to Valentine’s Day, whether you are in a relationship or not, movies play an important role in the day. Whether you want to watch a film curled up with your partner or if you are single and looking for a feel-good movie that gives you hope that one day love will find you too, we have the perfect film for you: one of the biggest hits of Emma Watson’s career. And no, it is not a Harry Potter film that we wish to recommend but rather a remarkable remake of a Disney classic that captures the essence of love in a way that feels both genuine and deeply moving: Beauty and the Beast.
Valentine’s Day, love, and relationships are some of the most common themes in the world of entertainment. From movies to series, there are thousands of well-acclaimed films and series that have become staples of Valentine’s Day. In the midst of all these many films, Emma Watson’s Beauty and the Beast (2017) is a grade above the rest. The live-action/animated remake of Disney’s original classic of 1991 stars the Harry Potter actress as Belle, the bookworm daughter of an artist. While there is hardly anyone who does not know Disney classics, if you are among the handful few who have no idea about the original film, here is a breakdown of the film: Beauty and the Beast is not your typical damsel-in-distress feature and features Belle, a bright and independent young woman who finds herself in an enchanted castle, where a cursed prince has turned into a beast and must find someone to genuinely love and have that person love him back before the curse becomes permanent.
Directed by Bill Condon from a screenplay by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos, the film stars Watson and Dan Stevens in lead roles, supported by an impeccable cast of actors including Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Josh Gad, Kevin Kline, Audra McDonald, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Moreover, it is also one of the biggest hits of Watson’s career (via The Numbers and Rotten Tomatoes). Emma Watson’s Beauty and the Beast is a stunning live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved classic. Even though the theme may suggest such, it is more than just a love story, but rather a deeply touching film that resonates with everyone, whether you are in a relationship or single.
While at its core, love remains the main theme, the film also explores all forms of love: romantic, selfless, self-love, and even parental love. For couples, the film has the special message of finding love in places you least expect and that true connections go beyond appearances or conditions. Meanwhile, for singles, the story is equally meaningful. Emma Watson’s Belle is an independent, opinionated, and fearless young woman who refuses to settle for anything less than what she deserves. Valuing her dreams and her freedom, she is an inspiring figure to anyone embracing self-growth and serves as a remarkable reminder that self-love is just as important as romantic love.
But beyond the heartwarming love story, Beauty and the Beast is a visually mesmerizing film with stunning visuals, brilliant cinematography, enchanting music, and supporting characters that make you fall in love with them. So whether you are spending this Valentine’s Day alone, with a group of friends, or with a partner, this Disney live-action/animation is a must-watch, reminding us that love, in its purest form, is much more than what we believe it to be. Beauty and the Beast is available to be streamed on Disney+.
