Featured Audience Ratings

• Randy T

  
  <i>La Belle et la Bête</i> is poetry captured on film. The haunting effects of Bête's castle furnishings are alone worth the price of admission (or DVD rental). Visually, the entire picture is stunning. A beautiful work of art.

• Emil K

  
  Visually magical film that was easily way ahead of its time. It is a fairytale for adults who are willing to go with this kind of material. Otherwise it may seem a little silly at times. Some neat visual touches in the monsters castle inspired later Roman Polanski in his Repulsion.… More
  Visually magical film that was easily way ahead of its time. It is a fairytale for adults who are willing to go with this kind of material. Otherwise it may seem a little silly at times. Some neat visual touches in the monsters castle inspired later Roman Polanski in his Repulsion. Wonderful to look at for sure but nothing else here.

• Tim S

  
  Jean Cocteau's masterpiece, La Belle et la bete, is one of the most perfect fantasy films ever made. Not only is it incredibly well-shot (with not just static camera shots but some frantic back and forth shots between characters), but it's also very well-made. The… More
  Jean Cocteau's masterpiece, La Belle et la bete, is one of the most perfect fantasy films ever made. Not only is it incredibly well-shot (with not just static camera shots but some frantic back and forth shots between characters), but it's also very well-made. The beast's make-up, for instance, still holds up all these years later. Josette Day is absolutely gorgeous and wonderful as Beauty, and a great foil to the beast's persona. There are some great old school special effects and camera tricks to make the story work, as well as some classic filmmaking errors. For instance, in one scene, the boom mic is in shot for a lengthy period of time before it goes out of the frame. It's a mistake that apparently Cocteau wasn't worried about, and I find that incredibly validating to the film itself. It's so good that even mistakes can't affect its power. Absolutely wonderful from beginning to end.

• Jan Marc M

  
  Beauty And The Beast revives the timeless and classic fable, but with the sophisticated vision of French artist Jean Cocteau. Impressive. Lovely.

• Spencer S

  
  If you've seen the Disney version, you may want to read the original fairy tale before viewing, otherwise you'll be either lost or completely confused. This French adaptation is nowhere near the singing silverware we've all found entertaining and adorable, yet it… More
  If you've seen the Disney version, you may want to read the original fairy tale before viewing, otherwise you'll be either lost or completely confused. This French adaptation is nowhere near the singing silverware we've all found entertaining and adorable, yet it possesses an even better quality: truth. The entire film is one candlelit thriller, depicting the struggle within the main character to not love her brother's friend, the ugliness of the beast, and his true depravity, and of course the love which dare not speak its name. A classic by birthright.

• Elvira B

  
  <p>This version of Beauty and the Beast is the perfect visual rendition of a fairy tale: lush and overflowing with light and texture. The atmosphere is heavy, the vegetation is exuberant, the decor is intricate and abundant. With these devises Cocteau introduces us to a world of… More
  <p>This version of Beauty and the Beast is the perfect visual rendition of a fairy tale: lush and overflowing with light and texture. The atmosphere is heavy, the vegetation is exuberant, the decor is intricate and abundant. With these devises Cocteau introduces us to a world of archetypes and myths where the famous story comes to life. However, his mise en scene still feels very, very theatrical, which adds a more grounded element to the film and puts it somewhere between fantasy and straight up surrealism. </p> <p>With the help of perfect performances by Josette Day and Jean Marais, Cocteau revives the darkness inherent to every fairy tale that has survived to this day, and puts forth a screenplay as alluring and romantic as it is at times visceral and disturbing. Beauty and Beast are caught up between fear and insecurity, guilt and self-loathing, then empathy and surrender. I especially appreciated how clear this dynamic proved to be in the script and that it stays true to the myth of Eros and Psyche, from which the fairytale itself derives. It is a completely human drama radically removed from reality, which is in keeping with the purpose of fairy tales themselves. Beauty and Beast are as awe-inspiring on the surface as they are in their conflicts and personalities. </p> <p>Along with inventive special effects and editing, this type of clear-headed, sensible storytelling -yet, in my opinion, not quite <i>sentimental</i> (and a good thing, too)- in the midst of such otherworldly visuals and mood make a very unique film and one of the most thoughtful fairy tale adaptations I have seen.</p>

• Cindy I

  
  This French production of the classic fairy tale is sheer poetry. Director Jean Cocteau imbued each frame with a beauty and magic that was rarely seen in films of that period, and almost never in today's films. The story back in reality is interesting -- a down-on-his-luck… More
  This French production of the classic fairy tale is sheer poetry. Director Jean Cocteau imbued each frame with a beauty and magic that was rarely seen in films of that period, and almost never in today's films. The story back in reality is interesting -- a down-on-his-luck merchant tries to survive his circumstances while raising a houseful of selfish children, except for daughter Belle. But it is the scenes in the castle of the enchanted Beast that make this film the masterpiece it is. The sequence when Belle first enters the castle moves like a dream -- people seem to float rather than walk, inanimate objects move of their own accord, doors open without assistance. And then there is The Beast -- a regal, noble creature with the unfortunate need to hunt and eat other creatures, and even more so, to be loved for what he is, despite his looks. The lovely Belle is at first repulsed by him, and then of course sees through his appearance and into his heart. The scenes between the two characters, played by Josette Day and Jean Marais, are almost ballet-like in the way they move and flow to and from each other. Cocteau is known in his films for his use of slow-motion and trick photography to achive fascinating effects, and this film is no exception. There are several examples, one being a transformation shot that was so smooth I backed up the film to see where the change actually happened. If I have any fault with this film, it is with Jean Marais. His manner and rhythm of speaking -- I noticed this in Orpheus as well -- rings false with me and reminds me of someone ACTING, as if he was in a Community Players' production and was only pretending to be French. Also -- and this has been noted many times -- once the Beast enchantment is removed and he becomes human again, he loses his appeal for me. He was too made-up, too pretty, too "civilized", You want to see Belle and the Beast together happily ever after, not Belle and some handsome prince. OF COURSE she's going to want him! I realize that the point of the tale is that he becomes human, but it seems to take away the lesson of the film and the story -- to love someone despite their flaws. One shouldn't then lose the flaws and then say "I'm really perfect. I just wanted to see how shallow you were first." This film is a journey through both a dream and a nightmare, and is a must-see.

• Anthony L

  
  The ultimate 'Once upon a time..' masterfully crafted by poet, artist, and all round polymath, Jean Cocteau, whose visual style is perfectly at home in the medium of fairytale. You may feel like you've seen this film before, that is probably because it's been… More
  The ultimate 'Once upon a time..' masterfully crafted by poet, artist, and all round polymath, Jean Cocteau, whose visual style is perfectly at home in the medium of fairytale. You may feel like you've seen this film before, that is probably because it's been dissected, bastardised, repackaged and force fed to you by Disney. Rant over, this is a wonderful film and an unmissable classic. PS. English Cocteau fans (and those who are visiting London) should go see his paintings that are permanently on display at the Church of Notre Dame de France, just behind Leicester square. It's quite special, even if you're not religious!

• Tsubaki S

  
  Here's another lesson of how all the CGI in the world can't do shit against a creative use of traditional effects. Yes, the beast looks like a stuffed doll, but it never works against the dreamy atmosphere of the film. It's those rare type of films that you can say that… More
  Here's another lesson of how all the CGI in the world can't do shit against a creative use of traditional effects. Yes, the beast looks like a stuffed doll, but it never works against the dreamy atmosphere of the film. It's those rare type of films that you can say that you "dream it" instead of "i watched" and that's in the best sense possible.

• Stella D

  
  once upon a time...

• Stephen M

  
  The most enchanted and enchanting of cinematic fairy tales. I think I slightly prefer Cocteau's later "Orpheus" to this but it's a very close contest. The word 'magical' is over-used in fantasy cinema criticism but there is no better word to describe this… More
  The most enchanted and enchanting of cinematic fairy tales. I think I slightly prefer Cocteau's later "Orpheus" to this but it's a very close contest. The word 'magical' is over-used in fantasy cinema criticism but there is no better word to describe this film.

• Tim S

  
  A great fantasy film from the time when the special effects guys were the editors.

• Jennifer X

  
  This film is outrageously dated and features some extremely histrionic acting, but I can't deny that it was a beautiful, beautiful experience. The ending disappointed me though. =(

• Matthew Y

  
  Darker and more soulful than any of the numerous animated musical adaptations of the famous fable, this 1946 triumph manages to craft a surreal film that will enchant adults more than their children. Jean Marais's performance as the titular Beast is easily the best performance… More
  Darker and more soulful than any of the numerous animated musical adaptations of the famous fable, this 1946 triumph manages to craft a surreal film that will enchant adults more than their children. Jean Marais's performance as the titular Beast is easily the best performance I've ever seen of an actor speaking a language that is foreign to me. Without understanding a word he says the strength of his performance and the humanity he brings to the character is simply remarkable. Through all the make-up and fur we can see the expressive morality of the man and the deep inner struggle he has with his physical appearance. This is the foundation of the entire story and one that is either glossed over or too lightly touched upon in most adaptations. The directing and set designs are fantastic as well but honestly I simply cannot get over the performance of the lead in this one. For people who do not watch old movies, do not watch black and white films and do not watch movies in a foreign language I simply must implore you to make an exception for this magnificent achievement.

• George M

  
  Uneven rhythm and crude montage aren't enough to ruin this beautiful film.

• Chris B

  
  An amazing adaptation that beat the Disney film of the same name by 45 years, this is a legendary French film that set the standard for fantasy films for years to come. Belle still has the sickly father but also has two sisters who are downright evil as well as a troublesome brother… More
  An amazing adaptation that beat the Disney film of the same name by 45 years, this is a legendary French film that set the standard for fantasy films for years to come. Belle still has the sickly father but also has two sisters who are downright evil as well as a troublesome brother and suitor in tow. While her father is trying to get his affairs in order when one of his merchant ships finally reaches port he is lost in a forest and stumbles across a magnificent castle. While the talking utensils and lamp/clocks are replaced with more eery arms and faces that move and perform tasks the castle still feels dark like the beasts tormented soul. I was downright terrified by the various sights within the castle and it really made the castle and the film overall really suit the mood. Amazing special effects for 1946 and a far out there story with magic and love all wrapped into an amazing experience of film! Highly Recommended!

• Laura C

  
  What a hauntingly beautiful fairytale! I feel like I could dream these images for the rest of my life and be perfectly satisfied. Really, it just blew me away!

• Alec B

  
  To call this version of the classic fairy tale bizarre would be a massive understatement. The film is visually stunning and has some remarkable scenes, but the rushed and silly ended that leaves too many open plot holes is what keeps it out of the masterpiece category for me. Still a… More
  To call this version of the classic fairy tale bizarre would be a massive understatement. The film is visually stunning and has some remarkable scenes, but the rushed and silly ended that leaves too many open plot holes is what keeps it out of the masterpiece category for me. Still a rather strong film.

• Marion R

  
  Bella, Bella, Bella. A wonderful, magical story, with fantastic imagery, which other less talented directors often try to imitate. The best version of Beauty and The Beast I have seen.

• Dimitris S

  
  All fairytales are derivatives of the guilt-innocence syndrome of the children's notion of the world.Beast is the vicious but kind-hearted soul thus Belle becomes the penultimate saint in Cocteau's mind.A Saint without wings,nonetheless a spirit of the most divine emotions a… More
  All fairytales are derivatives of the guilt-innocence syndrome of the children's notion of the world.Beast is the vicious but kind-hearted soul thus Belle becomes the penultimate saint in Cocteau's mind.A Saint without wings,nonetheless a spirit of the most divine emotions a child would love to have as a protector.And of what of us,adults?An adventure in the forest is all that's left for us...but what an adventure!

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