Beauty and the Beast

The animated film "Beauty and the Beast" from 1991 is a timeless classic produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. It is an adaptation of the French fairy tale of the same name by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, which is also combined with some elements from the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche. The film notably stars Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, and Jesse Corti, who lend their voices to bring the enchanting characters to life.

The film begins by capturing the life of the lovely and smart Belle (voiced by Paige O'Hara), a young woman who yearns for more than the humdrum provincial life she leads. Belle dreams of escaping the monotonous rural life and her boorish suitor, Gaston. An enchanting character in her own right, Belle is a book-loving non-comformist, who balances keen wittiness with a generous and loving heart, which makes her stand out.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Belle stumbles upon a secluded castle in search of her father, Maurice, who has unusually delayed returning from a supposed brief journey. She trades her freedom for her father's when he is held captive by a terrifying Beast (voiced by Robby Benson). The Beast, however, is not as he initially appears. In truth, he is a cursed prince, transformed by an enchantress as punishment for his arrogance, destined to remain thus until someone loves him despite his terrifying form.

As Belle reluctantly stays with the Beast in the enchanted castle, she is attended to by a host of unique, animated household items. These items were once human as well, being the staff of the castle, but they are now under the same curse that afflicts the Beast. Among these characters is the former maître d' turned candelabra, Lumiere, voiced by Jerry Orbach, adding light with his warm humor and charm to the otherwise somber castle. There's also the worrywart clock, Cogsworth (voiced by David Ogden Stiers), the motherly Mrs. Potts, voiced by Angela Lansbury, and her son Chip, making up the castle's delightful and vibrant staff.

As days go by, Belle learns to appreciate the Beast not for his outward appearance but for his inward transformation. The dynamics of their relationship change from fear and misunderstanding to friendship and finally burgeoning love, disproving the initial notion that beauty is only skin deep. The Beast, initially angry and reclusive, finds himself softened by Belle's wise and kind nature. The song "Something There" encapsulates the transformation of their relationship beautifully.

However, their bond is not without challenges. The self-absorbed Gaston, Belle's rejected suitor voiced by Richard White, is not willing to accept his defeat and is determined to win Belle by any means necessary. Gaston, the town's local hero, is a stark contrast to the Beast, embodying the concept that real beauty is within, and outward appearances can be deceiving.

"Beauty and the Beast" is a remarkable animated film with a blend of captivating storytelling, well-crafted characters, and a memorable musical score with orchestrations by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The songs "Belle," "Be Our Guest," and the titular "Beauty and the Beast," among others, contribute to the unforgettable magical experience of the movie, knitting each scene into a cohesive, engaging narrative. The film was so ground-breaking that it became the first-ever animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture in the Academy Awards amongst the lavish praise and box office success.

Paige O'Hara's expressive voice as Belle, the charming humor of Robby Benson as Beast, and the wonderful voice cast ensemble have managed to resonate with audiences worldwide, creating characters that are hard to forget. The film effectively draws viewers into a magical world where love transcends the physical, teaching valuable lessons about acceptance, kindness, and the true meaning of beauty.

In essence, the 1991 "Beauty and the Beast" film is an edifying and enchanting fairy tale filled with magic, love, and heart, making it a must-watch for children and adults alike. Its timeless story and captivating animation have made it a beloved feature, nailing the balance between homey charm and magical wonder, and it continues to live on as one of Disney's greatest classics.