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La Belle et la Bête

  • Director: Jean Cocteau
  • Year: 1946
My wife tells me this version of the classic tale is more accurate than the Disney version, but it does add some plot elements like the rival suitor, which the cartoon would turn into a more flagrant asshole - here he seems genuinely good for Belle, at least at the beginning. The plot tensions in this version are pretty interesting - here Belle has a ...financial duty to stay with the Beast that continues throughout the film. But honestly, I think it's a bit slow. I think it's well remembered especially for how it creates its atmosphere through clever use of practical effects (it's not surprising that del Toro is a big fan), but the film is a bit long for what it is, and our familiarity with the story doesn't do it any favors.
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