Beauty and the Beast

Main Plot

Beauty and the Beast follows the story of a young woman named Belle, who lives in a small provincial town. She is an intelligent and independent individual, often feeling out of place among the townspeople. Belle's life takes a dramatic turn when her father, Maurice, is captured by a fearsome Beast in his enchanted castle. Determined to rescue him, Belle offers herself in exchange for her father's freedom. As she navigates life in the castle, she discovers that the Beast is under a curse that has transformed him from a once-proud prince into a monstrous figure. The castle is also home to enchanted objects who were once human. As Belle and the Beast spend time together, they begin to form an unexpected bond, leading to themes of love, acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. The story unfolds with challenges that test their growing relationship and the hope of breaking the curse.

Characters

• Paige O'Hara voices Belle, a book-loving village girl who helps transform the Beast back into a prince through her love and kindness.
• Robby Benson voices the Beast, a cursed prince whose transformation back into human form hinges on earning true love before the last petal of an enchanted rose falls.
• Jesse Corti voices LeFou, Gaston's bumbling sidekick, who provides comic relief and assists Gaston in his schemes to win Belle's affection.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Beauty and the Beast, the central conflict reaches its climax as Belle confronts the Beast in his castle. After a fierce battle with Gaston, who represents the external threat to the Beast, the Beast is gravely injured. Belle's love and compassion for him become pivotal as she returns to the castle, realizing her feelings have transformed her perception of him. As Belle professes her love, the spell cast upon the Beast and his castle is broken. This moment signifies the triumph of love over superficial judgments and fear. The Beast transforms back into a prince, symbolizing the restoration of his true self and the breaking of the curse that had turned him into a beast. The enchanted objects in the castle also revert to their human forms, highlighting the theme of redemption and the importance of inner beauty. The film concludes with a celebration of love, as Belle and the prince dance together, surrounded by their friends. This resolution encapsulates the narrative's core message: love can transcend appearances and heal deep wounds, ultimately leading to a harmonious and joyful existence. The ending reinforces the idea that true beauty lies within, culminating in a hopeful and uplifting finale.