Beauty and the Beast (re-release) 2002

In a magnificent castle, a prince known for his cruel demeanor receives an unexpected visit from a mysterious sorceress disguised as a simple beggar woman. She presents him with a magical rose, seeking shelter from the violent storm raging outside. Initially dismissive, the prince’s scornful attitude forces her to reveal her true identity, unleashing a curse that transforms him into a hideous beast, while his loyal servants are turned into inanimate objects. The sorceress then wipes the memories of those who once loved them, leaving them as mere shadows of their former selves. For the curse to be broken, the prince must learn to feel genuine love for someone who must also return his affection before the last petal of the enchanted rose falls, or he will remain a monster forever.

As the years drift by, the nearby village is home to Belle, the introspective daughter of Maurice, a widowed artist. She longs for a life of adventure and continually rejects the advances of Gaston, an arrogant hunter. One day, Maurice finds himself lost in the forest and stumbles into the beast’s castle. His attempt to steal a rose from the garden leads to his imprisonment by the beast. Belle, desperate to save her father, offers herself as a replacement prisoner, and the beast reluctantly accepts.

Upon her arrival at the castle, Belle encounters its unusual residents: Lumière, the charming candelabra; Cogsworth, the meticulous clock; Plumette, the gentle feather-duster; Mrs. Potts, the nurturing teapot; and her son Chip, a little teacup. While exploring, Belle discovers the enchanted rose, which angers the beast and causes him to scold her outside. Unaware of lurking wolves, Belle is saved just in time by the beast, who sustains injuries during the rescue. Nurturing him back to health fosters an unexpected bond between them.

During her care, the beast shares a magical book that can transport readers to their most beloved places. Enchanted, Belle uses it to experience her childhood home in Paris, uncovering a plague doctor’s mask and revealing a long-buried truth: she and her father fled the city after her mother succumbed to the bubonic plague, a fact Maurice had long avoided discussing. As Maurice grows desperate amidst the village’s disbelief regarding his story, he runs afoul of Gaston, who vies for Belle’s affection as a means to secure her hand in marriage. Upon realizing Gaston’s deceitful intentions, Maurice is betrayed and left for dead among wolves. Thankfully, the town’s enigmatic hermit, Agathe, intervenes, sparing his life. However, Gaston’s vicious actions do not go unnoticed, convincing the villagers to lock Maurice away in an asylum.

Meanwhile, Belle learns of her father’s distress through a mystical mirror that serves as a portal into his plight. Filled with compassion, she embarks on a mission to rescue him from Gaston, who is now consumed by jealousy. Upon returning to the village, she unveils the existence of the beast, stunning the residents and vindicating Maurice.

With Belle’s support, Maurice starts to reveal his grief over his wife’s passing, deepening their connection as they devise a plan to escape. Their courageous attempt ultimately results in Gaston’s demise, as he confronts the beast in a blind rage, only to plummet from a bridge.

Just as the final petal of the enchanted rose falls, the beast succumbs, leaving the enchanted servants frozen in place. In a heart-wrenching moment, Belle professes her love for the dying beast, prompting Agathe to unveil herself as the enchantress behind the curse. With a wave of her wand, she restores the beast, his loyal companions, and rekindles the villagers’ memories. As life returns to the kingdom, Belle finds herself in the arms of the prince, now human once more. Together, they celebrate their love and the magic that has reunited them with a grand ball, marking the beginning of their happily ever after.