Strangely touching

Rating: 10/10 (9 June 2000)

There was a time when Walt Disney could no no wrong. But then came DuckTales and stuff like that. And things were in turmoil for a while. Seriously, how many people watched "Oliver and Company"? I know I didn't, and I have watched every single animated feature of the company (except that one).
That's the reason Beauty and the Beast is such a welcome surprise. This film, and "Lion King" are true masterpieces. I cannot say the same about Tarzan, or "Hunchback of Notre Dame" or "Aladdin". But there is something in this film that makes me cry every single time I watch it.
What could it be? Maybe that, since the beginning, you learn to care for the Beast and his loneliness. Or you admire Belle for her will to be something more. And you cannot forget the sadness of the inhabitants of the castle, who know that they might be doomed forever.
And then... and then Belle and the Beast dance in the ballroom sequence, and they glance at each other, and you can feel the love they have for each other. But how? This is only a cartoon, isn't it? Fact is, the drawings themselves have an incredible power in them; the facial expressions are simply perfect, and the terse, beautiful song enhances the feeling. Movie magic at its best.
Beauty and the Beast is a cartoon that makes you forget you are watching one. It's full of love, passion and drama. Should have been nominated for Best Picture. Sadly, the Academy hasn't (yet!) learned to appreciate the power of animated art.