The most uplifting interpretation of Beauty and the Beast that I ever saw was the movie made by Jean Cocteau in 1946, La Belle et la Bête. It made an unforgettable impression on me when I saw it, aged 19. Cocteau’s version was a highly moral fable, for it was about character and trust.
The Beast is ugly, but he has a gentle and loving nature, and Beauty, who at first resents him, nevertheless comes to appreciate him for his kindness and good character. When love turns Beast into a handsome young man, Beauty is somewhat disappointed. She had grown to love Beast for himself alone, ignoring his appearance.
