Beauty and the Beast, or La Belle et La Bête, was made in 1946 and directed by Jean Cocteau. This film is a fantasy, complete with all of the magic and makings of a children's story, made for adults. It shows that films are able to reveal our childish sides, that think of far away kingdoms with monsters and princesses, without being childish in the process. 

     Coming out of WWII, Cocteau wanted to show that France that anything can be overcome with enough hard work and honor. He used Beauty and the Beast for this purpose as well as his art.

     Many say that this movie's artistic nature is rare in this time. The settings portray places in dreams, compassion that is simple at first glance, and awakening of the Beauty's passion as she discovers her sexuality.