French filmBeauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bete),which is directed by renowned director Christophe Gans, kicked off the 4th Beijing International Film Festival on the evening of April 16.

The film, starring Vincent Cassel and Lea Seydoux, is a romantic fantasy film adapted from the fairy tale of the same name by French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.

French film Beauty and the Beast kicked off the 4th Beijing International Film Festival on April 16. [Photo/bjiff.com]

"I'm so glad thatBeauty and the Beastcan become the opening film of this year's Beijing International Film Festival. It's a great honor for me to be part of the event," said French actress Lea Seydoux at a news conference in Beijing.

The film had great stars, finely crafted special effects, European oil-painting-like grand scenery and gorgeous dresses, withal in the elegant and romantic French style. The human interpretation of fairy tales also brought new magical colors to this familiar old story.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, which is why the film festival chose a French movie as its opening film.

 

French actress Lea Seydoux and director Christophe Gans attended a news conference in Beijing on April 16. [Photo/bjiff.com]