I'm sure it's nothing new to write that I was so excited to go see the live action revival of "Beauty and the Beast". Belle isn't my favorite Disney princess (shoutout to my girl Tiana), and this film isn't my favorite one that the super company has ever made. But, I still love this movie and as a huge Potterhead, I was naturally going to be excited about anything that Emma Watson is in.
Unlike a lot of movies this past year that disappointed me when I had hoped the best for them--looking at you, Suicide Squad--this revival was good. I had expected a lot from the trailers. When compared side-by-side with the original animated film, I could definitely see the similarities between the two.
My high hopes were fulfilled, and that absolutely thrills me. First of all, this movie did such a great job of adding backstory to the characters, which we definitely didn't get in the 1990s version. I don't think that one ever touches on what happens to Belle's mother. You just sort of assume she's disappeared somehow. However, this version gives you an extensive look at what happened to her, and it adds so much character to Belle and her father.
Additionally, Beast gets some much-needed background. In the cartoon movie, I always wondered why he had been such a jerk to the witch. Like, sure, he was a prince and princes could be vain, but I wanted a reason. Once again, this movie fulfilled that for me.
Perhaps one of the prominent things to come out of this film in the news has been the fact that LeFou is supposed to be gay. At first, I was skeptical of this fact. Dumbledore is gay in the "Harry Potter" books and movies, but that part of him isn't really brought forth in the story. Let me tell you, Disney was not shy about LeFou's sexuality. And it didn't seem needlessly included to me. It worked. I hope to see more of that in future Disney movies. Hello, an LGBT+ lead? Get on that, folks.
Something else that I loved about this revival is the development that the movie gave Belle. She's a brave and smart woman in the original. But seeing this, I saw so much more in her. Emma Watson as Belle is fearless, sassy, brilliant, selfless and frankly, a total badass. She looks out for herself and the people she loves, and she doesn't wait around for anyone.
It really makes me happy to know that lots of small children will go to see this movie and watch the story for the first time. They'll be able to see this tough, intelligent woman (who isn't wearing a corset!) have ambition and gall. They'll see not just one for two interracial relationships that are normalized. They'll see a gay man who is normalized.
I want more Disney movies to be like this "Beauty and the Beast". I want there to be more princess who are in the spirit of Belle, and Moana, and Merida. I want little girls to see princesses with realistic waistlines. I really hope Disney continues the themes they branches out on in this movie. If they do, I think their future movies will be more impactful to a wider audience.
