Over Easter weekend, I finally watched the breathtaking 2017 remake of Beauty and the Beast. The animated Disney film was always one of my favorites while growing up, so I was both excited and nervous to see the new movie. I wanted to see how Emma Watson would portray my favorite Disney princess, but I didn’t want it to disappoint my expectations and ruin my thoughts about the original film.

The movie absolutely exceeded my expectations.

The acting in the movie was wonderful. Emma Watson was a believable and accurate choice for the role of Belle. The chemistry between the characters truly brought the movie to life, and the special effects kept my eyes glued to the screen. But what was more incredible was how I finally understood the message behind the movie that I didn’t completely grasp when I was little.

Belle and the Beast honestly fell in love with each other for the beauty they have internally. I know that the theme seems obvious, but in today’s society where “Netflix and chill” and Tinder are much too common methods of modern hookups, being reminded of this message is very refreshing. Belle did not only love the Beast for his sweet and caring personality, but the Beast also looked past Belle’s external beauty and fell in love her intelligence and fearlessness.

The film made me realize how much emphasis this generation places on the stereotypical representation of external beauty. From a young age, girls purchase makeup and look to the media to find what they should look like. I am so glad that I looked around and saw so many adolescent girls in the theater in awe at the big screen. I hope that they grow up remembering the message that this film reiterated in their young minds and do not get distracted by the pressures of society.

Girls should believe they are externally beautiful without a boy telling them so for selfish sexual reasons. Girls should focus on the importance of intelligence instead of purchasing the newest eyeliner, and they should be reminded of being nice to everyone instead of comparing themselves to the people next to them. Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle will hopefully inspire girls of all ages to have confidence and realize that being themselves is more beautiful than conforming to the standards that celebrities set.

“Tale as old as time,” was a song in the film that was absolutely magical. But hopefully the modern tale of young girls feeling insecure about their looks will be soon broken. I highly encourage everyone to watch the remake of Beauty and the Beast to remember that beauty is more than skin deep.