Disney’s live-action remake of "Beauty and the Beast" definitely did not disappoint fans of the original classic. In a word, the remake was simply magical. It brought the magic of the original film into a real-life scenario and gave this generation of young girls a new version of Belle to look up to, admire, and aspire to be like.
Being a huge fan of the original animated classic for as long as I can remember, I was extremely excited once Disney announced they were doing the live action version and even more excited as the time drew closer to actually see it. I simply could not wait. I have been excited about all of the new Disney live-action remakes, and seen all of them as I am and always will be a product of the Disney generation. In my opinion Disney outdid themselves with "Beauty and the Beast" producing the best live action remake I have seen from their studios thus far.
I excitedly sat in theaters and saw "Maleficent," and then did the same with "Cinderella." I watched "The Jungle Book" on a plane, and of course reveled over "Alice in Wonderland." However, as great as each one of those were in their own rights, they all had elements that disappointed me especially that many of them, with the exception of "Jungle Book," did not contain the catchy songs that I grew up loving, singing along to, and so deeply associated with these films. "Beauty and the Beast" was more of a movie musical, integrating those beloved songs with the live action film and even including some new beautiful songs for fans to fall in love with.
Obviously, there are going to be changes made, even beyond the new songs, just as there were in the other live action remakes. They have to turn something animated into something with real people. But the small changes that they made with "Beauty and the Beast" were so beautiful and enriched the story in a way that made it more fulfilling. They were able to give more back story to the film giving a sense of past, present and future, and making you feel even more for and have a better understanding of these characters that you already love because of your past connection to their animated version.
Then there is Emma Watson who plays an amazing Belle. At first I was skeptical but seeing her on screen in the role made me realize how perfect for it she was. Belle is a Disney princess that embodies feminism, takes a stand for what she believes in, and is all about literacy. These are all characteristics that Emma Watson also embodies and brings to add even more to the feminist nature within Belle. Emma Watson creates a modern Belle for a modern time.
As for the controversy that the film stirred up before it was released, that also shows how modern Disney was being with ‘Beauty and the Beast’. They were not afraid to take on social issues and show their company’s stance on inclusion and equality with these small and subtle scenes. I for one am proud of Disney and the creators of the film for using their platform to show that inclusion, equality, and acceptance are all important.
All in all, the live action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was magical. It brought one of the all time beloved Disney classics to life, making a name for itself while also staying true to the original. Sitting in the theater as the lights came up I wanted nothing more than to watch it all over again. I simply cannot wait for this tale as old as time to be released onto DVD so I am able to enjoy it all over again.
