If there is one Disney movie that I can watch over and over and over again, it’s Beauty and the Beast. To actually explain why would take up an entire lifespan, but the short version is that Belle was the first Disney princess that seemed like me. She put others before herself, she was a TOTAL bookworm, and she never settled for anything less than what she deserved.
As a kid, this movie made such an impression that it is permanently lodged in my brain forever. From the music to the characters, I loved (and still love) every minute of it. I squeal like a little girl when I find out it’s going to be on TV and the DVD sits right next to my television, just in case I have the sudden urge to watch it right that minute. Is that too much?
I think my favorite part of this movie is when the Beast gives Belle his library. Don't get me wrong, the dance sequence will forever be one of the greatest scenes in animated films as well — you can’t think of Beauty and the Beast without thinking of that scene. That dress is literally iconic and it’s not even real! Trust me, I’ve looked at dresses that people have designed on Etsy and contemplated buying one just to have my own “Belle” moment, but even most costumes just do not live up to the animated. How crazy is that? Nevertheless, when the Beast gave Belle that library, even I fell in love with him...
The film itself has so many important messages in it that I think is very relevant and necessary for kids to grow up seeing. Standing up for what you believe in and following your heart is at the core of this film. The idea that you don’t have to fit into one specific type of mold, even when your whole world is pressuring you to be a certain way. Belle repeatedly has to deal with her town mocking her for reading when she could be getting married to the handsome Gaston, even though he’s as shallow as one can be — certainly not good enough for our heroine, but she never gives in. Also, the idea that it’s okay to be curious and explore the world around you is rewarded in this movie. As Belle states at the beginning of the film, “I want adventure in the great white somewhere,” you understand that not many people in her town have aspirations or goals beyond getting married or having a family. You inevitably understand that she’s different and while she’s frustrated that no one seems to understand her, it never prevents her from ultimately finding it.
Overall, as cheesy as it is to say, it’s Belle’s heart that changes things for the better. Her determination and her kindness are what make all the difference and it’s something that every person should aspire to. Not being scared of something (or someone) just because it’s different and being brave enough to be who you are in any given situation is so much more important than fitting into the status quo. If this movie teaches you anything, it’s that you should never EVER settle for less than what you deserve. As you can probably tell, I’ll never tire of this movie and all the memories that I have because of it. Again, it’s one of these films that brings me right back to my childhood. As Disney films go, this is definitely number one on my list.
As a side note, did anyone else have a crush on the Beast which then quickly went away once he turned into a human, or was that just me? Let me know your thoughts on this film in the comments below!
***I do not own this photo/GIF.
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