Disney movies have played a huge role in a lot of people's lives. I am proud to say that I'm one of those people! Growing up watching the Disney classics, I learned a lot of important lessons that I still carry with me today. There has always been one movie, though, that has been my absolute favorite, and for good reason! I believe "Beauty and the Beast" is one of the most important Disney movies that has been made. I'll not only talk about Disney's version, but "Once Upon a Time's" version as well! Gather around, lovers of Disney and OUAT!

1. It can influence children to read more!

At the beginning of the film, it introduces the lovely character Belle! It's known almost immediately that she loves to read! It's no secret that children have been known to idolize Disney princesses, and what better princess to look up to than Belle? She's intelligent and has a broad imagination! Even when Gaston criticizes her love for reading, she brushes it off. It can not only influence children to read, but shows them that there's no reason to be ashamed of it as well!

2. Don't judge a book by it's cover!

It's easy to be smitten with Belle because she's beautiful. The Beast is a whole other story. Not only does he look, well... [see above]... but he also has a raging temper and trust issues. The Beast by no means is easy to love. That's why Belle didn't just look on the surface, but dug deeper to see the man beneath the surface. It's an important lesson for real life! Not every handsome man is a Prince Charming, and perhaps true love lies in an unexpected person!

3. Do the brave thing, and bravery will follow.

It's one of my favorite pieces of advice: Do the brave thing, and bravery will follow. Belle, in both Disney and "Once Upon a Time's" version, is a very brave woman. She's not only brave in saving the Beast's life, but she chooses to love him even when he makes it difficult. Belle could've stayed away from the Beast in Disney, and in "Once Upon a Time," Rumplestiltskin (the Beast) let Belle go because he loved her. She could've stayed away, but came back out of bravery and love. It's a great message that with whatever it is you're afraid of, be brave and it'll pay off in the end!

4. Don't limit yourself on what you think you deserve.

When I was younger, I thought of myself more like Belle than the Beast. Now, at 21 years old, I find myself more like the Beast. There are people that limit themselves on what they believe they deserve. Whether it's love, friendship, or anything else they desire in life, no matter what you believe "is wrong with you," everyone deserves happiness at the end of the day. Whether that happiness lies in a job promotion, a new friendship, or asking out the girl of your dreams on a date, don't mentally tell yourself that you're not good enough for it. The bravery bit weaves into this, as well!

5. The most imperfect thing can be important!

My final and most likely important reason: even the most damaged person can be loved and important! In Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," Chip ended up saving the day when he rescued Maurice and Belle, which led to them saving the Beast! Even though he wasn't viewed as an important character (he's chipped) in the beginning, in the end, he played a vital role in the grand scheme of things!

In "Once Upon a Time's" version of Beauty and the Beast, the chipped cup represents Belle and Rumplestiltskin's love and also shows that even the most damaged thing can be adored. When Belle marries Rumple, she says in her wedding vows (shown above), "Sometimes the best book has the dustiest jacket, and sometimes, the best teacup is chipped." This is Belle pretty much saying that even though Rumplestiltskin has faults and has done bad things in his life, he still deserves love. Again, this goes back to the previous reason. Whether you have a temper, you've had your heart broken, or you have a lot of emotional baggage: you deserve to be happy in the end! And if that's not an important message, I don't know what is!

Whether it's Disney's or "Once Upon a Time's version," "Beauty and the Beast" will always be a classic love story and will always be one of my favorites! I know that if I ever have children, this will be the first Disney movie they watch! It can influence children to read, don't judge a book by it's cover, do the brave thing, don't limit your happiness based on what you think you deserve, and that sometimes the best teacup is chipped!

Thank you!