"Beauty And The Beast": A Progressive Revival | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"Beauty And The Beast": A Progressive Revival

Can all Disney princesses have realistic waistlines?

60
"Beauty And The Beast": A Progressive Revival
Coming Soon

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.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186017
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12131
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455882
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25346
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments